Learning American Sign Language

ASL 1 - Unit 2

In this unit, you will be learning American Sign Language numbers and Deaf History.

Vocabulary

Conversation Practice

If you are learning American Sign Language with a partner, practice this conversation together:

A: Hi, my name is (your name). What is your name?
B: My name is (your name). Nice to meet you.
A: Nice to meet you.

If you do not have a partner, practice signing with me! In the video below, I will be person A. Pause the video when prompted, and reply as person B.

Download Unit 2 Conversation Practice

Numbers 1-10

The numbers used for counting are called Cardinal Numbers.

Watch the video clip below. I am going to model the numbers 1-10. Practice signing each number.

Download Unit 2 Numbers 1-10

Number Practice 2.1

Turn to page 4 in your workbook. In the video below, I am going to sign 10 phrases. Write down the 2 numbers that I signed in each phrase. The first one has been done for you.

Download Unit 2 Number Practice 2.1

When you're finished, check your answers in the back of the workbook. Go back and review the questions you missed.

Fingerspelling Practice 2.2

Turn to page 4 of your workbook. In the video below, I will fingerspell 3 names for each question. Two of the names will be the same and one name will be different. Circle the name that is different. The first one has been done for you.

Download Unit 2 Fingerspelling Practice 2.2

When you're finished, check your answers in the back of the workbook. Go back and review the questions you missed.

Practice fingerspelling these short words:
AskBadBoyBusBuyCanCar
CatDayDogJobPenPinPot

Practice these words until you are comfortable signing them. This is just to get you to start spelling!

Lexicalized Fingerspelling

Lexicalized fingerspelling (sometimes called "loan signs") is fingerspelling that looks more like a sign rather than a fingerspelled word. These are 2-5 letter words that are commonly used and have their own special movements.

Here are some examples of words that are commonly lexicalized:

#AIR
#ALL
#APT (apartment)
#BACK
#BANK
#BEACH
#BUS
#CAR
#CLUB
#COOL
#DO
#DO-DO-("what do")
#DOG
#EARLY
#FIX
#GAS
#HA
#HURT
#JOB
#WHAT
#WHEN
#WHY
#WOW
#YES

You would use the lexicalized version of a sign if:

  1. You want to emphasize a point.
  2. You want to use directionality (i.e. GIVE #BACK-(signing toward a specific referent).
  3. You want to make a comparison (spell on different hands).

In the video below, I will demonstrate some common lexicalized words.

Download Unit 2 Lexicalized Fingerspelling

As you watch the video, make sure that you recognize how these lexicalized words are different from normal fingerspelling.

Deaf History

Learning American Sign Language means nothing if you do not understand where it comes from. I am going to give you a short reading and writing assignment right now. Go ahead and read my short history lesson on the Deaf History page and answer the question at the bottom of the lesson. I know this is an easy question, but please try to write a good answer! I consider 200 words or more to be an answer that you can learn from.

Please do not move on until you read this page and answer the question! This assignment is an easy way to learn about Deaf History and get you thinking critically about it. I very much look forward to reading your submissions! :) And feel free to leave comments on other students' submissions as well. Educational discussions are a great way to learn. From this assignment, you will gain a better understanding of where American Sign Language comes from and why it is the way it is today.

End of Unit 2

One more unit down! You're doing great!

Are You Enjoying the Class? Share Your Thoughts!



Here are some books I recommend for learning American Sign Language:

ASL book recommendations:





Return to top of ASL 1 - Unit 2: Learning American Sign Language

Return to Learn Sign Language

Return to Start American Sign Language




You Are Secure!


[?] Subscribe To
This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Add to Newsgator
Subscribe with Bloglines


Enjoy This Site?
Then why not use the button below, to add us to your favorite bookmarking service?




| Home | Submit Videos | Start ASL Blog | ASL FAQs | Contact Me |
| About Me | Share This ASL Site | Stay Informed! | My Library | Site Map | Privacy Policy |

Return to top

Template Design
Copyright © 2008-2010
start-american-sign-language.com