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:
Ask Bad Boy Bus Buy Can Car
Cat Day Dog Job Pen Pin Pot

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:

You want to emphasize a point.
You want to use directionality (i.e. GIVE #BACK-(signing toward a specific referent).
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.

Reading Assignment

In The ASL Student's Essential Guide to Learning ASL and Getting Involved in the Deaf Community, read Step 2: Learn About Deaf Culture and Step 5: Learn the Terminology. If you are going to be a part of the Deaf community, you need to understand the culture of the Deaf. These readings will get you ready for attending Deaf Events and getting involved in the Deaf community.

If you do not have The ASL Student's Essential Guide to Learning ASL and Getting Involved in the Deaf Community, you can read this article on Deaf Culture. This article is not as detailed as the book, but it will give you the basic information about Deaf Culture.

End of Unit 2

One more unit down! You're doing great!

MOVE ON TO UNIT 3