Learning American Sign Language

ASL 1 - Unit 2

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

The numbers used for counting are called Cardinal Numbers.

Download Unit 2 Numbers 1-10

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.

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 (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:

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.

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!

MOVE ON TO UNIT 3

ASL book recommendations: