Online Sign Language Classes

ASL 1 - Unit 11

Conversation

Read this outline, and then watch the conversation in action on the video clip. Try to recognize what is being said. Watch the video again until you can follow the conversation without the outline.

A: SEE "over there" WOMAN "over there" HAIR SHORT-hair BROWN, FRECKLES?
"Do you see that woman over there with the short brown hair and freckles?"

B: YES I SEE.
"Yes I see her."

A: SHE MY BOSS.
"She's my boss."

B: REALLY? SHE DEAF?
"Really? Is she deaf?"

A: NO, SHE HEARING SHE.
"No, she's hearing."

B: TWO-of-you GET-ALONG?
"Do you two get along?"

A: SO-SO. SHE SOMETIMES NICE, SOMETIMES MEAN.
"Sort of. Sometimes she's nice, but sometimes she's mean."

B: OH-I-SEE.
"Oh I see."

Conversation Explained

SEE "over there" WOMAN "over there" HAIR SHORT-hair BROWN, FRECKLES?
"Do you see that woman over there with the short brown hair and freckles?"

This sentence is an example of how to identify people in ASL. You will learn more about identifying people in this unit of the online sign language class.

TWO-of-you GET-ALONG?
"Do you two get along?"

Here is an example of how to use indexing. Cristian used the sign TWO-OF-YOU to refer to Christine and her boss.

Identifying People

To describe someone who is in sight, you need to:

1. Use the sign for SEE with raised eyebrows and point the person out.
2. State whether the person is male or female.
3. Describe their most distinguishing general feature (hair color, hair style, height, body type).
   You can also describe facial features, glasses, clothing, or race at this point.
4. Get confirmation from your listener that they know who you are talking about
5. Proceed with your question or comment

1. Use the sign for KNOW with raised eyebrows
2. Describe the person in the same order as the one above
3. Mention where your listener might have seen this person
4. If your listener doesn't know who you mean, give details about the person's relationship to the listener, the person's occupation and habits, the person's qualities, etc..
5. When your listener confirms that they know this person, proceed with your question or comment

You can see an example of this in the conversation above. Make sure you practice how to identify people, you will need it for the next activity in the online sign language class.

Turn to page 14 in your workbook. In the video below, I will sign 5 statements describing a person in the picture in your workbook. Draw a line from the question number to the person I describe.

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

Numbers 100 and above

Numbers 100, 600, 700, 800, and 900 are signed by using modified roman numerals. You sign the number and then sign "C."

Numbers 200, 300, 400, and 500 can be signed using the method above or by taking the number and bending your fingers twice into a claw-like shape.

Numbers between the hundreds can be signed in two different ways. For example, for 102, you can either sign "1-C-2" or "1-0-2." Both are acceptable.

Numbers 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 etc. are also signed by using modified roman numerals. You sign the number and then touch the letter "M" to your upward-facing palm. The "M" is normally shortened to be more like the bent-hand handshape.

Numbers between the thousands can be signed with the "M" sign after the first number. For example, for the number 1023, you would sign "1-M-23."

Numbers 1 million, 2 million, etc. can be signed the same as the thousands, except instead of touching "M" to your palm once, you will touch the "M" to your palm twice, moving it closer to the tips of your fingers the second time.

Numbers 1 billion, 2 billion, etc. can be signed the same as the millions, except you move the "M" forward twice (touching it to your palm three times).

In the video below, Mando is going to demonstrate examples of the larger numbers. Practice signing each number.

Number Practice 11.2

Turn to page 15 in your workbook. In the video below, Mando is going to sign 10 phrases. Write down the numbers signed in each phrase. The first one has been done for you.

Comprehension 11.3

Turn to page 15 in your workbook. The video below is the same video from the Fingerspelling Practice in Unit 10 of the online sign language class. Deborah signed 10 sentences. Now, you will be focusing on the whole sentences and not just the fingerspelled words. Write the sentence Deborah signed on the line. The first one has been done for you.

End of Unit 11

Great! Keep going! In the next unit of the online sign language class, you will learn the rest of the important ASL numbers!

MOVE ON TO UNIT 12

FREE Ebook! Sign up below to get Free Instant Access to 5 Steps to Fluency with Start ASL and Michelle Jay's Start ASL Newsletter! Name Email Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure.

© Start ASL, 2008-2012