UNIT ONEStudent Booklet

Name: ___________________________

Sign Space and DominanceThe ASL Sign Space is approximately from

waist to the top of the head.

Dominance – Which Hand Do You Use. Use the hand you write with in a one-handed

sign.This is your dominant hand.Ambidextrous? Choose one hand and stick

with it.

FACIAL EXPRESSIONMore important than anything else in sign

language is facial expression.Without facial expression, your “voice” is

M-O-N-O-T-O-N-ESigners need to see your facial expression to

know if you’re asking a question or making a statement.

Hearing people might feel embarrassed at first.

Don’t! You’re safe in here. No laughing at others allowed! Go ahead! Leave your inhibitions outside the door.

Precision and the Five ParametersSigns have five parts:Handshape

I……………………...vs. …………….MYPalm Orientation

NAME ……................vs. …………….CHAIRLocation

MOTHER …………....vs. ……………FATHERMovement

SNOW……………..…vs. ……………RAINNon-Manual Signals (facial

expression) I UNDERSTAND ……vs. …………...I DON’T UNDERSTAND

IS ASL ENGLISH???

NO WAY!ASL has a completely different grammatical

structure.For example:

there is no word “BE” (or AM, ARE, IS) in ASL.ASL is NOT hand signals in English word

order.

EYE CONTACTThis is one of the most important parts of

ASL.You should watch and maintain eye contact.That means you look at the EYES more than

the hands. Trust me and trust yourself. You can see the

hands while you look at the eyes.In Deaf Culture (the Deaf World) looking

away is rude.

Watch me! Here’s how you sign EYE CONTACT

Master ASL Unit 1Greetings

and Responses

GREETINGS…

Greetings (pg. 4)Most commonly used greetings among the

Hearing and the Deaf

Hi, hello

What’s Up

How are you?

Deixis (pronounced “dike – sis”)(pg. 6)

If a person or object is not visible, point to an empty space and continue signing.

Using the index finger to point is called DEIXIS.I, meYouHe, she, itWe, usTheyYou (plural)

Class PracticeEnglish:

They are busy.She is happy.I am confused.We are happy.She’s good.I’m sleepy.

ASL-GLOSS:THEY BUSY THEYSHE HAPPY SHEME CONFUSED MEWE HAPPY WESHE GOOD SHEME SLEEPY ME

Introductions, Making Conversation,

Signing Good-bye

Why do I point Twice?? Pg. 9Pointing back to yourself or the person you’re

talking about shows completion of train of thought. This allows somebody else to begin signing without interrupting you.

Using Deixis at the end of a sentence is called closing signal.

Remember to use a closing signal when:Making a statement or comment about yourself

or somebody else.Asking a question

Eyes on ASL #2 pg. 9Always use a closing signal to complete a

signed sentence.

An ASL sentence lacking a closing signal is incomplete.

What is a closing signal?Using a Deixis at the end of the sentence.

Accent Step page. 12When fingerspelling your complete name, you don’t have to sign LAST NAME between the first and last

name. Just briefly pause and continue. Barry Darrell

Eyes on ASL #3 pg. 10 (DVD)There are no such thing as a one-word

answer or reply in American Sign Language.

When responding to a question or statement, one-word replies are incomplete.

Practice Sentences Pg. 9 & 11English ASL - GLOSSWhat’s your name?

My name Kelly Boyd.

I want to introduce my friend.

Her name is Lisa.

YOU NAME WHAT YOU

ME NAME K-E-L-L-Y B-O-Y-D ME

ME WANT INTRODUCE MY FRIEND.

SHE NAME L-I-S-A SHE

Deaf Culture Notes Pg .14

Read on page 14 about Interacting with Deaf People.

Shoulder tapHand waveTurn Off Voice

The Question Maker (pg. 15)Raising your eyebrows forms the

Question-Maker, an expression that shows your are asking a question.

Keep the eyebrows raised until you’ve completed signing the question.

Notice the difference the question maker makes to the example on page 15.

Raise your eyebrows!

Accent Step (pg 17)When you use deixis, look towards the area you’re pointing to. This is called EYE GAZE

and helps “hold” that location for the person or thing you’re signing about.

Accent Step (pg. 19)Don’t add the separate sign for you when

signing see you later or see you tomorrow.

Saying Good-bye Pg. 19English ASL - GLOSSI’m happy to have met

you!

Me too! I’ll see you tomorrow.

Yes, tomorrow morning. Take care!

Good-bye

ME HAPPY MEET YOU

SAME-AS ME SEE TOMORROW

YES TOMORROW MORNING TAKE CARE

GOOD-BYE

Which sign

would you use?

Facial ExpressionsPage 24 - 32

What I want to know… pg. 24

Read “What I Want to Know” on page 24 This will help you understand ASL

Grammar

On a separate piece of paper explain the terms according to ASL rules:

Grammar: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Syntax: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Verb : ______________________________________________________________________________________

Object: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Non Manual Signals pg. 25NMS – (Non Manual Signals) are the various

parts to a sign that are not sign on the hand.

ASL adverbs are made by the eyes and eyebrows.

ASL adjectives use the mouth, tongue and lips.

One important group of NMS is facial expressions.

Facial Expressions pg. 25Convey your tone of “voice” while you sign.

Your facial expressions should match the meaning and content of what you’re signing so if you’re singing I am happy then look happy!

Changing the Facial Expression modifies the meaning of the sign, even if the sign itself doesn’t change Look at the example on Page 25

Accent Step (pg 27)It is normal to feel awkward or uncomfortable making facial expressions at first, but with practice you will

become more confident and skilled. Without them you can’t sign questions, show interest, or carry on a

satisfying conversation.

Think of learning facial expressions as a fun challenge!

Using NMS (pg 28)You have already begun using two important non-

manual signals when you sign yes or no. These signs must be paired with two NMS called the head nod and the head shake.

Use these non-manual signals when using yes or no or when you affirm or negate sentences. Gently nod or shake your head while signing your sentence instead wildly exaggerating your head movement.

Look at the examples on page 28 to see how these NMS are used in ASL Sentences.

Accent Steps (pg 28)You don’t need a separate sign for don’t and not.

Just use the head shake while signing the sentence.

Using NMS (pg 28)English ASL - GLOSSYes, I am Mia.

No, I’m not Deaf.

They aren’t sick.

I didn’t go to the bathroom.

Yes, I’m learning how to sign.

YES I M-I-A I

NO I DEAF I

THEY NOT-SICK THEY

I NOT-GO-TO BATHROOM I

YES, I LEARN SIGN I