Hello and welcome to our guide on how to say basic things in American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is an expressive and visually based language used by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community in the United States. Whether you’re interested in learning ASL for personal or professional reasons, this guide will provide you with a solid foundation for communicating basic ideas.
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Formal vs Informal ASL
In ASL, just like in spoken languages, there are formal and informal ways of expressing oneself. Formal ASL is commonly used in professional and academic settings, while informal ASL is used among friends and family. Here, we’ll focus on the commonly used informal signs, as they are great for beginners and cover a broad range of everyday communication needs.
Greetings and Introductions
When meeting someone or starting a conversation, it’s polite to begin with a greeting. In ASL, you can use the following signs:
- Hello: Place your open hand near your forehead and bring it down in a small arc.
- Hi/Hey: Raise your hand, palm forward, towards your shoulder and give a small wave.
- What’s your name? Point to yourself with one hand and raise your eyebrows inquisitively. Then, point to the person you are asking and raise your eyebrows.
- My name is [your name]: Fingerspell your name using the ASL alphabet. Alternatively, you can sign “ME [your name].”
Common Phrases
Here are some basic phrases you can use in everyday conversations:
- How are you? Sign “HOW” by placing your flat hand near your chin and raise it. Then, sign “YOU” by pointing your index finger towards the person you are asking.
- I’m good: Make the sign for “I” by pointing to yourself. Then, make the sign for “GOOD” by placing your flat hand on your chest and moving it in a circular motion a couple of times.
- Thank you: Extend your flat hand with the fingers slightly curled and touch it to your chin, then move it forward a few inches.
- You’re welcome: Extend your flat hand with the fingers slightly curled and touch it to your chin, then move it forward a few inches, similar to the sign for “thank you,” but in reverse.
- Excuse me: Hold your flat hand vertically, palm facing inwards, by your forehead. Move your hand outward and to the side a couple of times.
- I’m sorry: Extend your flat hand forward and make a circular motion at your chest, as if you were erasing something.
Numbers and Time
Counting and telling time are important skills in any language. Here are some basic signs for numbers and time-related phrases:
- Counting: Learn the signs for numbers 1-10 using the ASL alphabet or by fingerspelling.
- What time is it? Point your index finger toward your wrist as if checking a watch or bracelet. Then, raise your eyebrows to indicate a question.
- It’s [time]: Fingerspell the time or use the appropriate number sign followed by the sign for “HOUR” or “MINUTE”.
- Day: Point horizontally across your wrist with your index finger to indicate “today.” For other days, sign the day’s initials followed by the sign for “DAY.”
- Week: Sign “WEEK” by crossing both arms in front of you, one over the other, and swinging them back and forth.
- Month: Make a small circle with your index finger and thumb, then touch it to your chin.
Questions and Asking for Help
Asking questions and seeking assistance is a crucial part of communication. Here are some signs and phrases you can use when you need help or want to inquire about something:
- Where is the restroom? Touch both hands together with palms facing down, then move them apart slightly and raise your eyebrows to indicate a question.
- Can you help me? Sign “YOU” by pointing your index finger towards the person you are asking. Then, sign “HELP” by holding your flat hand vertically and move it towards you in a small arc.
- What does that mean? Sign “WHAT” by placing your flat hand near your chin and raise it. Then, sign “MEAN” by placing your flat hand on your forehead and move it forward.
- I don’t understand: Shake your head slightly while signing “UNDERSTAND” by placing your hand to the side of your forehead and moving it forward a short distance.
Remember, the key to becoming proficient in ASL is practice. The more you engage with the Deaf community or find opportunities to practice signing, the better your skills will become.
By learning these basic signs and phrases, you’re taking an important step towards communicating with the Deaf community more effectively. Embrace the opportunity to engage in a rich and expressive language that transcends barriers. Keep in mind that this guide provides a general overview, and there may be regional variations in signs. If you wish to explore further or pursue a deeper understanding of ASL, consider taking classes or workshops offered by reputable organizations or reaching out to the Deaf community in your area.
We hope this guide has been helpful in getting you started on your ASL journey. Enjoy the process, have fun communicating, and embrace the beauty of sign language!
