From one week learning to sign I have already covered 125 words and begun putting them in sentences. What is important to know before you start is the complexity of ASL. When you sign a word, it involves more than just a hand shape. You must consider all of the following and how they contribute to make up a sign:
- Handshape
- Location
- Movement
- Palm Orientation
- Non-manual signs
The structure of ASL also differs from English in its formatting. For example, in English we say I am happy – but in ASL we say I happy me. There is a “closing signal” that ends the sentence and reiterates the subject.
The next step was to practice some of the sentences I’ve been learning. As my teacher Meredith suggests, the best way to learn is to sign along! So here is a quick snapshot of me learning to sign the sentences alongside Meredith from Learn How to Sign. Click here for her full video of 150 Essential ASL Signs Part 1.
See you next week for more conversation and sentence structure learning ASL!
Helena! You’re making great progress, it’s very cool to watch. I appreciate you showing us what you’ve learnt so far. It’s very interesting how illustrative yet literal some of the signs are. Have you learnt how to sign your name yet? Also as an interesting resources, Nigel Howard who works in the ASL department at Uvic speaks multiple different sign languages and interprets all around the world (you might recognize him as being the interpreter for Bonnie Henry). If you have the chance you could chat with him!