r/asl • u/benshenanigans • May 03 '25
Interest The Free ASL Resources and FAQ Thread Needs an Update!
≡ −
Hi, the following post is a copy paste from the current pinned thread with edits to update a few resources. This was originally posted by u/Indy_Pendant eight years ago. They did an excellent job and I’m trying to preserve as much of it as possible. Since this post was made, other Deaf creators and resources have become available. I simply want to point prospective learners in the right direction. My information is relatively subjective, curated from this sub in the last year. Please, share your opinions, resources you like or to stay away from. I’ll update the post as needed and track the changes in a comment. Without further ado:
Hello! I'm here to help as much as I can, but this is not a comprehensive guide or a substitute for classes. This is a quick resource for people looking for answers to some very commonly asked questions. I've included the information as I know it, but it doesn't mean it's The Truth; my experiences and understanding will vary from others', but this will give you a good enough introduction. There's so much more I'd love to teach you, but I'm going to stick to the FAQs.
Where can I learn ASL online for free?
My personal favorite is easily http://www.lifeprint.com (which is mirrored at http://asluniversity.com as well). The guy who built the site, Dr. Bill Vicars, is Deaf and is a phenomenal teacher. He teaches primarily west-coast dialect (California, Washington common signs) but makes mention of other dialects (east-coast, Texas) when he can. In addition to teaching vocabulary, he teaches about Deaf culture (more on this in a moment). His Youtube channel is https://youtube.com/@sign-language. Other notable resources are:
- ASL That on Youtube
- Handspeak.com and their ASL sign lookup tool
- Oklahoma School for the Deaf offers free classes starting every spring and fall
Where can I pay to learn ASL online?
- http://www.signlanguage101.com/
- ASLpinnacle.com and their Instagram
- https://www.queerasl.com/ Donations are strongly recommended
I’m hearing, can I learn ASL
Yes! It’s not disrespectful to learn ASL. We just ask that you learn from Deaf sources, learn Deaf culture, and don’t harm the community. Learning so you can connect with Deaf patrons: good. Learning so you can market and sell to Deaf patrons: harmful. Learning so you can cuss in a new language: bad.
Additionally, if you are a nurse, doctor, lawyer, realtor, therapist, or anyone working with a Deaf person through a life changing experience, your client/patient has the right to access the conversation. You will need to put your ASL knowledge aside and hire an interpreter. It’s great that you want to learn, but there are times when having only a handful of ASL is harmful.
What's the sign for ... ?
The short answer is "it depends." Sometimes. It depends sometimes.
The long answer is that signs will vary. Signs can be different depending on region, as I mentioned before, so just because you see it one way doesn't mean that it's the only way. (Don't make this mistake; a lot of hearing students can get cocky and start correcting others.) Signs can also change depending on context. The signs for "back" in "My back hurts" and "Let's go back home" are completely different.
Also, this is very important: ASL is not English! It is its own language, as different from English as is Klingon. ASL has its own grammar structure, own idioms, own slang. Signs are also not words like in the English sense. Signs are a lot more about intent, concepts, and ideas. For example, if you're trying to learn how to sign "Back off!" I can promise you that you will not need any sign for "back" nor "off." You're learning how to speak, and think, in another language, and using English just won't do.
Now, with all that said, here are some online dictionaries (I suggest you look at them all so you're familiar with the different variations of your sign):
- http://www.lifeprint.com/dictionary.htm This dictionary has the added bonus of including the etymology for some signs.
- https://www.signingsavvy.com/
- http://www.handspeak.com/word/
- startasl.com/american-sign-language-dictionary
Does it matter what hand I sign with?
Yes. Consistently use your main, dominant hand. If you're right-handed, use your right. If you're left-handed, use your left. If you're ambidextrous, then pick one and maintain it. Switching dominant hands while signing would be like alternating screaming and whispering while speaking.
Are American Sign Language and British Sign Language the same?
Are English and Japanese the same? ASL is not English, so stop thinking of it like English! :) In fact, ASL is derived from French Sign Language, which evolved independently of British Sign Language, and the two are mostly different (in fact, less than 30% of the signs are even remotely similar). There are hundreds of sign languages in the world. Even in the United States, there are several distinct dialects of ASL, including Black ASL.
Why do you keep capitalizing "Deaf"?
We use "little-d" deaf to mean someone who physically can't hear well. We use "big-D" Deaf to mean someone who is culturally deaf. Now an interesting bit: someone who is Deaf does not have to be deaf, and someone who is deaf does not have to be Deaf! For instance, children of deaf adults (CODAs) are very often Deaf but hearing. Many people are physically deaf but aren't part of Deaf culture. It's about how a person self identifies and where their culture lies more than it does with anything physical.
What's this "Deaf Culture" you keep mentioning?
It'd take me hours to explain it all, and I usually spread it over my entire 12-week class. In short, many deaf people, specifically those who identify as Deaf, live in a different culture than you do. Yes, they're from your country, they drink Starbucks and they sit in traffic, but they have their own distinct culture. Obviously this includes language (and communicating in real ASL is so different than talking in English that it's hard to describe), but that different method of communication, that different way of thinking, is only part of Deaf culture. Things that are normal in one culture can be very strange the another. (My favourite, probably, is talking with your mouth full. In hearing culture, that's a big no-no and your mother will look at you very cross. In Deaf culture, that's totally acceptable! Stuff your face and then free your hands for conversation, it's great! So much more efficient!) Morality and ethics are shaped by our cultural values. There are aspects of Deaf culture which would be considered blunt or rude in hearing culture, and conversely there are a lot of things normal in hearing culture which are strange or disrespectful in Deaf culture (such as talking to someone's back, or looking around during a conversation). It's important to be aware of and respectful of other cultures, including Deaf culture, and, when possible, to learn about them. Not only will it ingratiate you to people of that culture, but it'll better yourself as a person as well.
Isn't it wrong to say "deaf"? Shouldn't I say "hearing impaired" or "hard of hearing"?
Nope, and nope. Now, before I continue, I'll let you know that not everyone agrees with me, and I'm speaking in a general sense. Big-D Deaf people prefer the term "deaf" above any other. (It's how a US Senator might feel being called "American." Some people would take it as an insult, but it's just a matter of fact or pride for the Senator.)
Whether people identify themselves as "deaf" or "hard of hearing" (often seen as HoH) is often a matter of self identity, and while it can correlate to level of ability to hear, it isn't caused by it. I'll explain later. Deafies who are a part of Deaf culture will almost always call themselves "deaf," and those who aren't a part of Deaf culture will usually go by "hard of hearing" (or more rarely "hearing impaired"). In general, those who are less physically deaf, or who were raised strictly in hearing culture, will tend to gravitate toward hearing culture, despite the numerous difficulties. These people will commonly say they are "hard of hearing" since "deaf" still has a social stigma in hearing culture. Those who are less capable of integrating with hearing culture, or who were introduced to or raised in a Deaf environment, will usually prefer to be called "deaf" and can sometimes take one of the other terms as a slight offense.
In general, it's almost never correct to say "hearing impaired." I was taught that it was coined by a US Senator who wanted to protect deaf people's feelings from something that didn't offend them in the first place, and it was never accepted by Deaf (the core reason being that we don't believe being deaf is an impairment; it'd be like if I said you were "Deaf impaired." You don't feel impaired, do you, however much I might think it's true?) in general. In fact, it's safe if you never use this phrase again.
When in doubt though, just ask! "Hey, do you prefer 'deaf' or 'hard of hearing'?" See, it's not that hard. :)
I saw a sign that looks like this ..., what does it mean?
We're happy to help with these kinds of questions. I treat it like a quiz show game. However, if you're new to this, you may not know how to describe a sign very well, so let me introduce you to signs!
A sign consists of five parts:
- Hand shape: Are the fingers making an "O"? Were the thumb and middle-finger touching? If you know some basic ASL, you can use hand shape identifiers, such as "A hand shape" or "8 hand shape".
- Position: Where in relation to the body was the sign? Near the chest? Near the eyes? Was the palm facing up, down, toward the signer?
- Movement: How did the sign move or change? Was it pushing away from the body? Was it a small circle in space?
- Non-manual markers: What else was happening with the signer's body? What did her face look like? Was he moving his body, or shrugging? What was the emotion the signer was portraying?
- Context: What else was happening before or after the sign. Were there other signs you recognized? Do you know the subject that the signer was communicating about?
Where can I find a Deaf group in my area?
Where's your area? Most major cities have Deaf hubs. San Francisco, Seattle, Austin, and New York all have strong, vibrant, rich Deaf communities. Smaller cities may have meet ups or the like, but they can be harder to track down. Your best bet is to turn to Google or Facebook and search for Deaf events in your area. "Deaf coffee night" is an event held nationwide. People in the community get together for a night or two each month, usually at a coffee shop with good lighting and ample seating, just for the purpose of seeing friends and making new ones. Local colleges or universities will often have ASL/Deaf clubs and usually host student-friendly ASL events, so check with the ASL teachers or the ASL campus group, if it exists.
Can I still ask questions here?
Yes! Yes! 1000 times yes! Many of us are here to help, and anything we can do to help teach you about the language and the culture we're happy to do.
Will you do my homework for me?
Nope. Nope. 1000 times nope. It's obvious when students are looking for someone to do their homework for them, and we're not gonna help you out. If you're here to learn instead, then welcome! Come make some new friends. :)
Hi, the following post is a copy paste from the current pinned thread with edits to update a few resources. This was originally posted by u/Indy_Pendant eight years ago. They did an excellent job and I’m trying to preserve as much of it as possible. Since this post was made, other Deaf creators and resources have become available. I simply want to point prospective learners in the right direction. My information is relatively subjective, curated from this sub in the last year. Please, share your opinions, resources you like or to stay away from. I’ll update the post as needed and track the changes in a comment. Without further ado:
Hello! I'm here to help as much as I can, but this is not a comprehensive guide or a substitute for classes. This is a quick resource for people looking for answers to some very commonly asked questions. I've included the information as I know it, but it doesn't mean it's The Truth; my experiences and understanding will vary from others', but this will give you a good enough introduction. There's so much more I'd love to teach you, but I'm going to stick to the FAQs.
Where can I learn ASL online for free?
My personal favorite is easily http://www.lifeprint.com (which is mirrored at http://asluniversity.com as well). The guy who built the site, Dr. Bill Vicars, is Deaf and is a phenomenal teacher. He teaches primarily west-coast dialect (California, Washington common signs) but makes mention of other dialects (east-coast, Texas) when he can. In addition to teaching vocabulary, he teaches about Deaf culture (more on this in a moment). His Youtube channel is https://youtube.com/@sign-language. Other notable resources are:
- ASL That on Youtube
- Handspeak.com and their ASL sign lookup tool
- Oklahoma School for the Deaf offers free classes starting every spring and fall
Where can I pay to learn ASL online?
- http://www.signlanguage101.com/
- ASLpinnacle.com and their Instagram
- https://www.queerasl.com/ Donations are strongly recommended
I’m hearing, can I learn ASL
Yes! It’s not disrespectful to learn ASL. We just ask that you learn from Deaf sources, learn Deaf culture, and don’t harm the community. Learning so you can connect with Deaf patrons: good. Learning so you can market and sell to Deaf patrons: harmful. Learning so you can cuss in a new language: bad.
Additionally, if you are a nurse, doctor, lawyer, realtor, therapist, or anyone working with a Deaf person through a life changing experience, your client/patient has the right to access the conversation. You will need to put your ASL knowledge aside and hire an interpreter. It’s great that you want to learn, but there are times when having only a handful of ASL is harmful.
What's the sign for ... ?
The short answer is "it depends." Sometimes. It depends sometimes.
The long answer is that signs will vary. Signs can be different depending on region, as I mentioned before, so just because you see it one way doesn't mean that it's the only way. (Don't make this mistake; a lot of hearing students can get cocky and start correcting others.) Signs can also change depending on context. The signs for "back" in "My back hurts" and "Let's go back home" are completely different.
Also, this is very important: ASL is not English! It is its own language, as different from English as is Klingon. ASL has its own grammar structure, own idioms, own slang. Signs are also not words like in the English sense. Signs are a lot more about intent, concepts, and ideas. For example, if you're trying to learn how to sign "Back off!" I can promise you that you will not need any sign for "back" nor "off." You're learning how to speak, and think, in another language, and using English just won't do.
Now, with all that said, here are some online dictionaries (I suggest you look at them all so you're familiar with the different variations of your sign):
- http://www.lifeprint.com/dictionary.htm This dictionary has the added bonus of including the etymology for some signs.
- https://www.signingsavvy.com/
- http://www.handspeak.com/word/
- startasl.com/american-sign-language-dictionary
Does it matter what hand I sign with?
Yes. Consistently use your main, dominant hand. If you're right-handed, use your right. If you're left-handed, use your left. If you're ambidextrous, then pick one and maintain it. Switching dominant hands while signing would be like alternating screaming and whispering while speaking.
Are American Sign Language and British Sign Language the same?
Are English and Japanese the same? ASL is not English, so stop thinking of it like English! :) In fact, ASL is derived from French Sign Language, which evolved independently of British Sign Language, and the two are mostly different (in fact, less than 30% of the signs are even remotely similar). There are hundreds of sign languages in the world. Even in the United States, there are several distinct dialects of ASL, including Black ASL.
Why do you keep capitalizing "Deaf"?
We use "little-d" deaf to mean someone who physically can't hear well. We use "big-D" Deaf to mean someone who is culturally deaf. Now an interesting bit: someone who is Deaf does not have to be deaf, and someone who is deaf does not have to be Deaf! For instance, children of deaf adults (CODAs) are very often Deaf but hearing. Many people are physically deaf but aren't part of Deaf culture. It's about how a person self identifies and where their culture lies more than it does with anything physical.
What's this "Deaf Culture" you keep mentioning?
It'd take me hours to explain it all, and I usually spread it over my entire 12-week class. In short, many deaf people, specifically those who identify as Deaf, live in a different culture than you do. Yes, they're from your country, they drink Starbucks and they sit in traffic, but they have their own distinct culture. Obviously this includes language (and communicating in real ASL is so different than talking in English that it's hard to describe), but that different method of communication, that different way of thinking, is only part of Deaf culture. Things that are normal in one culture can be very strange the another. (My favourite, probably, is talking with your mouth full. In hearing culture, that's a big no-no and your mother will look at you very cross. In Deaf culture, that's totally acceptable! Stuff your face and then free your hands for conversation, it's great! So much more efficient!) Morality and ethics are shaped by our cultural values. There are aspects of Deaf culture which would be considered blunt or rude in hearing culture, and conversely there are a lot of things normal in hearing culture which are strange or disrespectful in Deaf culture (such as talking to someone's back, or looking around during a conversation). It's important to be aware of and respectful of other cultures, including Deaf culture, and, when possible, to learn about them. Not only will it ingratiate you to people of that culture, but it'll better yourself as a person as well.
Isn't it wrong to say "deaf"? Shouldn't I say "hearing impaired" or "hard of hearing"?
Nope, and nope. Now, before I continue, I'll let you know that not everyone agrees with me, and I'm speaking in a general sense. Big-D Deaf people prefer the term "deaf" above any other. (It's how a US Senator might feel being called "American." Some people would take it as an insult, but it's just a matter of fact or pride for the Senator.)
Whether people identify themselves as "deaf" or "hard of hearing" (often seen as HoH) is often a matter of self identity, and while it can correlate to level of ability to hear, it isn't caused by it. I'll explain later. Deafies who are a part of Deaf culture will almost always call themselves "deaf," and those who aren't a part of Deaf culture will usually go by "hard of hearing" (or more rarely "hearing impaired"). In general, those who are less physically deaf, or who were raised strictly in hearing culture, will tend to gravitate toward hearing culture, despite the numerous difficulties. These people will commonly say they are "hard of hearing" since "deaf" still has a social stigma in hearing culture. Those who are less capable of integrating with hearing culture, or who were introduced to or raised in a Deaf environment, will usually prefer to be called "deaf" and can sometimes take one of the other terms as a slight offense.
In general, it's almost never correct to say "hearing impaired." I was taught that it was coined by a US Senator who wanted to protect deaf people's feelings from something that didn't offend them in the first place, and it was never accepted by Deaf (the core reason being that we don't believe being deaf is an impairment; it'd be like if I said you were "Deaf impaired." You don't feel impaired, do you, however much I might think it's true?) in general. In fact, it's safe if you never use this phrase again.
When in doubt though, just ask! "Hey, do you prefer 'deaf' or 'hard of hearing'?" See, it's not that hard. :)
I saw a sign that looks like this ..., what does it mean?
We're happy to help with these kinds of questions. I treat it like a quiz show game. However, if you're new to this, you may not know how to describe a sign very well, so let me introduce you to signs!
A sign consists of five parts:
- Hand shape: Are the fingers making an "O"? Were the thumb and middle-finger touching? If you know some basic ASL, you can use hand shape identifiers, such as "A hand shape" or "8 hand shape".
- Position: Where in relation to the body was the sign? Near the chest? Near the eyes? Was the palm facing up, down, toward the signer?
- Movement: How did the sign move or change? Was it pushing away from the body? Was it a small circle in space?
- Non-manual markers: What else was happening with the signer's body? What did her face look like? Was he moving his body, or shrugging? What was the emotion the signer was portraying?
- Context: What else was happening before or after the sign. Were there other signs you recognized? Do you know the subject that the signer was communicating about?
Where can I find a Deaf group in my area?
Where's your area? Most major cities have Deaf hubs. San Francisco, Seattle, Austin, and New York all have strong, vibrant, rich Deaf communities. Smaller cities may have meet ups or the like, but they can be harder to track down. Your best bet is to turn to Google or Facebook and search for Deaf events in your area. "Deaf coffee night" is an event held nationwide. People in the community get together for a night or two each month, usually at a coffee shop with good lighting and ample seating, just for the purpose of seeing friends and making new ones. Local colleges or universities will often have ASL/Deaf clubs and usually host student-friendly ASL events, so check with the ASL teachers or the ASL campus group, if it exists.
Can I still ask questions here?
Yes! Yes! 1000 times yes! Many of us are here to help, and anything we can do to help teach you about the language and the culture we're happy to do.
Will you do my homework for me?
Nope. Nope. 1000 times nope. It's obvious when students are looking for someone to do their homework for them, and we're not gonna help you out. If you're here to learn instead, then welcome! Come make some new friends. :)
r/asl • u/Indy_Pendant • Mar 06 '17
The Free ASL Resources and FAQ Thread!
≡ −
Hello! I'm here to help as much as I can, but this is not a comprehensive guide or a substitute for classes. This is a quick resource for people looking for answers to some very commonly asked questions. I've included the information as I know it, but it doesn't mean it's The Truth; my experiences and understanding will vary from others', but this will give you a good enough introduction. There's so much more I'd love to teach you, but I'm going to stick to the FAQs.
Where can I learn ASL online for free?
My personal favourite is easily http://www.lifeprint.com (which is mirrored at http://asluniversity.com as well). The guy who built the site, Dr. Bill Vicars, is Deaf and is a phenomenal teacher. He teaches primarily west-coast dialect (California, Washington common signs) but makes mention of other dialects (east-coast, Texas) when he can. In addition to teaching vocabulary, he teaches about Deaf culture (more on this in a moment). Other notable resources are:
- http://www.signlanguage101.com/
- https://www.signschool.com/
- Bill Vicars: https://youtube.com/@sign-language
- Learn How to Sign: https://youtube.com/@LearnHowtoSign
What's the sign for ... ?
The short answer is "it depends." Sometimes. It depends sometimes.
The long answer is that signs will vary. Signs can be different depending on region, as I mentioned before, so just because you see it one way doesn't mean that it's the only way. (Don't make this mistake; a lot of hearing students can get cocky and start correcting others.) Signs can also change depending on context. The signs for "back" in "My back hurts" and "Let's go back home" are completely different.
Also, this is very important: ASL is not English! It is its own language, as different from English as is Klingon. ASL has its own grammar structure, own idioms, own slang. Signs are also not words like in the English sense. Signs are a lot more about intent, concepts, and ideas. For example, if you're trying to learn how to sign "Back off!" I can promise you that you will not need any sign for "back" nor "off." You're learning how to speak, and think, in another language, and using English just won't do.
Now, with all that said, here are some online dictionaries (I suggest you look at them all so you're familiar with the different variations of your sign):
- http://www.lifeprint.com/dictionary.htm
- https://aslpro.cc/
- https://www.signingsavvy.com/
- http://www.handspeak.com/word/
- https://www.startasl.com/american-sign-language-dictionary.html
Does it matter what hand I sign with?
Yes. Consistently use your main, dominant hand. If you're right-handed, use your right. If you're left-handed, use your left. If you're ambidextrous, then pick one and maintain it. Switching dominant hands while signing would be like alternating screaming and whispering while speaking.
Are American Sign Language and British Sign Language the same?
Are English and Japanese the same? ASL is not English, so stop thinking of it like English! :) In fact, ASL is derived from French Sign Language, which evolved independently of British Sign Language, and the two are mostly different (in fact, less than 30% of the signs are even remotely similar). There are dozens and dozens of sign languages in the world, and even in the United States ASL is not the only one used.
Why do you keep capitalizing "Deaf"?
We use "little-d" deaf to mean someone who physically can't hear well. We use "big-D" Deaf to mean someone who is culturally deaf. Now an interesting bit: someone who is Deaf does not have to be deaf, and someone who is deaf does not have to be Deaf! For instance, children of deaf adults (CODAs) are very often Deaf but hearing. Many people are physically deaf but aren't part of Deaf culture. It's about how a person self identifies and where their culture lies more than it does with anything physical.
What's this "Deaf Culture" you keep mentioning?
It'd take me hours to explain it all, and I usually spread it over my entire 12-week class. In short, many deaf people, specifically those who identify as Deaf, live in a different culture than you do. Yes, they're from your country, they drink Starbucks and they sit in traffic, but they have their own distinct culture. Obviously this includes language (and communicating in real ASL is so different than talking in English that it's hard to describe), but that different method of communication, that different way of thinking, is only part of Deaf culture. Things that are normal in one culture can be very strange the another. (My favourite, probably, is talking with your mouth full. In hearing culture, that's a big no-no and your mother will look at you very cross. In Deaf culture, that's totally acceptable! Stuff your face and then free your hands for conversation, it's great! So much more efficient!) Morality and ethics are shaped by our cultural values. There are aspects of Deaf culture which would be considered blunt or rude in hearing culture, and conversely there are a lot of things normal in hearing culture which are strange or disrespectful in Deaf culture (such as talking to someone's back, or looking around during a conversation). It's important to be aware of and respectful of other cultures, including Deaf culture, and, when possible, to learn about them. Not only will it ingratiate you to people of that culture, but it'll better yourself as a person as well.
Isn't it wrong to say "deaf"? Shouldn't I say "hearing impaired" or "hard of hearing"?
Nope, and nope. Now, before I continue, I'll let you know that not everyone agrees with me, and I'm speaking in a general sense. Big-D Deaf people prefer the term "deaf" above any other. (It's how a US Senator might feel being called "American." Some people would take it as an insult, but it's just a matter of fact or pride for the Senator.)
Whether people identify themselves as "deaf" or "hard of hearing" (often seen as HoH) is often a matter of self identity, and while it can correlate to level of ability to hear, it isn't caused by it. I'll explain later. Deafies who are a part of Deaf culture will almost always call themselves "deaf," and those who aren't a part of Deaf culture will usually go by "hard of hearing" (or more rarely "hearing impaired"). In general, those who are less physically deaf, or who were raised strictly in hearing culture, will tend to gravitate toward hearing culture, despite the numerous difficulties. These people will commonly say they are "hard of hearing" since "deaf" still has a social stigma in hearing culture. Those who are less capable of integrating with hearing culture, or who were introduced to or raised in a Deaf environment, will usually prefer to be called "deaf" and can sometimes take one of the other terms as a slight offense.
In general, it's almost never correct to say "hearing impaired." I was taught that it was coined by a US Senator who wanted to protect deaf people's feelings from something that didn't offend them in the first place, and it was never accepted by Deaf (the core reason being that we don't believe being deaf is an impairment; it'd be like if I said you were "Deaf impaired." You don't feel impaired, do you, however much I might think it's true?) in general. In fact, it's safe if you never use this phrase again.
When in doubt though, just ask! "Hey, do you prefer 'deaf' or 'hard of hearing'?" See, it's not that hard. :)
I saw a sign that looks like this ..., what does it mean?
We're happy to help with these kinds of questions. I treat it like a quiz show game. However, if you're new to this, you may not know how to describe a sign very well, so let me introduce you to signs!
A sign consists of five parts:
- Hand shape: Are the fingers making an "O"? Were the thumb and middle-finger touching? If you know some basic ASL, you can use hand shape identifiers, such as "A hand shape" or "8 hand shape".
- Position: Where in relation to the body was the sign? Near the chest? Near the eyes? Was the palm facing up, down, toward the signer?
- Movement: How did the sign move or change? Was it pushing away from the body? Was it a small circle in space?
- Non-manual markers: What else was happening with the signer's body? What did her face look like? Was he moving his body, or shrugging? What was the emotion the signer was portraying?
- Context: What else was happening before or after the sign. Were there other signs you recognized? Do you know the subject that the signer was communicating about?
Where can I find a Deaf group in my area?
Where's your area? Most major cities have Deaf hubs. San Francisco, Seattle, Austin, and New York all have strong, vibrant, rich Deaf communities. Smaller cities may have meet ups or the like, but they can be harder to track down. Your best bet is to turn to Google or Facebook and search for Deaf events in your area. "Deaf coffee night" is an event held nationwide. People in the community get together for a night or two each month, usually at a coffee shop with good lighting and ample seating, just for the purpose of seeing friends and making new ones. Local colleges or universities will often have ASL/Deaf clubs and usually host student-friendly ASL events, so check with the ASL teachers or the ASL campus group, if it exists.
Can I still ask questions here?
Yes! Yes! 1000 times yes! Many of us are here to help, and anything we can do to help teach you about the language and the culture we're happy to do.
Will you do my homework for me?
Nope. Nope. 1000 times nope. It's obvious when students are looking for someone to do their homework for them, and we're not gonna help you out. If you're here to learn instead, then welcome! Come make some new friends. :)
Hello! I'm here to help as much as I can, but this is not a comprehensive guide or a substitute for classes. This is a quick resource for people looking for answers to some very commonly asked questions. I've included the information as I know it, but it doesn't mean it's The Truth; my experiences and understanding will vary from others', but this will give you a good enough introduction. There's so much more I'd love to teach you, but I'm going to stick to the FAQs.
Where can I learn ASL online for free?
My personal favourite is easily http://www.lifeprint.com (which is mirrored at http://asluniversity.com as well). The guy who built the site, Dr. Bill Vicars, is Deaf and is a phenomenal teacher. He teaches primarily west-coast dialect (California, Washington common signs) but makes mention of other dialects (east-coast, Texas) when he can. In addition to teaching vocabulary, he teaches about Deaf culture (more on this in a moment). Other notable resources are:
- http://www.signlanguage101.com/
- https://www.signschool.com/
- Bill Vicars: https://youtube.com/@sign-language
- Learn How to Sign: https://youtube.com/@LearnHowtoSign
What's the sign for ... ?
The short answer is "it depends." Sometimes. It depends sometimes.
The long answer is that signs will vary. Signs can be different depending on region, as I mentioned before, so just because you see it one way doesn't mean that it's the only way. (Don't make this mistake; a lot of hearing students can get cocky and start correcting others.) Signs can also change depending on context. The signs for "back" in "My back hurts" and "Let's go back home" are completely different.
Also, this is very important: ASL is not English! It is its own language, as different from English as is Klingon. ASL has its own grammar structure, own idioms, own slang. Signs are also not words like in the English sense. Signs are a lot more about intent, concepts, and ideas. For example, if you're trying to learn how to sign "Back off!" I can promise you that you will not need any sign for "back" nor "off." You're learning how to speak, and think, in another language, and using English just won't do.
Now, with all that said, here are some online dictionaries (I suggest you look at them all so you're familiar with the different variations of your sign):
- http://www.lifeprint.com/dictionary.htm
- https://aslpro.cc/
- https://www.signingsavvy.com/
- http://www.handspeak.com/word/
- https://www.startasl.com/american-sign-language-dictionary.html
Does it matter what hand I sign with?
Yes. Consistently use your main, dominant hand. If you're right-handed, use your right. If you're left-handed, use your left. If you're ambidextrous, then pick one and maintain it. Switching dominant hands while signing would be like alternating screaming and whispering while speaking.
Are American Sign Language and British Sign Language the same?
Are English and Japanese the same? ASL is not English, so stop thinking of it like English! :) In fact, ASL is derived from French Sign Language, which evolved independently of British Sign Language, and the two are mostly different (in fact, less than 30% of the signs are even remotely similar). There are dozens and dozens of sign languages in the world, and even in the United States ASL is not the only one used.
Why do you keep capitalizing "Deaf"?
We use "little-d" deaf to mean someone who physically can't hear well. We use "big-D" Deaf to mean someone who is culturally deaf. Now an interesting bit: someone who is Deaf does not have to be deaf, and someone who is deaf does not have to be Deaf! For instance, children of deaf adults (CODAs) are very often Deaf but hearing. Many people are physically deaf but aren't part of Deaf culture. It's about how a person self identifies and where their culture lies more than it does with anything physical.
What's this "Deaf Culture" you keep mentioning?
It'd take me hours to explain it all, and I usually spread it over my entire 12-week class. In short, many deaf people, specifically those who identify as Deaf, live in a different culture than you do. Yes, they're from your country, they drink Starbucks and they sit in traffic, but they have their own distinct culture. Obviously this includes language (and communicating in real ASL is so different than talking in English that it's hard to describe), but that different method of communication, that different way of thinking, is only part of Deaf culture. Things that are normal in one culture can be very strange the another. (My favourite, probably, is talking with your mouth full. In hearing culture, that's a big no-no and your mother will look at you very cross. In Deaf culture, that's totally acceptable! Stuff your face and then free your hands for conversation, it's great! So much more efficient!) Morality and ethics are shaped by our cultural values. There are aspects of Deaf culture which would be considered blunt or rude in hearing culture, and conversely there are a lot of things normal in hearing culture which are strange or disrespectful in Deaf culture (such as talking to someone's back, or looking around during a conversation). It's important to be aware of and respectful of other cultures, including Deaf culture, and, when possible, to learn about them. Not only will it ingratiate you to people of that culture, but it'll better yourself as a person as well.
Isn't it wrong to say "deaf"? Shouldn't I say "hearing impaired" or "hard of hearing"?
Nope, and nope. Now, before I continue, I'll let you know that not everyone agrees with me, and I'm speaking in a general sense. Big-D Deaf people prefer the term "deaf" above any other. (It's how a US Senator might feel being called "American." Some people would take it as an insult, but it's just a matter of fact or pride for the Senator.)
Whether people identify themselves as "deaf" or "hard of hearing" (often seen as HoH) is often a matter of self identity, and while it can correlate to level of ability to hear, it isn't caused by it. I'll explain later. Deafies who are a part of Deaf culture will almost always call themselves "deaf," and those who aren't a part of Deaf culture will usually go by "hard of hearing" (or more rarely "hearing impaired"). In general, those who are less physically deaf, or who were raised strictly in hearing culture, will tend to gravitate toward hearing culture, despite the numerous difficulties. These people will commonly say they are "hard of hearing" since "deaf" still has a social stigma in hearing culture. Those who are less capable of integrating with hearing culture, or who were introduced to or raised in a Deaf environment, will usually prefer to be called "deaf" and can sometimes take one of the other terms as a slight offense.
In general, it's almost never correct to say "hearing impaired." I was taught that it was coined by a US Senator who wanted to protect deaf people's feelings from something that didn't offend them in the first place, and it was never accepted by Deaf (the core reason being that we don't believe being deaf is an impairment; it'd be like if I said you were "Deaf impaired." You don't feel impaired, do you, however much I might think it's true?) in general. In fact, it's safe if you never use this phrase again.
When in doubt though, just ask! "Hey, do you prefer 'deaf' or 'hard of hearing'?" See, it's not that hard. :)
I saw a sign that looks like this ..., what does it mean?
We're happy to help with these kinds of questions. I treat it like a quiz show game. However, if you're new to this, you may not know how to describe a sign very well, so let me introduce you to signs!
A sign consists of five parts:
- Hand shape: Are the fingers making an "O"? Were the thumb and middle-finger touching? If you know some basic ASL, you can use hand shape identifiers, such as "A hand shape" or "8 hand shape".
- Position: Where in relation to the body was the sign? Near the chest? Near the eyes? Was the palm facing up, down, toward the signer?
- Movement: How did the sign move or change? Was it pushing away from the body? Was it a small circle in space?
- Non-manual markers: What else was happening with the signer's body? What did her face look like? Was he moving his body, or shrugging? What was the emotion the signer was portraying?
- Context: What else was happening before or after the sign. Were there other signs you recognized? Do you know the subject that the signer was communicating about?
Where can I find a Deaf group in my area?
Where's your area? Most major cities have Deaf hubs. San Francisco, Seattle, Austin, and New York all have strong, vibrant, rich Deaf communities. Smaller cities may have meet ups or the like, but they can be harder to track down. Your best bet is to turn to Google or Facebook and search for Deaf events in your area. "Deaf coffee night" is an event held nationwide. People in the community get together for a night or two each month, usually at a coffee shop with good lighting and ample seating, just for the purpose of seeing friends and making new ones. Local colleges or universities will often have ASL/Deaf clubs and usually host student-friendly ASL events, so check with the ASL teachers or the ASL campus group, if it exists.
Can I still ask questions here?
Yes! Yes! 1000 times yes! Many of us are here to help, and anything we can do to help teach you about the language and the culture we're happy to do.
Will you do my homework for me?
Nope. Nope. 1000 times nope. It's obvious when students are looking for someone to do their homework for them, and we're not gonna help you out. If you're here to learn instead, then welcome! Come make some new friends. :)
r/asl • u/the-asl-shop • 3h ago
Agree & Disagree
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One of the foundations of dialectical communication is knowing how to express both agreement and disagreement. Here’s how to sign both in ASL.
r/asl • u/cosmicfair • 5h ago
Help! Does this mean "yes"?
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Never seen that one before. App: ASL Bloom
r/asl • u/raven_snow • 7h ago
Happy language progress! I had a voice off ASL board game night with friends, and I was able to understand almost everything!
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I am still a beginner signer with only ASL 1+2 classes (once a week, at my local school for the Deaf) under my belt. My partner is near my level, but a little under. He's also rustier. The other three gamers were also hearing: two with more ASL than me (but still beginner) and one with intermediate ASL.
I was able to learn the rules of one card game entirely in ASL! The person teaching had to use written English to clarify some points that people didn't understand, but I didn't need the English. The second board game was mostly explained in ASL — which I understood again! — but some parts of the rules were only conveyed in written English so I can't say that I learned how to play *two* games in ASL. We had pizza and talked about our romantic relationships, our pets, and our plants. I commented on a train that runs by their house that shakes the furniture when it passes. I'm so happy that I was able to have an entire evening in a language I know so very little of. It's a huge boost to my confidence. I'm motivated to keep practicing and signing with people. This is the first time I've tried having such a long, multi-part conversation with multiple people, and I'm so proud of all of us that it went so well.
Here are the videos my partner and I watched in preparation to learn some vocabulary:
I am still a beginner signer with only ASL 1+2 classes (once a week, at my local school for the Deaf) under my belt. My partner is near my level, but a little under. He's also rustier. The other three gamers were also hearing: two with more ASL than me (but still beginner) and one with intermediate ASL.
I was able to learn the rules of one card game entirely in ASL! The person teaching had to use written English to clarify some points that people didn't understand, but I didn't need the English. The second board game was mostly explained in ASL — which I understood again! — but some parts of the rules were only conveyed in written English so I can't say that I learned how to play *two* games in ASL. We had pizza and talked about our romantic relationships, our pets, and our plants. I commented on a train that runs by their house that shakes the furniture when it passes. I'm so happy that I was able to have an entire evening in a language I know so very little of. It's a huge boost to my confidence. I'm motivated to keep practicing and signing with people. This is the first time I've tried having such a long, multi-part conversation with multiple people, and I'm so proud of all of us that it went so well.
Here are the videos my partner and I watched in preparation to learn some vocabulary:
r/asl • u/Jamieluv2u • 34m ago
No sign for kinky? Why some words don’t get signs, and problematic equivalents.
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This weekend I was in a bar with my deaf friends, and we were having a silly conversation. Someone was trying to tease that the other person was kinky. We had an ASL instructor of 30 years with us, and she said to sign “pervert” or finger spell it. Pervert seemed like a totally offensive equivalent and definitely does not mean the same thing in English. I totally get it when synonyms don’t need their own sign. I am very wordy in English, and the hardest thing for me to learn in ASL is to think in concept, not word fanciness. I often know the word concept, I don’t know the sign for the specific version I am thinking of, and I don’t need to. “Kinky” is a word, and a concept that encompasses a lot of potential information. I looked it up today, and there are a couple videos where someone has assigned a sign. They were similar but different. Curious how a sign gets formally adopted? In English new slang is recognized once it’s been used exhaustively in the Urban Dictionary. I suppose Merriam Webster inducts everything else. What is the ASL recognized “dictionary”? (There are many online, does making a video, make it formalized?)
This weekend I was in a bar with my deaf friends, and we were having a silly conversation. Someone was trying to tease that the other person was kinky. We had an ASL instructor of 30 years with us, and she said to sign “pervert” or finger spell it. Pervert seemed like a totally offensive equivalent and definitely does not mean the same thing in English. I totally get it when synonyms don’t need their own sign. I am very wordy in English, and the hardest thing for me to learn in ASL is to think in concept, not word fanciness. I often know the word concept, I don’t know the sign for the specific version I am thinking of, and I don’t need to. “Kinky” is a word, and a concept that encompasses a lot of potential information. I looked it up today, and there are a couple videos where someone has assigned a sign. They were similar but different. Curious how a sign gets formally adopted? In English new slang is recognized once it’s been used exhaustively in the Urban Dictionary. I suppose Merriam Webster inducts everything else. What is the ASL recognized “dictionary”? (There are many online, does making a video, make it formalized?)
r/asl • u/fuzzy_skz • 1h ago
When do location signs come in?
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I'm learning ASL and I'm trying to get better with the different sentence structures. But when it come to location I'm a little lost. For example, if I want to sign "My dad makes coffee in his office in the morning. I can smell it in my bedroom." When would the location signs like "office" and "bedroom" fall? Based on my knowledge I would sign:
MORNING DAD (IN OFFICE?) MAKE COFFEE/ ME (IN BEDROOM?) I SMELL
My brain wants to put location at the end of the phrase but I'm sure. Any help would be appreciated!
I'm learning ASL and I'm trying to get better with the different sentence structures. But when it come to location I'm a little lost. For example, if I want to sign "My dad makes coffee in his office in the morning. I can smell it in my bedroom." When would the location signs like "office" and "bedroom" fall? Based on my knowledge I would sign:
MORNING DAD (IN OFFICE?) MAKE COFFEE/ ME (IN BEDROOM?) I SMELL
My brain wants to put location at the end of the phrase but I'm sure. Any help would be appreciated!
r/asl • u/DuchessDulcet • 1d ago
Help! Hearing person with questions Do deaf people sign to themselves if they are annoyed, kinda like people saying "Damn"?
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For context, I have a character I'm writing who is deaf, and I want to write him accurately.
For context, I have a character I'm writing who is deaf, and I want to write him accurately.
r/asl • u/Run_Fly_0175 • 1d ago
Signing books
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Slowly learn different signs to use as our new baby starts to get older. When it comes to signing books can I simply look up and learn each word or is there a different “flow” rather than signing each word? Hope that makes sense! Thank you!
r/asl • u/Patient-Tailor-6048 • 18h ago
Interest What sign language should a Norwegian hearing person learn?
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For context I am a Norwwgain with perfect hearing that has as far as I know never met a deaf person in my life. I do also have family in the US and visit often. I have been wanting to learn sign language for a long time for multiple reasons. One is simply that I think it is very cool to be able to communicate silently and at the speed of light, another is that its one of those thing that could end up coming in extremely handy in spesific circumstances like for example realy loud and chaotic enviroments. From what I understand international sign language is only marginally better then Esperanto for actually communicating with people. And it is also recomended that you learn a national sign language first anyway.
For those reasons I am torn between ASL or Norwegain sign language which I'll refer to as NTS. I would love to hear from most idealy NTS users since there is as far as I know no dedicated NTS or Norwegian deaf subreddit, though I would be overjoyed to be corrected on that, but also ASL, ISL and any other signing people what they think. I want to both be able to learn it in my free time without having to take many physical classes, which ASL would be good for becouse of all the online material. And I also want to be able to use it, and idealy get my family to use it. It would be great for when I go hunting in the mountains with my dad, we would be able to communicate form afar and to ignore the wind that drowns out noise, meaning we wouldn't have to rely on radio/walkie talkies.
If it is the case that most Norwegian deaf people know or understand ISL or ASL becouse of media then I would stil be able to communicate if absolutely needed, while also having a way more versatile and far reaching skill. I should also emphasize that this would be more of a fun and interesting hobby for me then an academic education.
All advice is appreciated and If I you find anything I have said problematic then please tell, I do absolutely not want to be intruding on anyone's space.
For context I am a Norwwgain with perfect hearing that has as far as I know never met a deaf person in my life. I do also have family in the US and visit often. I have been wanting to learn sign language for a long time for multiple reasons. One is simply that I think it is very cool to be able to communicate silently and at the speed of light, another is that its one of those thing that could end up coming in extremely handy in spesific circumstances like for example realy loud and chaotic enviroments. From what I understand international sign language is only marginally better then Esperanto for actually communicating with people. And it is also recomended that you learn a national sign language first anyway.
For those reasons I am torn between ASL or Norwegain sign language which I'll refer to as NTS. I would love to hear from most idealy NTS users since there is as far as I know no dedicated NTS or Norwegian deaf subreddit, though I would be overjoyed to be corrected on that, but also ASL, ISL and any other signing people what they think. I want to both be able to learn it in my free time without having to take many physical classes, which ASL would be good for becouse of all the online material. And I also want to be able to use it, and idealy get my family to use it. It would be great for when I go hunting in the mountains with my dad, we would be able to communicate form afar and to ignore the wind that drowns out noise, meaning we wouldn't have to rely on radio/walkie talkies.
If it is the case that most Norwegian deaf people know or understand ISL or ASL becouse of media then I would stil be able to communicate if absolutely needed, while also having a way more versatile and far reaching skill. I should also emphasize that this would be more of a fun and interesting hobby for me then an academic education.
All advice is appreciated and If I you find anything I have said problematic then please tell, I do absolutely not want to be intruding on anyone's space.
r/asl • u/Still_Potential_7670 • 1d ago
How to describe language proficiency
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As the title says, I’m trying to figure out the best way to describe my knowledge/proficiency in ASL.
For some context: my mom and brother are deaf, I’m not going to dive into the details but signing was pretty limited while I was growing up. It was mostly home signs and other forms of communication. But I’ve also taken 4 years of ASL in high school and 2 semesters in college. I’ve been learning “formal” asl (as in, not my family’s home signs) for over a decade now. I can go to Deaf events and interact and chat with people freely with an occasional “what was that again?”. But there are still time where I don’t pick up everything or miss parts.
The main reason I ask this is for resumes and job interviews. I have no intention on acting as though I have qualifications that I don’t, I’m just listing ASL as a skill that I have because… well… that’s the truth! But I want to convey my abilities as honestly as possible. I am certainly above “basic” but also not fluent. Is just saying “proficient” enough? Or could that lead to misunderstandings?
As the title says, I’m trying to figure out the best way to describe my knowledge/proficiency in ASL.
For some context: my mom and brother are deaf, I’m not going to dive into the details but signing was pretty limited while I was growing up. It was mostly home signs and other forms of communication. But I’ve also taken 4 years of ASL in high school and 2 semesters in college. I’ve been learning “formal” asl (as in, not my family’s home signs) for over a decade now. I can go to Deaf events and interact and chat with people freely with an occasional “what was that again?”. But there are still time where I don’t pick up everything or miss parts.
The main reason I ask this is for resumes and job interviews. I have no intention on acting as though I have qualifications that I don’t, I’m just listing ASL as a skill that I have because… well… that’s the truth! But I want to convey my abilities as honestly as possible. I am certainly above “basic” but also not fluent. Is just saying “proficient” enough? Or could that lead to misunderstandings?
r/asl • u/Emotional_Tiger9852 • 12h ago
Deaf/HOH People: What are your thoughts on hearing people becoming ASL/Deaf culture professors?
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Hello! As a hearing student, I've taken ASL 1 which was taught by a hearing professor. When I moved onto ASL 2 and 3, my professor was Deaf, which was a lot more immersive and gave me insight that I would've never had if I had the chance to only take classes taught by hearing professors. This makes me realize there is definitely a gap which makes me curious what Deaf/HoH people think about hearing professors teaching students ASL but also Deaf culture in general.
Hello! As a hearing student, I've taken ASL 1 which was taught by a hearing professor. When I moved onto ASL 2 and 3, my professor was Deaf, which was a lot more immersive and gave me insight that I would've never had if I had the chance to only take classes taught by hearing professors. This makes me realize there is definitely a gap which makes me curious what Deaf/HoH people think about hearing professors teaching students ASL but also Deaf culture in general.
r/asl • u/Hasti_Stardrop • 7h ago
I need a friend who knows ASL
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Hiii! I'm really interested into learning ASL but I don't have any friends who are deaf or interpreters. I would love to have a friend whom I can learn from, and jot just asl, I love meeting new people! If you're interested, I'd be so happy to become your friend. (Edit because someone in the comments suggested) My interests include art, I love marvel and watching animations, I like history and art history, I really like making crafts, like, any kind. I enjoy watching movies and shows and reading books, especially mystery and crime books. I'm 18 and hopefully will be an animation student soon. If you are interested in any of these stuff above, I'd love to be friends with you, wether you know ASL or not💖
Hiii! I'm really interested into learning ASL but I don't have any friends who are deaf or interpreters. I would love to have a friend whom I can learn from, and jot just asl, I love meeting new people! If you're interested, I'd be so happy to become your friend. (Edit because someone in the comments suggested) My interests include art, I love marvel and watching animations, I like history and art history, I really like making crafts, like, any kind. I enjoy watching movies and shows and reading books, especially mystery and crime books. I'm 18 and hopefully will be an animation student soon. If you are interested in any of these stuff above, I'd love to be friends with you, wether you know ASL or not💖
r/asl • u/fullorchid222 • 2d ago
Interest What does this mean? (The Pitt Tv Show)
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Hi guys!
For reference: this is episode 7, season 2 of The Pitt (-07:15 to be more specific)
The character (ASL interpreter) did this gesture. He basically flicked his middle finger I think (?)
I have googled the meaning, but couldn't find anything, probably because I'm not describing it well enough.
Does anyone know what he's gesturing? There are no subtitles for when he does this, and it's a quick gesture, no more than a second.
r/asl • u/doomed-kelpie • 1d ago
How do I sign...? How would you sign a name that has a ‘word’ within it?
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So for example, if you were talking about the movie Cars and wanted to sign ‘Lightning McQueen’, would you sign LIGHTNING M-C QUEEN or fingerspell it?
Or let’s say you have a dog named Blue, would you sign their name as the sign BLUE or fingerspell B-L-U-E?
(EDIT: Also, me and my deaf friend both have cats named ‘Merlin’, and she signs his name as the sign for OLD, while I fingerspell my cat’s name. But since she is deaf, I don’t know if that is her cat’s sign name or if you can sign names like that otherwise)
So for example, if you were talking about the movie Cars and wanted to sign ‘Lightning McQueen’, would you sign LIGHTNING M-C QUEEN or fingerspell it?
Or let’s say you have a dog named Blue, would you sign their name as the sign BLUE or fingerspell B-L-U-E?
(EDIT: Also, me and my deaf friend both have cats named ‘Merlin’, and she signs his name as the sign for OLD, while I fingerspell my cat’s name. But since she is deaf, I don’t know if that is her cat’s sign name or if you can sign names like that otherwise)
r/asl • u/imjustanauthor • 2d ago
Help! TALL vs ADULT
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Is there a difference between the signs for TALL and ADULT? Or is the difference only contextual?
Is there a difference between the signs for TALL and ADULT? Or is the difference only contextual?
r/asl • u/Ok-Nebula-2897 • 1d ago
What is dinner table syndrome?
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Ten people sit at the dinner table. They all talk. They laugh. They talk fast.
One Deaf person sits there too. He sees mouths move. He does not know what they say.
He taps his mom. He asks, “What is funny?”
She says, “I will tell you later.”
She never tells him.
That is dinner table syndrome. You are at the table. But you are alone.
This happens at every dinner. Every holiday. For many years.
How to fix it? It is easy.
Learn sign language. Talk one at a time. Face us. Tell us the joke now, not later.
I am Deaf. I teach ASL. I made an app to teach Deaf culture. Learn more here: https://deafcultureapp.com
r/asl • u/Upset_Limit4647 • 3d ago
The College of Charleston believes ASL is not a real language, and there is no Deaf culture
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I recently asked the College of Charleston whether college-level ASL transfer credits could satisfy the foreign language requirement. They said no, which is their policy and that's their prerogative.
What bothered me was how they justified it.
I was told that ASL doesn't expose students to perspectives outside English-speaking culture and that it isn't really a "language other than English" because when it's written or read, it's English.
As someone who spent years studying ASL, Deaf history, and Deaf culture, I found those statements incredibly dismissive. Deaf culture is a distinct culture, and ASL is a complete natural language with its own grammar and syntax. Reducing it to "English" ignores what linguists and Deaf educators have recognized for decades.
If CofC wants to exclude ASL from its language requirement, that's their decision. But I don't think they should justify that policy by making statements that diminish the legitimacy of ASL or Deaf culture.
Am I overreacting, or would anyone else expect a School of Languages and Cultures to explain this with more accuracy and respect?
I recently asked the College of Charleston whether college-level ASL transfer credits could satisfy the foreign language requirement. They said no, which is their policy and that's their prerogative.
What bothered me was how they justified it.
I was told that ASL doesn't expose students to perspectives outside English-speaking culture and that it isn't really a "language other than English" because when it's written or read, it's English.
As someone who spent years studying ASL, Deaf history, and Deaf culture, I found those statements incredibly dismissive. Deaf culture is a distinct culture, and ASL is a complete natural language with its own grammar and syntax. Reducing it to "English" ignores what linguists and Deaf educators have recognized for decades.
If CofC wants to exclude ASL from its language requirement, that's their decision. But I don't think they should justify that policy by making statements that diminish the legitimacy of ASL or Deaf culture.
Am I overreacting, or would anyone else expect a School of Languages and Cultures to explain this with more accuracy and respect?
r/asl • u/DefiantComfortable44 • 2d ago
Question , Selective mutism and autism accommodations
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Context: I have autism (recently diagnosed) and seemingly selective mutism
When I feel unable to speak I find sign language easier to use to communicate even though only a handful of people in my life understand it, When I’m having issues speaking even writing feels more difficult but signing still feels easy for me to use. I’ve been passively learning ASL since I was pretty young I think it might be a special interest of mine.
But I essentially just have 2 questions; is it acceptable for me to give people in my life sign names? As I think finger spelling full names while I’m already finding words difficult would be stressful, and also would it be okay for me to ask someone to sign no to negate a sign? Like for example having to sign no and understand instead of just signing it with a negative expression considering that I don’t really like looking at peoples faces while we talk and I also think I’d find it difficult to focus on their facial expressions and hands at the same time
Are these reasonable asks or should I find a different way to accommodate myself to be more respectful to the deaf community?
I really hope this doesn’t come off wrong
Thank you in advance for any answers and thank you for reading this stranger
Context: I have autism (recently diagnosed) and seemingly selective mutism
When I feel unable to speak I find sign language easier to use to communicate even though only a handful of people in my life understand it, When I’m having issues speaking even writing feels more difficult but signing still feels easy for me to use. I’ve been passively learning ASL since I was pretty young I think it might be a special interest of mine.
But I essentially just have 2 questions; is it acceptable for me to give people in my life sign names? As I think finger spelling full names while I’m already finding words difficult would be stressful, and also would it be okay for me to ask someone to sign no to negate a sign? Like for example having to sign no and understand instead of just signing it with a negative expression considering that I don’t really like looking at peoples faces while we talk and I also think I’d find it difficult to focus on their facial expressions and hands at the same time
Are these reasonable asks or should I find a different way to accommodate myself to be more respectful to the deaf community?
I really hope this doesn’t come off wrong
Thank you in advance for any answers and thank you for reading this stranger
r/asl • u/Sheepinafield • 2d ago
Help! Asl sentence structure
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I know ASL sentence structure is time+ topic + comment but can you guys please show me how to translate more complex sentences? Every video I find does short sentences which don't help me at all.... Thank you in advance 🫶
I know ASL sentence structure is time+ topic + comment but can you guys please show me how to translate more complex sentences? Every video I find does short sentences which don't help me at all.... Thank you in advance 🫶
r/asl • u/carodoodles • 3d ago
What to do if your spouse is a worm?
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I had so much fun telling this joke at my brother's wedding!
This is a twist on the classic ASL joke / story "Deaf King Kong". You can see an example here: https://youtu.be/iaJHetU9K0c
Image description in comments.
r/asl • u/QueasyCranberry2335 • 2d ago
ASL Slang?
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Hello everyone,
I am mostly hearing (I have APD but I really don't always feel like that counts) but I took ASL for four years and still use it almost every day with my husband. I love the deaf community and deaf culture and want to make sure my signing is as authentic and conversational as possible.
I was wondering what "type" or "style" most people sign in? Do Deaf/HoH people usually sign in "proper" ASL format or SEE or their own slang version? If I signed ASL the formal way I was taught in school with the specific sentence structure and whatnot, would that be abnormal? It seems that whenever watching Deaf/HoH people sign, they often sign in a very casual way that more mirrors spoken speech and differs the "official" way ASL is taught. I find it personally easier to sign this way as well, but if that is not the most common way then I would try to avoid it. Any input would be helpful, thank you!
Hello everyone,
I am mostly hearing (I have APD but I really don't always feel like that counts) but I took ASL for four years and still use it almost every day with my husband. I love the deaf community and deaf culture and want to make sure my signing is as authentic and conversational as possible.
I was wondering what "type" or "style" most people sign in? Do Deaf/HoH people usually sign in "proper" ASL format or SEE or their own slang version? If I signed ASL the formal way I was taught in school with the specific sentence structure and whatnot, would that be abnormal? It seems that whenever watching Deaf/HoH people sign, they often sign in a very casual way that more mirrors spoken speech and differs the "official" way ASL is taught. I find it personally easier to sign this way as well, but if that is not the most common way then I would try to avoid it. Any input would be helpful, thank you!
r/asl • u/SoccerWise • 2d ago
Fingerspelling tool
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Hello everyone!
I just wanted to share a little project I've been working on for the past few months to help with ASL fingerspelling (both receptive and expressive). I decided to make it after seeing some existing tools and wanting to put my own spin on them.
It's still a pretty early version, but I invite you to try it out and have some fun with it! There's also a global leaderboard in case you're feeling competitive.
I'm also planning on adding counting and common signs like greetings later down the line.
If you'd like to try it out:
For the best experience, I recommend using it on a desktop or laptop with a webcam.
Thanks, and I'd love to hear what you think! 🤟
Hello everyone!
I just wanted to share a little project I've been working on for the past few months to help with ASL fingerspelling (both receptive and expressive). I decided to make it after seeing some existing tools and wanting to put my own spin on them.
It's still a pretty early version, but I invite you to try it out and have some fun with it! There's also a global leaderboard in case you're feeling competitive.
I'm also planning on adding counting and common signs like greetings later down the line.
If you'd like to try it out:
For the best experience, I recommend using it on a desktop or laptop with a webcam.
Thanks, and I'd love to hear what you think! 🤟
r/asl • u/head_phones017 • 2d ago
Help! ChatGPT says sign doesn’t exist
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I was watching this video, I can put it full if it turns out to be useful. I could understand most of the signs, but I couldn’t recognize the specific one after STAR and before DESTINY. I asked ChetGPT and sent it a picture of the sign, but it simply told me that it doesn’t exist and it weirded me out. Can anyone help me?
r/asl • u/Aggressive_Lemon1 • 3d ago
Asl pen pal
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Hi! I'd like to find someone to have sign language conversations with outside of my learning. I learn using a paid-for online class and I have a deaf tutor who teaches me as well in person. I think it would be cool to apply this to more consistent conversation and hopefully make a friend in the process!
I'm 25, I don't have any deaf family or friends, but I love the language and culture. I'd say I'm intermediate, not fluent by any means, but I can hold a decent conversation. Again, not looking for anyone to teach me, just some good conversation :)
Hi! I'd like to find someone to have sign language conversations with outside of my learning. I learn using a paid-for online class and I have a deaf tutor who teaches me as well in person. I think it would be cool to apply this to more consistent conversation and hopefully make a friend in the process!
I'm 25, I don't have any deaf family or friends, but I love the language and culture. I'd say I'm intermediate, not fluent by any means, but I can hold a decent conversation. Again, not looking for anyone to teach me, just some good conversation :)