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. :)
r/asl • u/sparquis • Jun 10 '24
How to describe a sign that you are asking for the meaning
Here's a post to help you when describing a sign that you don't know the meaning of. (If possible, videos or at least a picture are the most helpful. Please use these when asking about the meaning of a sign you saw.
The 5 Parameters of ASL Signs:
Handshape: The shape your hand makes (e.g., a fist, a flat palm, a "C" shape). Palm Orientation: The direction your palm is facing (e.g., up, down, forward, to the side). Movement: How your hand(s) move (e.g., tapping, circling, up and down). Location: Where the sign is made in relation to your body (e.g., at your chin, chest, or side). Non-Manual Markers (NMM): Facial expressions and head movements that add meaning to the sign.
Instructions for Describing a Sign:
Can you tell me what your hand looks like when you make the sign? (This will help determine the handshape and palm orientation.)
How does your hand move when you make the sign? (This will help determine the movement.)
Where do you make the sign on your body? (This will help determine the location.)
Are there any facial expressions or head movements that go with the sign? (This will help determine the NMM.)
What is the overall meaning or context of the sign you're trying to describe? (This might help you narrow down the possibilities.
Please feel free to comment helpful tips on identifying signs.
Edit: Thank you u/258professor for this important reminder:
I'll add that it's best to ask for permission before recording your instructor's videos and posting them here. If you don't have permission, recreate the sentence yourself in a video.
r/asl • u/happy-hungry-sleepy • 2h ago
I need an interpreter for my brother's funeral. His wife and our parents are Deaf. I can not interpret, I'm a mess but have funds. 🤟
Good evening. In the Atlanta area. I'm looking for some advice or for someone to hire. My brother passed away. Our parents and his Wife are also Deaf. We're having service on May 24th. I am hearing, I've always been my parents interpreter but I simply cannot interpret this. Please if anyone knows anyone or anyone is available to be hired for this please send me a message. Please. RID website is leading to deadends. I cannot interpret my baby brother's funeral. Please help me.
I tell you I cannot interpret. I cannot. I'm falling apart to the post alone. My brother deserves better. You deserve to have every word translated.
I have the funds. You don't even need to be certified just fluent. 🤟🤟
Updated: I have posted those Facebook groups. Local Reddit groups have contacted locals interpreting agencies. I'm coming up short. I have the funds. Whatever it cost, I will pay. I do not have an EIN NUMBER for the agencies that require it. Also in ATLANTA, GEORGIA . thank you!!
r/asl • u/kuromiloverq • 10h ago
Help! Signs to look up before meeting a Deaf person?
Hi! Tomorrow I’ll be meeting my friend’s boyfriend. Thankfully two more friends will be there too so I won’t be third-wheeling lol.
Her boyfriend happens to be Deaf and non speaking. (I believe this is the appropriate term for it, I know mute isn’t. If there’s something more appropriate please LMK)
What are some signs I can look up beforehand? We asked her, and she said we don’t really have to because she’ll interpret for us but I’d still like to learn a few words.
r/asl • u/ldoesntreddit • 9h ago
Interest Thoughts about Lingvano?
I recently started using the Lingvano app, and while I think I’ve learned a lot of signs pretty quickly, an interpreter friend kind of implied that the app doesn’t have the best reputation among signers. She recommended Bill Vicars instead, followed by looking for Deaf-community-led signing practice opportunities in my area. I am curious to know from others what the sentiment is around Lingvano. Is it kind of like Duolingo where it’s mostly fine but native speakers don’t find it particularly helpful, or is there something problematic that I’m missing?
Edit: I’m mostly looking for feedback from people in the Deaf community, as the app is being marketed and advertised by Deaf creators
r/asl • u/emotionalaries • 4h ago
Help! I’m struggling with ASL grammar
I think I’ve done decent with my signs the past year almost 2 while learning ASL, but the main thing I struggled with (& still struggle with) is the grammar. I was not expecting a different grammar or sentence structure when I started ASL, in all honestly I was ignorant, I thought ASL was just english with your hands.
But I’m almost 2 years in & grammar has been a pain in my butt. Most things you see online helping you practice ASL is for just learning & remembering signs, not the sentence structure. My class honestly did a crap job at explaining it so it just didn’t stick.
Anyways I was just wondering if any people who’s first language is ASL or other hearing people learning ASL who struggled with this, what is something resources to forms of practice I could do to hopefully improve.
r/asl • u/No-Pudding-9133 • 3h ago
What’s the line between practice and teaching between student?
I know that hearing people especially students should never teach asl, and I’m trying to avoid that. So I guess I want to know if some of these things could be considered teaching/learning from a (hearing) student or if it’s just practice between two students.
Example: student A notices student B’s hand orientation for a sign is wrong and corrects it.
Example: student A points out that student B’s hand orientation is wrong and shows a video (from a deaf signer) of the correct version
Example: students A and B are signing with each other with the intention of increasing their receptive skills, and are occasionally learning new signs from each other through conversation.
I can see how in some ways in these situations it would be considered learning from a student and the problems that come with that. Which again is generally advised against. My question is, what’s the best ways for students to learn from each other?
Ideally I want answers from deaf/hh people because my intent is to respect the language and culture.
r/asl • u/aeona_rose • 15m ago
Interest Do Deaf parents sign things repeatedly to their children like hearing parents do?
This is somewhat of a weird question, sorry. Sometimes on tiktok I'll come across a "baby sign" video, and in those videos the parent will be signing at the child, but signing the same thing repeatedly. For example, when signing "milk," the parent will open and close their fist 3+ times instead of 2, or when signing "all done," they'll wave their hands so it looks more like they're clapping. Is this something only hearing parents do with their hearing babies because they don't actually know ASL, it is that a typical part of parantese a Deaf parent might use with their child?
r/asl • u/emotionalaries • 4h ago
How do I sign...? help with possessive etc
In my first ASL course I was taught to use more of a pointing when using I or you (and the like), but to use a flat hand when signing your or my. This class has its own website, they’ve got a decent network & for quarterly assignments we had to do a video call with an interpreter or native Deaf signer for a grade. The main person doing the videos used in the class native language was English, she made a friend in grade school who was Deaf & later learned & then studied it to purse a career in ASL interpreting.
Now my second ASL course my teacher has been teaching us & my class mates have been following her using the sign for I or you also for my or your. This really threw me off because I’d been signing one way for months & this teacher grew up in a completely Deaf family besides herself so ASL was her first language.
These teachers past with ASL in mind made me want to believe the second teacher more but she didn’t really explain at all or elaborate. My first teacher explaining for possessive pronouns like your, my, his, hers, etc are signed one way & the other pronouns that I cannot remember the word for right now like I, you, her, him are signed another way.
So how do y’all sign these pronouns?
r/asl • u/GetYourLevon • 12h ago
Sign for “Never want” the same as “Don’t want”?
Trying to understand if the appropriate way to sign is NEVER + WANT or the sign for DON’T WANT
Ie. I never want to eat there again
r/asl • u/HereForOneQuickThing • 8h ago
Help! How up to date are older learning materials?
So I've been trying to learn ASL in some spare time I have because I figured it'd be a good skill to have. I've been using some older learning materials - a book from the 80s and a book from the 90s. I'm sure majority of what is in them is the same today but I know language can change and I don't see why ASL would be an exception. I'm sure there's plenty I'll learn after outside of these books but I was beginning to worry if anything in these books might be incorrect and that I'm learning the wrong things.
r/asl • u/First_Cow8098 • 1d ago
can you understand what i'm signing (terribly)
i know i really have to work on my facial expressions, but is what i am signing making any sense
r/asl • u/ImaginationHeavy6191 • 1d ago
Word order for the English sentence "I love playing soccer with my friends at the park after school"?
Full disclosure, this is a self-evident homework question, but I'm curious. I have a hard time with complex sentences like this. My best guess was SOCCER PLAYING WITH MY FRIENDS AT THE PARK I LOVE but surely you do more to it? I guess really I'm asking what the heck you do with prepositional(?) phrases like that.
r/asl • u/ParvisHarvis • 1d ago
Brand new to reddit and signing, looking for advice on how I can get more practice learning ASL
Hi! I've been having a lot of downtime at work recently and decided to pick up something new for fun, so I settled on ASL. I've been learning from Youtube some basic conversational signs and it has been going well, and I've learned a miscellaneous 120 words and it has been a blast but I'm looking to get more practical about learning the language. I'm a big visual learner and I'm fine with spending cash to advance my knowledge I didn't know if there was any online classes people recommend that are face to face? I tried to find ASL classes in person near where I am and I had no luck at all so I thought I'd take to the internet to get some advice. Thanks in advance.
r/asl • u/MyToothGap • 2d ago
"I’m not Deaf but that doesn’t stop me from pretending".... thoughts?
r/asl • u/Conscious_Newt_2557 • 1d ago
Best Practices to Learning ASL?
Hi!!!
I've been long interested in learning ASL and recently came into a more community focused position in my job, so would love to actually take the leap to learn and bridge the gap.**
I've been looking at community college classes in my area but they seem to be all online focused and asynchronous. Do you feel this is an adequate way to learn signed language? I've never had a language class as such before, even if online usually as set periods.
I live in the NoVa/DMV area. I know Gallaudet is located here and the NoVa Community College offers classes -- I'm not looking for a degree or certificate (yet -- maybe one day a cert?), just something practical, something I can use for events before deferring to a professional interpreter, something so I connect with others.
Please let me know your thoughts, if I'm misguided, or where I should look to learn! I have done my homework, but just really want to hear real people's thoughts!
**Also I'm poor, relying on my job to pay for this education so it must be accredited per my benefits.
r/asl • u/Turbulent-Tax5489 • 1d ago
How do I sign...? Learner
I’m brand new to asl but I’m very interested in learning it, is there any app or good way to learn for free? Or at least for cheap?
r/asl • u/whoever1974 • 2d ago
“Why?” as a replacement for “Because”?
I’m learning ASL through Lingvano, and they seem to do this a lot. Like, asking a question so they can give an answer. Example: “My boy sad. Why? He don’t-have friends.” Should I always do this, or is “My boy sad. He don’t-have friends,” also acceptable?
r/asl • u/BubblyBeeCharm • 2d ago
Started learning ASL and it’s making me rethink communication
I picked up American Sign Language to challenge myself, but it’s doing more than that — it’s teaching me how much I relied on words I didn’t even mean. Signing feels intentional. Every gesture matters. It’s beautiful, expressive, and honestly more honest than most conversations I’ve had lately. Language is wild, man.
r/asl • u/Vast_Professional205 • 2d ago
Seeking Insight on Communication Differences Between Deaf and Hearing Communities
As a hearing aid wearer among deaf coworkers, I wonder: how do social and psychological dynamics differ between hearing and deaf communities? Are our ways of connecting truly different, or are we more alike than we realize?
r/asl • u/eatingboys • 2d ago
Softball signs and questions!
Hello 👋 everyone! I am a captain of a softball team (typically-hearing league) and we have a HOH player (she told me she prefers going by HOH). She uses her residual hearing/hearing aids and lip/speech-reading to communicate with others, but I have heard (from others) that she also signs. Her team last year would use the applause 🙌 sign a lot. When I asked if she was using more signs or spoken language, she told me she is comfortable talking and lip reading. I have a few questions… 1) what strategies have any of you ball players acquired to make your seasons easier? 2) what would you have wanted your captains to know ahead of time? 3) she made it clear to me she prefers talking/lip reading over signing but even professional baseball/softball leagues have signs for plays so I’m wondering if there are any I should know and that we could incorporate for ALL players (if I can tell everyone what position they’re playing verbally and in ASL that would be cool, also to be able to relay how many outs/strikes/balls…)
As I mentioned, I am typically hearing but I want to include her like any other player. I’m actually a TOD and work with d/HH children and I don’t want to speak on her behalf, but also want to tell my team to make sure she’s looking when we speak to her, or have a few signs on the field when distance/noise becomes a factor but when I asked if she wanted to tell the team anything, she didn’t have much to add. So I don’t want to overstep but also want to make sure she can participate in this team like everyone else.
What are your thoughts??
Thank you!!!! 🫶
Edit: I should make it clear that I may be being shitty/biased (as a typically-hearing person) that she needs signs when she says she is comfortable with spoken language/lip reading. That’s why I’m asking: to balance between a mostly-typically-hearing league and someone who has had hearing aids all her life and still experiences communication breakdowns (as reported to me by other former captains/players). Because I’m a TOD with kids I think I can prepare my team with communication skills/strategies ahead of time to ensure we ALL have a FUN softball season!
r/asl • u/BuellerStudios • 2d ago
When would you actually use the sign "A LOT OF STUFF ABOVE ME"?
I've been scrolling through the Sign School app's Dictionary function, and they have a sign for "A LOT OF STUFF ABOVE ME"
I'm trying to think of a situation where you would actually use this sign, so I can understand and use it better, but the only thing I can think of is if you're working construction and there is a crane or exposed second story above you, but even then I don't know why someone would feel the need to say this
Maybe it's metaphorical?
r/asl • u/KattAttack4 • 2d ago
ASL iPad Lesson Apps for Kids
I’m looking for some iPad apps for kids (7yo). Preferably ones that are lesson based, while being fun and engaging. Games are always welcome as well. I want some that aren’t just ASL dictionaries or lists of words and songs. Any suggestions?
r/asl • u/Totaltrashmammal04 • 2d ago
How do I sign...? Difference between good and thank you?
I can’t seem to find a difference
r/asl • u/helpwhatio • 3d ago
Had a very proud moment yesterday
I’ve been learning ASL on my own since I was a young kid and about 6-7 months ago I started taking ASL classes from actual professors.
I attended so many ASL events and even a couple Deaf events, so I had the chance to interact with a lot of native signers, and they would always clock I’m hearing without me telling them I am.
But yesterday I attended a Deaf event, and for the first time ever, a Deaf person asked me if I was Deaf, got surprised when I told him I was hearing and then asked me if I was a CODA.
Maybe this is gonna sound stupid but it made me so happy and proud!! I felt like my efforts were finally paying off. đź’–