Unit 1 Notes
“WH” questions:
The “WH” word is signed at the end of a “WH” question. Example:
wh
English: Where is the book? ASL: BOOK WHERE
“WH” questions require the following elements:
1.
2.
3.
4.
eyebrows down
(when signing the “wh” question word)
head tilt
hold the last sign
the “WH” word is signed at the end of a “WH” question
The following are “WH” questions:
WHO
WHERE
WHICH
WHAT
WHY
WHEN
HOW
HOWMANY/HOWMUCH
DO-DO (WHAT-DO)
ASL is a Visual/Gestural Language:
American Sign Language is an actual language. In the past, it was not thought to be a language, but research
has proven that it is. Obviously, it is very different than all spoken languages, such as English. Another
misconception is that ASL is universal. ASL is used in America and parts of Canada. Many other countries have
their own signed language.
ASL is…..
ASL is a Visual/Gestural Language is
continued on the next page.
Visual: this means you see it 
Gestural: this means you sign it  However, it also includes any movements of the body that have meaning.
Which Hand Do I Use ?
Use “the hand that feels most comfortable and natural for you…”. For most people, it is the hand they write
with. That will be your “dominant hand”. If you find yourself switching dominant hands, choose one and use
it, only, for your dominant hand.
Dominant hand – the hand used the most when signing. For most right handed people, it is their right hand.
For most left handed people, it is their left hand.
Non-Dominant Hand - the other hand 
Understanding dominant and non-dominant hand usage:
 One -handed Signs: signs that are formed with only one hand – the dominant hand.
Examples: WHERE, TOMORROW, RESTAURANT, EAT, HOME
 Two-handed symmetrical signs: signs that are formed with both hands, equally, in symmetrical
movements.
Examples: WHAT, ADDRESS, MACHINE, LIVE, GAME, WONDERFUL
 Two-handed non-symmetrical signs: the dominant hand moves, but the non-dominant hand remains
stationary.
Examples: NAME, NEAR/CLOSE, COFFEE, CHAIR, SCHOOL
Non-Manual Signals:
The word “manual” refers to what our hands do to make a sign. Since ASL is a visual language, there are other
things that are a part of the signing. These are Non-Manual Signals. The “non” refers to the part of a sign not
signed with the hands. Non-Manual Signals are an important grammatical aspect of ASL.
For example, ASL adverbs are made by the eyes and eyebrows. ASL adjectives use the mouth, tongue, and
lips.
The Non-Manual Signals that are covered in this unit are:
1. “WH” question: eyebrows down, or furrowed (there are more features for a “WH” question – see
previous notes)
2. Yes/no question: eyebrows up (there are more features for a yes/no question – see previous notes)
3. Yes, or affirmation: head nod
4. No, or negation: head shake
Facial Expressions:
It is also important to include facial expressions conveying the “tone of voice” while you are signing. Your
facial expression must match the feeling…the content of what you sign. When signing “SAD”, your face must
convey that meaning. Without these facial expressions, the message may be unclear or incorrect. Also,
people watching can become bored. It is much like a monotone voice…it is tough to listen to/tough to watch.
Don’t be afraid to be visually expressive, it is an important part of ASL and Deaf culture. Practice. 
Parameters:
ASL, like all languages, has parameters. Parameters of a language are specific building blocks unique to that
language. English has the A B C’s, phonetics, and the varying vocal inflections. ASL has 5 parameters. As in all
languages, all parameters must be combined accurately to produce the word/sign.
Five Parameters of an ASL sign:
1. Handshape: the shape of the hand
2. Palm Orientation: the direction the palm is facing: up, down, toward signer, out from signer, left, right
3. Location: where the sign is made
4. Movement: how the hand(s) move - up, down, left, right, diagonally, fast, slow
5. Non-Manual Signals (NMS): varying head and face movements that convey specific meaning
Eye Contact
Eye contact is extremely important in American Sign Language. Within Deaf culture it is considered rude to
look away during a conversation. This is for the simple reason that d/Deaf people receive information through
their eyes…that is how Deaf people communicate! Also, breaking eye contact can show disinterest or
boredom.
Students learning ASL must learn to not look away when signing with a Deaf person. Hearing people have a
tendency to look at noises in the environment. This must be avoided. If there is something important to look
at, the hearing person would sign “HOLD-ON” and explain what is going on if it is not evident.
Maintaining eye contact is often difficult for hearing people. Think of how often you turn your head in the
direction of sound.
Signing Space
When signing, there is a basic area that is considered the signing space.
ASL is structured for the eyes. To sign outside of the signing space
makes the information more difficult to obtain. It can also be
uncomfortable for the hands, wrists, and shoulders.
Deaf vs deaf:
When deaf is not capitalized, it describes one’s hearing status. When capitalized, Deaf describes those
individuals who are proud to be Deaf, consider themselves members of the Deaf culture/community and use
American Sign Language.
Pointing:
Pointing is a natural part of this visual language. It is common to see someone reference another person by
pointing. If a person is not there, the signer will point to an empty space and continue signing. Using the
index finger to point is called “deixis”. Some refer to it as “indexing” or, when pointing to an empty space
because the person is not there, it is sometimes referred to as “setting up in space”.
When you use deixis (indexing/pointing/setting up in space), look that direction. This is called “eye gaze” and
helps “hold” that location for the person you are signing about. It is a vital part of ASL.
Closing Signal Why do I have to point twice?
Pointing back at yourself or the person you are talking about shows completion of a train of thought. This
allows somebody else to begin signing without interrupting you. Using a deixis at the end of a sentence is
called a “closing signal”.
A closing signal can be used when:

making a statement or comment about yourself or somebody else

asking a question (“WH” and Yes/NO)
o with a Yes/No question, the “wiggle” question mark is another option
Replying in ASL
When responding to a question or statement, in ASL one-word replies are incomplete. Always convey a
complete thought. (As with any language user, each individual’s use of the language varies. In class we will
seek to follow the language rules closely.)
Introductions in Deaf Culture
Introductions in the Deaf community tend to include both first and last names. When you fingerspell your
name, pause slightly between your first and last name. You do NOT have to sign “LAST NAME” between the
first and last name.
When signing “My name is….use the deixis/index finger (“I/ME”), don’t sign “MY”.
Introductions vary depending on whether one is hearing or Deaf. Deaf people meeting other Deaf will tend to
ask for background information, such as where he/she goes or went to school. If you are hearing, you may be
introduced as a hearing person who knows or is learning ASL. Usually, the Deaf person will want to know
where you are learning/have learned sign and why, and be interested in any connections you may have with
the Deaf community.
Often, new acquaintances have friends in common, or may know each other’s relatives. Many Deaf people
have stories about meeting a friend of a friend in other cities, states, and even countries. Often Deaf people
will ask one another (and hearing people) if they know someone, perhaps from the same area or school.
It is culturally appropriate to shake hands when meeting or greeting friends. Like many hearing people, Deaf
friends often hug each other when saying hello or goodbye.
Good-byes in Deaf Culture
Two ways mentioned of saying “goodbye” are “GOOD-BYE” and “TAKE-CARE”.
Often good-byes include making plans for the next time the friends will see each other again. Shaking hands
and hugging are common. It is considered rude to leave a group of Deaf friends without saying good-bye to
each person. This is why farewells can take a long time.
Getting Attention
Some ways to get a Deaf person’s attention that are effective and considered culturally appropriate:
1. Tap, gently, on the Deaf person’s shoulder-just one or two taps, not excessively.
2. Wave, slightly, in his or her field of vision, not excessively. If the person is far away, or in a location in
which they cannot readily see you, get the help of a third person.
3. Flash lights, in large groups, but not excessively.
Using your voice around Deaf people
It is considered rude if you use your voice instead of signing when a D/deaf person is near. Signing in the
presence of a D/deaf person is a way for everybody to have equal access to what is being communicated. If
you must speak to a hearing person who doesn’t know ASL, sign the conversation, as well. (It will be less
accurate ASL, but will include all.) If you must talk to a hearing person who doesn’t know ASL (because your
skills are not sufficient) tell your Deaf friend or teacher before speaking.
Talking While Signing
Some hearing people “talk” silently while signing out of habit…others think it helps D/deaf people read lips/lipread. Only about 30% of the English language can be lipread. Deaf people lip-read English, not ASL, so don’t
mix the two. Sometimes a D/deaf person will “talk” silently (mouth) to help hearing people understand what
is being signed, but don’t with those who understand ASL. Your lips and mouth are a part of the Non-Manual
Signals of ASL…which we will study later. In the meantime, don’t say or mouth the English translation on your
lips while signing. Usually that talking/mouthing will influence your signing and it will not be ASL.
How People Learn American Sign Language
Most D/deaf people are raised in hearing families, Approximately 90%.. Approximately 10 % of Deaf people
have Deaf parents and grow up in families where American Sign Language is used daily. When these two
populations come together at schools for the deaf, those who do not know sign language, learn from the Deaf
children with Deaf parents. Often in the past, the use of sign language was forbidden at schools for the deaf,
but the desire for a natural, visual language could not be suppressed. Many Deaf people have stories of only
being allowed to sign when class was not in session.
In the 1960s, ASL (finally!) gained recognition as a unique language, different from English. In the 1970s,
schools for the Deaf began using ASL to teach their students and had sign language classes for hearing people.
By the 1980s, the Deaf community was considered a cultural minority, rather than a group of disabled
persons. This is due mostly to the movement called Deaf President Now at Gallaudet University. (The world’s
only University for the Deaf). During that time, Deaf accomplishments in the arts, film, and television brought
wider exposure to the Deaf community. By the 1990s American Sign Language became the fastest growing
language offered as a second or foreign language.
The best way to learn any language, including ASL, is to immerse yourself in the community where the
language is being used.

In learning ASL, the most fundamental and essential point is to recognize and accept that ASL is NOT
English. ASL has its own grammar, structure, and nuances that are designed for the eye, not for the ear,
unlike spoken languages. Remember that ASL makes visual sense and exists as the language used by a
community of people who do not hear.

Also, one word in English can have many separate signs in ASL, depending on the concept. For example,
the English word “get” can mean several different things. Match the signs with the different uses of “get”.
___
___
___
___
___
___
Please get the book…
Please get him…
I don’t get it…
I get tired…
I got home…
I’ve got it…
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
to UNDERSTAND
to HAVE
shoulder tap
to ARRIVE
to GET-SOMETHING
to BECOME

Try not to translate word for word
or sign
by sign.
Try to
visualize the concept instead. Don’t worry about
Concept
continued
on next
page.
not knowing specific signs for the particular English phrase you have in mind; try to communicate by
pointing, miming, and using signs you know, rather than fingerspelling the unknown term.

Remember; don’t fall into the habit of “talking silently” or whispering while you sign. You will learn how
ASL uses the lips as part of its grammar. Using ASL signs, while talking or “mouthing” English is not ASL.

When beginning to learn ASL, signers will want to keep their eyes on the hands of the person who is
signing. With exposure and practice you will learn to watch the signer’s face/eyes primarily and see their
hands simultaneously. ASL is not just signs…it includes specific mouth movements and headshakes and
nods. Eye contact lets the person know you are paying attention.
Where are the “little” words like ‘is’, ‘to’, and ‘are’?
ASL is not English, just as Japanese, Spanish, and Latin are not English. All languages have different ways of
putting words together into correct sentences. If you translate an English sentence word for word into any
other language, or use ASL signs in English word order, the result is not American Sign Language. The
grammar and syntax (the order words are put together) of ASL is different from English. One great example
that hearing people always want to know about: ASL does NOT need the “little” words, such as “is”, “am”,
“are”, “be”, “to” etc., because these words are essentially included in each sign.
Negotiating a Signing Environment
If two signers in conversation are blocking your way, i.e., standing in a doorway or stairwell, you can just walk
through the conversation. You should add a slight head bow and the sign for “excuse me” as you go through.
Don’t stop and wait for them to acknowledge you or give you permission to go through. Passing through a
conversation is not considered rude or inappropriate as long as the disruption is minimal.
If people are standing in one or more group conversations, you should go around or between groups, pressing
people’s backs or shoulders gently to let them know you need space to get through. Do not tap someone’s
shoulder and wait for acknowledgement unless you actually need people to move out of the way (i.e., if you’re
carrying a large object into the room).
If someone unknowingly blocks your view of a conversation, politely ask that person to move aside. Get
his/her attention, and then briefly explain the situation. Alternatively, you could ask the signer to move into a
better view.
Master ASL!: Things to Know and Unit 1
Signing Naturally: Unit 1, 2 & partial CR 1-6