American Sign Language Articles

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-08-2022

Successfully communicating with others in American Sign Language (ASL) starts with learning to sign the manual alphabet, numbers 1 through 10, important expressions, and important one-word questions. And because good communication also involves manners, learning some basic do’s and don’ts of Deaf etiquette is also helpful.

Video / Updated 11-13-2019

Everybody eats, so being able to let people know in American Sign Language (ASL) that you're hungry and what you want to eat is very useful. This video shows a Sign language conversation about what to have for lunch.

Article / Updated 02-21-2017

American Sign Language (ASL), like any other language, allows you to communicate your feelings. You can sign about how that movie made you sad or how seeing your Deaf friend made you happy: Angry: Make the open-5 hand shape, palm toward your face, and pull your hand away from your face, scrunching up your fingers. Your fingers represent the furrows that appear on an angry face. Happy: Place your palms at upper-chest level, hands open and facing your torso, and make little circles with your hands or pat your chest. Sad: Using both hands, place your spread-out fingers at your face, palms toward your head so that you’re peeking out between your fingers. Then, making a drooping face, draw your hands down to approximately shoulder level. Scared: Make loose fists with both hands; place one at shoulder level, the other just above hip level. While making a scared face, move your hands into the open-5 hand shape, wrists crossing each other quickly in front of your body as if you’re protecting your body from something scary. Safe: Cross your arms at your wrists, hands in S shapes, palms facing but not touching your body. Pull your hands apart while twisting palms to face away from your body, stopping at the shoulder area. Keep those S shapes. Sorry: Make a sad, apologetic face. With a hand in the ASL letter S shape, place your fist, palm facing your body, over your heart and make a circle.

Article / Updated 02-08-2017

Making phone calls as a Deaf person is an interesting event. Some Deaf people use a videophone to see who they are conversing with while other Deaf people would rather talk to other people using a traditional telephone. The question is, how do Deaf people use a house phone/landline if they cannot hear? Deafness comes at different levels. While some Deaf people have less residual hearing than other Deaf people, still others can hear clearer than others and may speak for themselves without an interpreter. Nonetheless, there are phone devices that allow Deaf people to read what is being said by the other party and verbally enjoy phone conversation. What's more, if you have a smartphone, you can download an app to receive phone captioning. Or you can purchase a home phone with call captioning or even enable this feature on your personal computer. Call captioning allows a person to read what is being said. The subtitled conversation appears across the phone screen, enabling anyone to have uninterrupted conversation. Some phone devices will allow the caller to increase sound volume, store phone numbers, show previous calls, show who is calling, and speakerphone options to allow the caller to make lunch and still be engaged in chitchat. For call captioning, there are two avenues: 1-line mode and 2-line mode. Either way, it is a simple process. If a person calling does not have captioning capability, they call an 800 phone number to reach a call center, and then they enter the phone number of whom they are calling. The call is connected and captioning may begin. The captioning is typed by a specially trained person. If both parties have captioning capability, this is a 2-line mode and a caller does not need to call a call center for captioning service. There are many companies that act as providers for captioned calls. Make sure that whichever company you choose is registered with the FCC, which means they follow standards of practice that ensure quality service and privacy.

Article / Updated 02-08-2017

The videophone has replaced the TTY for Deaf people calling friends and family, making appointments, and attending to daily business needs. To set up a videophone, all you need is a videophone, Internet connection, and a screen to connect the VP, or videophone. Deaf people do have the option, however, of having an application on their smartphones. A simple click of a button and one can download a means to chat with others via their phones. Video phones, the ones that are left at home, are given without cost from some communication companies. Videophones allow a Deaf person to call another Deaf person without the use of an interpreter. If a Deaf person is calling a person who can hear, an ASL interpreter will answer the phone and process the call. With that, do not be alarmed if a man is calling with a woman's voice, it is just the interpreter. Videophone technology changes rapidly, so it's best to read up on videophones on the Internet to see what kind of phone and service would best fit your needs. In many cases, a videophone is free for Deaf people. Start your search by typing in "videophones" on the Internet. You will see the information and options available. Several companies provide videophones. These companies have their own equipment, technicians, and procedures for how they govern their operations. Any agency that operates a video relay service (VRS) must follow the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines for how it conducts its business. Communicating with videophones Deaf people can communicate using the videophone in one of two ways: Communicating directly: If two people have videophones, they can communicate directly with each other. Many Deaf people have videophones, so if Deaf friends want to talk to each other, they can just call without having to use any kind of relay service. The system can have glitches — the camera may freeze, a disconnection may occur, or the picture may not be as clear as it should be. These problems may be common, but they also happen when hearing people communicate with each other on any phone system or on a video device as well. Communicating via a relay interpreter: If a hearing person doesn't have a videophone but wants to talk to a Deaf person, the two of them need an interpreter who has a compatible device. These relay interpreters work for one of several companies that provide telecommunication services. To work for one of these businesses, interpreters need to show that they have satisfied the minimum requirements of ASL competency. This requires being able to understand what a Deaf person is signing and to sign to the Deaf person what the hearing person is saying. If two Deaf people want to converse but only one has a videophone, it's not uncommon for the person without the videophone to use one at the local library, a friend's home, or any agency that has a videophone. In short, two people must both have videophones to make contact to visually communicate. However, a Deaf person can also use a TTY to call a videophone. The TTY caller dials the operator through a designated phone number, and the TTY operator calls the video relay service. The relay interpreter then contacts the Deaf person who has the videophone. This is a four way conversation: the Deaf person using the TTY, the TTY operator, the relay interpreter, and the Deaf caller on the videophone. What to expect when using a video relay service Using a video relay service is a straightforward process. A person calls the VRS, and the interpreter connects the call. When the other person answers, the interpreter begins the interpreting process. Keep in mind that this is a video relay, and the Deaf person and the interpreter can see each other. Because the process involves two modes of language — one verbal and one visual — there's a slight time delay to go from one language to the other. The interpreter will speak as though she's the person on the other end of the line, so although it may feel strange at first, respond to the interpreter that way. Don't ask the interpreter to tell your friend something; just tell your friend, and the interpreter will take care of signing it for you. In a nutshell, act like the interpreter isn't there and talk directly to your party. Don't get confused. The terms operator and interpreter are often used interchangeably on video relay; the relay interpreter/operator knows ASL, but a TTY operator is an operator who doesn't sign. Keeping quiet what is private A VRS interpreter who is certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) must abide by the Code of Professional Conduct. The most important part of the RID Code is the need to keep information confidential. This is a trust issue, and all interpreters doing any type of interpreting work must follow the Code. So an interpreter cannot repeat information obtained during an assignment (each videophone call is considered an assignment). If an interpreter violates this trust, the violation may be reported to the RID in the form of a grievance. The RID takes this type of complaint very seriously.

Article / Updated 02-08-2017

In the early 1800s, many Deaf schools were established throughout the United States that still exist to this day. It was during this time that manual communication was prospering. In 1880, a Conference for educators of the Deaf took place in Milan, Italy. This was a turning point for American Sign Language (ASL). At this meeting, about seven countries of educators for the Deaf were present, including the United States, Italy, Britain, and France, to name a few. This gathering is known as the Milan Conference or the Second International Congress. There were two schools of thought that dominated the Conference: Oralism and Manualism. Both of these philosophies had their own methods of teaching Deaf children, and each had their own supporters. Oralists believed that lip reading, mouth movement/speech, and sound/auditory training were all needed to give Deaf people a complete education based on learning to speak first. This would impact how Deaf people communicate long after their primary education was complete. This method also dismissed Deaf culture, which is embedded in sign language. Oralists felt that manual communication, sign language, was a hindrance to language development. Alexander Graham Bell was one of the supporters of Oralist education. Manualists believed that sign language, which has its own rules of grammar and structure and its own linguistic evolution, could fulfill all language requirements to teach Deaf children as it is a natural means to communicate. A resolution at the Conference was passed that banned sign language from being used in schools to teach Deaf people. Many Deaf schools suffered from this decision and were closed. Deaf teachers were released, and non-signers were hired in their place. France and Italy supported an Oralist method of teaching while Britain and the United States supported the Manualist method of teaching. Even though the Oralist won the battle of the day, the Manualist grew more resolute in their cause and solidarity. American Sign Language has been preserved to this day in many schools for the Deaf in the United States and around the world.

Article / Updated 02-08-2017

Interpreting for the Deaf community is very much a part of the Deaf experience. Deaf people used to use family members as interpreters. Often the interpreter was usually the first female of the brood. Often when the Deaf parents needed an interpreter, they would rely on their children; professional, certified interpreters with a common standard was not established at this time. The child with Deaf parents would interpret in a variety of situations. Deaf parents would depend on their children as laws requiring companies and agencies to provide ASL interpreters were also not yet established. Deaf parents had to manage their business affairs through children who did their best but often did not have an adult mentality to understand adult things, planning funerals, medical appointments, car sales, apartment leases, and the like. Again, this was by no fault of the Deaf parents; professional interpreters were not what you know of today. In was in 1964 at Ball State Teachers College that the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf had its origins. This was the first meeting for using interpreters for Deaf people. However, Texas did have a society of interpreters that was established before the RID; the Texas Society of Interpreters for the Deaf was established in 1963. Interpreters under the RID must adhere to a professional code of conduct, although this standard has changed throughout the years, confidentiality is still at the top of the list of tenets. Confidentiality is a matter of trust; this must be maintained at all times. Can you imagine a stranger knowing your personal information and telling other people? Think of having a medical appointment and the information gets back to your family; this must not happen. Although confidentiality is not the only tenet, it is the base to a professional relationship. If you cannot be trusted, you will find yourself without work. Deaf etiquette is shown by Deaf having the right to ask if an interpreter is certified. Requesting a male or female interpreter is also appropriate. For a Deaf person to request a certain interpreter or not want a certain interpreter is a common occurrence. There should be no hard feelings, it is both a personal and a professional decision by Deaf people. In turn, interpreters maintain their professional demeanor and do not allow personal experience to interfere with their work; they stay neutral and interpret to the spirit of the message for all assignments. Interpreters are required to maintain their membership with the RID. They must attend professional development workshops and conferences to maintain their certifications. Respect for colleagues and consumers is equally important. You can learn more about ASL interpreters and the RID by going to RID.org.

Article / Updated 02-08-2017

When participating in the Deaf community, a good rule to follow is, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." In other words, when you're with Deaf people, respect their customs; what you don't know, you can figure out by observation and through asking questions. Basically, just watch and learn. Some of the things you may notice include the following: A sense of unity: Depending on the size of the Deaf community, Deaf people congregate at activities such as bowling leagues, Deaf clubs, Deaf plays, and fundraisers. In Los Angeles, the Deaf community is very large. Subgroups inside the community consist of Russians, Chinese, Italians, Hispanics, Jews, and many others. Each of these groups has its own respective traditions, customs, and celebrations. As a whole community, they come together for events such as the Lotus Festival, Deaf West Theater, and Deaf Awareness Month. ASL pride: Deaf people speak of American Sign Language (ASL) quite often in conversations. You may attend plays and parties where ASL is the main topic. The Deaf community is very proud and protective of this language, so it's often a hot topic. Signing speed: When you watch Deaf people in conversation and you can't understand anything that's signed, don't lose heart. Novice signers often don't understand Deaf nuances and abbreviations, and they often have a hard time keeping up. Stay with ASL; before you know it, you'll be signing like a pro. And, just so you know, few things are more volatile in the Deaf world than a hearing person who, having taken a semester or two of ASL classes, proceeds to lecture a Deaf person because he or she doesn't sign the way the teacher instructed. Finding your place in the Deaf community As you find yourself with phone numbers of Deaf friends and invitations to Deaf socials, you'll be well on your way to being a constant student of ASL. Like everyone who studies, learning new ways of signing ideas will be commonplace. The possibility of going to school to professionally hone your skill and take classes in Sign may be an endeavor you soon realize. Many people have no deafness in their families and learn ASL and Deaf culture at a rudimentary level. Time takes care of the rest as it gives way to proficiency through practice. Some people have Deaf siblings or Deaf parents and know ASL through this avenue and understand Deaf culture because of them. These people have had deafness in their lives from the beginning. All people who enter the Deaf world face a certain dynamic. Think of the dynamic as a bull's eye. At the center is the core Deaf community leaders; these are the movers and shakers of the Deaf world. The next ring is the Deaf community as a whole. The next ring are Children of Deaf Adults, or CODAs, who are hearing people who choose to become interpreters. Following them are interpreters who have no Deafness in their respective families. On the outer ring are those who provide services to the Deaf community members but still have the ability to sign. These are teachers of the Deaf and can hear — vocational rehabilitation counselors, teachers at Deaf schools, and professional workers who provide services for the Deaf. Communicating with new Deaf friends for the first time Joining the Deaf community is not something that anyone can just decide to do. Attending your first Deaf function with the Deaf person who invited you is appropriate. Attending a Deaf social without first receiving an invitation is never a good idea. As you arrive, your host, the one who invited you, will introduce you to his or her friends, explain how you know each other, and mention that you're learning ASL. Saying both your first and last name is customary, and a good rule of thumb is to let people know that you can hear and that you're learning Sign. They'll know this already by watching your lack of fluidity in the language; however, through this admittance and vulnerability, bonds of trust are made. As you walk through the social, you'll notice Deaf people signing in fluent ASL, but when they see you approaching, they'll revert to signing in an English word order while using their voices. They do this to accommodate you. They already know that you can't keep up with their pace or fluency, and they change their modes of communication to make sure you can understand the conversation. This is called code switching. After you depart from the conversation, you'll notice that the Deaf people will go back to turning off their voices and will converse in proper ASL. Don't take this personally as an offense. The gesture of using more English by the Deaf folks for your benefit — code switching — is something that all hearing people experience when they attend Deaf socials for the first time.

Article / Updated 02-08-2017

Being sensitive to Deaf people is a part of Deaf etiquette that's really for the hearing. Deaf people already know what it means to be Deaf, but those who can hear probably never think about the day-to-day struggles that the Deaf have to overcome in this world. Getting close to a Deaf person requires a little vulnerability on both sides. Many Deaf people are just as insecure about not being understood as you are, but most of them are patient and incredibly skilled at getting their point across to you. Like all people, the Deaf come from all walks of life. Deaf men and women have the same careers that hearing people do — they're doctors, lawyers, teachers, homemakers, construction workers, and so on. Living together in a hearing world Here are some tips and hints to keep in mind when interacting with Deaf people: As your signing progresses, a Deaf person may ask if your parents are Deaf. This is a high compliment about your signing. It doesn't mean that you're fluent in ASL, but it does mean that your signing or facial expressions have characteristics of being influenced by someone who's a native signer. When visiting Deaf people, don't assume that you can just walk into the house because they can't hear the doorbell. Deaf people have strobe lights that are connected to the doorbell and the phone. If you're out having a meal with a Deaf person, don't feel obligated to order for the person unless you're asked, even if it's just to practice your Sign. Deaf people have been eating in restaurants longer than you've been friends, and they're accustomed to pointing to an item on the menu for the server. As you learn more signs, do your best to sign when you're talking with your hearing friends and a Deaf person joins the conversation. Signing what you're saying may be difficult, but you'll be able to do it in time with practice, and doing so helps the Deaf person feel included if 0068e or she knows what you're saying. Getting the Deaf perspective No doubt you see that knowing Sign is just one piece (albeit a large one) of the puzzle to understanding the Deaf community. To really get a grasp on Deaf etiquette and culture, you have to get involved with the Deaf community. One sure way to get involved is to take an introductory ASL course from a Deaf instructor. Although you can find some awesome Sign instructors who can hear, a Deaf Sign instructor can teach from the Deaf perspective and is most likely a native signer. An introductory class gives you exposure to signs, interaction with others and, hopefully, an opportunity to learn from Deaf guest speakers. You also get an understanding of the many signing styles that different people possess. An instructor can guide you as to where Deaf activities are taking place, who Deaf community leaders may be, and issues concerning the local community. Consider this class to be a segue to the Deaf community.

Article / Updated 02-08-2017

The roots of American Sign Language (ASL) run fairly deep. Although early Greek writings refer to manual communication, no one knows whether those writings refer to just a few gestures or an actual alternative language using signs. Hippocrates studied deafness, and Socrates believed that it was a natural occurrence for Deaf people to communicate manually. Juan Pablo Benet (1579–1629) wrote the first book, published in 1620, on how to teach Deaf people. He incorporated gestures, fingerspelling, writing, and speech. You can find sign languages in every country throughout the world. Some countries, such as Canada and the United States, have similar sign languages, and their spoken languages are also similar. However, this isn't always the case. ASL is unique among the world's sign languages because it has had many influences and has influenced many sign languages of the world. When and how ASL began Many people believe that ASL was strongly influenced by the work of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc in the early 1800s at the American Asylum in Hartford, Connecticut. Another influence of ASL's origin goes back long before the arrival of Gallaudet and Clerc. In the 17th century, Deaf people were living in the United States. They lived in their own communities on Martha's Vineyard and made their livings as farmers and fishermen. Most of these inhabitants were descendants of people who'd moved to America from England. Two hundred years later, their descendants were still living there and attending the American School for the Deaf under Clerc and Gallaudet. Many believe that the signs brought to America by these educators and the signs used by the Martha's Vineyard population are largely responsible for today's ASL. ASL isn't related to English, although it borrows from English — as many spoken languages do. ASL has a word order that's different from English, and it has its own idioms, jokes, and poetry — all unrelated to English. People who support ASL believe that anything can be taught in ASL because it's a language guided by properties. Sign is visually based. An object, such as a person, animal, or thing, needs to be understood by two parties before any information can be signed concerning the subject. Some people believe that this is the natural process for language. Many languages are based on this idea — it's the noun-verb rule. You need to name an object before you can discuss it. The origins of deaf education Thomas Gallaudet (1787–1851) was a minister and an educator whose neighbor, Alice Cogswell, was a 9-year-old Deaf child. He traveled in Europe to study educational methods for teaching the Deaf. While in the British Isles, Gallaudet met Laurent Clerc and two of his companions, who invited him to France to study the educational methods of teaching the Deaf using manual communication. He sailed back to the United States with Clerc, and they raised money and established the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut. Alice Cogswell was one of its first graduates.