American Sign Language (ASL) Lesson 15

American Sign Language (ASL) Lesson 15
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- Dr. Bill
:)

[@sign-language]

Hello ASL Heroes!!! If you’ve enjoyed these lessons or videos you are invited to help support ASL University. A donation from you would instantly make a big difference here at the studio because teachers don’t earn much and I could use some help paying for server and domain hosting for the ASL University website: Lifeprint.com. There's an easy way you can help out your humble (as well as kind, caring, generous, compassionate, helpful, friendly, fair, and hard-working) ASL teacher. Just click on the Paypal (donation) link below and you can be an "above and beyond" ASL Hero! www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=64QMBRBXQSV6G Thanks! - Dr. Bill ========================== p.s. Want to have your very own USB drive with four semesters worth of ASL instruction (that’s the equivalent of two years of colleges classes) for just $79.95? See "SuperUSB" in the ASLUniversity bookstore at: lifeprint.com/bookstore/bookstore.htm Take care and my best to you all. :)

[@Mishy82193]

i made it to #15! Took the whole summer & now i'll be ready for my ASL 1 class haha! Thanks Bill for these videos :D

[@sarah33peter]

i wish i could take your class as well best teacher i have seen yet!!!!

[@nancyperezrealtor6294]

You teach so well. The time goes by so quickly because of how enjoyable you make the lessons. Very interesting. Thank you. You are the best.

[@demonslayer783]

Whoever is here in 2k17 and after...congratulations! Now, you may take a moment to relish your accomplishment. Give yourself a pat on the back. You deserve it.

[@KisDraga]

Yay!! Finished level one! I just started practicing with a tutour last week. She was really impressed by how well I was able to get on with our completely voice off conversation. I'm hoping to meet with her once a week ,or so, as I continue into level 2. You are an amazing teacher, Dr. Bill!

[@adrianaUCLA]

Your videos crack me up!! I wish I could take your classes!

[@talktothehands4783]

Finally finished ASL 1! I have learned a lot. Thanks, Bill!

[@sign-language]

Great job!

[@guadalupeavina8288]

Thank you so much for these videos, learning ASL has always been difficult for me I give up😥 But you make it so easy and I'm actually very proud of my self 🎉 I'm not giving up this time thanks to you for make it so easy and fun

[@Ciaracade]

YAY now on to the HD version :D Ill miss Kateyln tho.....

[@DESIGNSBYLUZ]

Thank you, Dr. Bill The Lessons are very helpful!

[@demonslayer783]

Oops!..looks like i have finished chapter 1. This calls for celebration. Ooraah!! ✌💢💢🎊🎉🎆 Sorry for the noise, guys!! P.s : thank you Mr Bill and Kaetlyn

[@laurasuris]

Bill Vicars is the one who knocks... Breaking Bad ASL Edition

[@mtchin08]

hello! are you going to post up more lessons ? like 16- 30 on youtube?

[@princess9200]

Hey Bill why is the word" Secretary" the letter K to your Lip and then down to the right hand....Just wondering if im seeing it wrong?

[@lindasmith6316]

Love all these classes! Just wish my computer rez was a a little bit clearer. I have it as high as it will go...anyway,I have come this far and will continue!!!

[@sign-language]

I agree totally (regarding the video resolution). Next semester I plan on redoing the Level 1 videos in 4K resolution. I just wish I could time-travel and bring Katelyn "back to the future" as my student model.

[@p.loveland6341]

Yes, of all the student-assistants I've viewed, she's the best.

[@katiemills9841]

Hey Bill! I was curious about something. So many of my friends (who are hearing) and I are learning ASL. On most occasions we find that we have tendency to use PSE in our conversations for longer sentences. Do deaf people care if we use PSE? Or do they prefer the ASL structure? Thanks Katie

[@sign-language]

Yes, "we" care about and prefer ASL grammar. However, "we" is a dangerous word since it implies "all of us" yet there is so much diversity within the Deaf community. So let's take a broad perspective: People tend to gravitate toward "efficiency" in language. ASL grammar is more efficient for visual communication than the grammar of voice-based languages. So it is natural for "most" users of ASL to prefer ASL when given the option. On the other hand (heh) "we" (people in general) also get bored and gravitate toward "entertainment, beauty, or novelty" (which is why people will pay money for someone to sing (yes, I spelled "sing") a song -- even though "singing" --regardless of being done via hands or voice is arguably less efficient than regular voicing or signing). We are willing to put up with language inefficiency if we get something valuable in return (a new friend, access to resources, etc.) ASL instructors (myself included) tend to overly focus on the aspects of ASL grammar that are divergent from English grammar since our students (generally) already know English grammar. Check out this link for more discussion: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/subject-verb-object-asl-sentence-structure.htm

[@chloebevilacqua1718]

Hi Bill, I was wondering where I could access the asl 2 videos, I looked at your comment to Crash64100 but when I checked the website there was only a starter pack and asl 3 videos. Thanks so much!

[@sign-language]

You can order all four levels in .mp4 format on a USB thumbdrive called the "ASL-Super-USB" from my bookstore at: lifeprint.com/bookstore/bookstore.htm Or if money is tight, the Level 2 Videos can be viewed for free from my "billvicars" KZbin channel in a playlist.

[@sign-language]

Sinaloren22, Hello :) At 21:23 I asked Katelyn if there are any "mechanical engineers" in her family. "ANY WRENCH MEASURE PERSON?" The sign WRENCH-PERSON could also mean "plumber" or just "mechanic." The sign MEASURE-PERSON is often interpreted to mean "engineer." Context (the rest of the sentence and the overall conversation topic) is important in helping you figure out what any particular sign "means."

[@sinaloren22]

21:23 What are you signing that she responds is her cousin?

[@guadalupeavina8288]

Mechanic

[@louiescorner2793]

Hi Bill. I was wondering if there is a "trick" to learning the sentence structure in ASL. It is different in English. Instead of saying "Where are you going?" You sign "Go where you?" And so on in different advanced sentences.

[@sign-language]

+Louie's Corner Louie, Imagine someone who doesn't speak English going to an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and saying, "English is different from my native language. Could you share with me a "trick" to speaking English well in a variety of circumstances?" There is no "trick." Just "time," "effort," "study," and "practice." I'll share with you a few concepts here that may help you develop a foundation of understanding of ASL grammar: All languages use a variety of “word orders” - depending on what the speaker is trying to “do” with his/her sentence. Likewise -- ASL follows several different "word orders" depending on what you are trying to accomplish. Which word order you choose depends on your audience's familiarity with the topic and what you are trying to do: Explain, remind, confirm, negate, cause to consider, etc. A lot of the confusion (of beginning sign language students) has to do with the fact that you can use either a subject or object as your "topic" in a sentence. If you use the subject as your topic, you are using "active voice." Example: The boy threw the ball. (BOY THROW BALL) If you use the object as your topic your are using "passive voice." Example: The ball was thrown by the boy. (BALL? BOY THROW). Note that the active voice: BOY THROW BALL is definitely SUBJECT-VERB-OBJECT word order. The passive voice is: OBJECT-SUBJECT-VERB word order. Both of those can be considered TOPIC COMMENT: Topic: BOY Comment: THROW BALL (active voice) Topic: BALL Comment: BOY THROW (passive voice) In the passive voice sentence the "ball," which is actually the object, is being used as the topic, and the comment is that it "was thrown by the boy." So, you can see that the topic can be either a subject or an object. A "topic" is simply that to which a comment is referring. A topic is what you are talking about. My topic can be a "BOY" or it can be the "BALL" he is throwing. The BOY can be the subject of the sentence: BOY THROW BALL The BOY can be the object of the sentence. BALL HIT BOY The BALL can be the subject of the sentence. BALL HIT BOY The BALL can be the object of the sentence. BOY THROW BALL My comment can be "THROW BALL" My comment can be "HIT BOY" Therefore a TOPIC-COMMENT sentence structure can use either a SUBJECT-VERB-OBJECT word order, or it can use an OBJECT, SUBJECT VERB word order. When you use "OBJECT, SUBJECT VERB" order you tend to do something called "topicalizing" or you are using "topicalization.“ Topicalization is the process of using a certain set of behaviors to introduce the object of your sentence and turn it into your topic. You do this by using "yes/no question expression" (raised eyebrows) while signing the topic, and then making a comment about the topic. During the comment portion of your sentence your facial expression should match the intent of the comment, (negation, affirmation, declaration). At this point in the discussion you might be wondering: "When should I use passive voice instead of active voice?" Another way to ask that same question is, "When should you use topicalization?" Yet, another way to ask that same question, "When should you put the object at the front of the sentence while raising your eyebrows?" There are several situations when you should topicalize. A few examples applying to ASL are: 1. Unknown subject: When the subject is unknown: MY WALLET? GONE! (I don't know why it is missing, if it was stolen, or who stole it. Thus to state this with active voice I'd have to sign something to the effect of, "SOMONE STOLE MY WALLET" - which takes longer.) 2. Irrelevancy: MY CAR? SOLD! (It doesn't really matter who sold it. What matters is that the process is over. So why should I waste time explaining who sold it? Maybe it was my friend's uncle that sold it to his coworker. So what? It's gone!) 3. Expediency: MY iPHONE? FOUND! (If I explained to you last week that was at the county fair and lost my mobile device I don't want to have to explain it to you again if you still remember what I told you before. So I sign "iPHONE" with my eyebrows up and then when you nod in recognition that tells me you do indeed remember the conversation, then I go ahead and tell you that it was found.) Some instructors overemphasize topicalization or give the impression that the majority of ASL communication is topicalized. The fact is most ASL sentences are simply SUBJECT-VERB (transitive)-OBJECT, example: "BOY THROW BALL" or are SUBJECT-VERB (intransitive), for example: "HE LEFT." Now let's be clear that TOPIC COMMENT is not the same thing as topicalization. TOPIC COMMENT means stating a topic and then making a comment. Topicalization means that you are using the object of the sentence as the topic and introducing it using yes/no question expressions followed by a comment. You can use TOPIC COMMENT sentence structure without using topicalization. You can also use TOPIC COMMENT sentence structure by using topicalization. You can use TOPIC COMMENT sentence structure by using SUBJECT-VERB-OBJECT You can use TOPIC COMMENT sentence structure by using SUBJECT-VERB. For example: "HE RUN." You can use TOPIC COMMENT sentence structure by using SUBJECT-NOUN. For example: "HE HOME" = "He is home." You can use TOPIC COMMENT sentence structure by using SUBJECT-ADJECTIVE. For example: "HE TALL" = "He is tall." You can use TOPIC COMMENT sentence structure by using OBJECT, SUBJECT-VERB. For example: "MONEY? she-GIVE-me." All of the above constitutes only a partial list of ways to express grammatically correct ASL. In each case the topic is simply what you are "talking about." Compare: YOUR TEACHER, WHO? (Topicalized: Y/N? followed by WH? expression) vs. WHO YOUR TEACHER? (WH? Expression held throughout the sentence) (non-topicalized) "Topicalization" is not the norm in extended Deaf conversations and is reserved for specific purposes in certain contexts. Remember: Topicalization and "topic comment" have two different meanings. A "topic comment" (TC) sentence can either topicalized or non-topicalized: TC Topicalized: YOUR MOM? YESTERDAY I MET! (Your mom is the topic.) -- Uses OVS. TC Non-topicalized: YESTERDAY I MET YOUR MOM! (I am the topic.) Uses SVO. TC Topicalized: MY CAT? DIED! (Your cat is the topic.) TC Non-topicalized: MY CAT DIED! (Your cat is still the topic.) (Note: the word "MY" in those sentences is an "attributive adjective.") In general in ASL we tend to put "wh" type signs (who, what, when, where, why, & how) at the end of long or complex question sentences using those “wh”-type signs. To understand why we do this it helps to realize that it feels strange and/or uncomfortable to hold a WH facial expression (furrowed eyebrows) for the duration of a medium length or longer sentence (four signs or more). So we tend to move the WH question to the end. The facial expressions we use in ASL to form questions are the equivalent of how Hearing people raise the tone of their voice. Here is the thing to understand though, when Hearing people ask very short questions, they raise the tone of their voice throughout the whole question. Hearing people do this because the meaning of this very short utterance is actually made more clear by using the raised tone of voice throughout the whole sentence (since the duration is so short). Try it yourself. Say "Are you GOING?" and only emphasize the last word. Then voice it again and emphasize all three words: "ARE YOU GOING?" You will probably think that it feels "weird" to try to say "Are you" (normal voice) and then switch over to "GOING?" (high tone) for just the last word. It feels "better" to just say all three words in high tone since the sentence is so short. It is more smooth and less jarring to use one tone for a short sentence than to try to cram two different tones into a three word question. Just as common (for Hearing people) is to say "You going?" -- with a rise in the voice taking place of the "are." Which is to say, Hearing people often do not "say" the word "are" but rather indicate "are" by raising the voice. The same thing applies to signed conversations using short three-concept questions. Very short questions can use the WH question at the beginning of the sentence since it becomes more smooth and "economical" to form one facial expression for a three-sign sentence using a non-topicalized sentence structure than it is to form two different facial expressions for a 3-sign sentence using a topicalized sentence structure. Now, how do advanced signers really ask where someone is from? We sometimes don't even use the sign "WHERE." We often just sign “YOU FROM?” while using furrowed eyebrows! The "where" concept is expressed by the furrowed eyebrows and thus doesn't need a separate sign. I like to write that as: "YOU where-FROM?" I lowercase the word "where" in the gloss as my way of indicating that it is "included" in the concept (as a facial expression) but doesn't use a separate sign. Also, we tend to drop the sign YOU from that question if it is obvious to whom we are asking the question. If we are meeting three new people we might tend to add "YOU" or "YOU-plural/sweep" to the sentence to clarify exactly to whom we are asking the question. - Dr. Bill

[@StrawberryPhys]

+Bill Vicars Wow! What a great explanation. Thank you! I've been learning through the videos about the wh at the end. It makes sense. Thanks so much for all of this info. It is getting harder but you make it fun. You're a great teacher!

[@MarilynKBlair]

+Bill Vicars - That is one amazing answer! I appreciate the clarification. I find ASL sentence structure intriguing and confusing in about the same measure. Your explanation was helpful, thanks!

[@user-hg2he8fj8z]

@@sign-language wow thank u so much for taking the time to fully explain that! that was the most helpful thing I have read with asl structure. you're amazing!!

[@ashg8043]

The sign Bill uses at 9:41... Anyone catch the meaning? Its a H handshape near his chin (after he spells Belinda). Might be showing some ignorance here, but I can't pick up what it indicates.

[@sign-language]

You are seeing me do the sign for "honey" as in "Hi honey! Are you watching?" See: "honey" kzbin.info/www/bejne/epu8e2xnlNh6mc0 ============================ How to use ASL University to learn sign language for free: 1. Visit Lifeprint.com and become familiar with the ASL University website. 2. Bookmark the official ASLU KZbin master playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL6akqFwEeSpiLwRFA3ZvuOWMwPXwI7NqA 3. For quick reviews (to prevent memory extinction) bookmark the "Signs" channel playlist page: kzbin.infoplaylists or more specifically: kzbin.infoplaylists?view=50&sort=dd&shelf_id=1 4. If you use a desktop or laptop computer you can look up signs using this page: www.lifeprint.com/search.htm 5. If you use a mobile device you can look up signs using this page: www.lifeprint.com/search/index.htm 6. If you can’t find a sign after using the search options at Lifeprint.com then consider applying to join the Lifeprint-ASLU Facebook group and asking your question there. See: facebook.com/groups/Lifeprint.ASLU/ 7. Go through the ASLU Lessons for free: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/lessons/lessons.htm Your comments, questions, or suggestions are always welcome. To contact Dr. Bill Vicars, see: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/contact.htm If you like the free LIfeprint.com lessons you might enjoy the low-cost subscription version of the lessons. For information see: lifeprint.com/asltc/ Ways to support the ASL University channel: * Click the “thumb up” (like) icon on videos at KZbin.com/billvicars * Click the “subscribe” button at KZbin.com/billvicars (if you haven't done so yet) * Click the “Share” link and share the videos. * Buy some ASL University “official” clothing or ASLU gear: teespring.com/stores/aslu * Donate via: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=64QMBRBXQSV6G * For other donation options, see: www.Lifeprint.com/donate.htm If you have any friends who might be in a position to do so you might want to consider inviting them to donate -- thus supporting Deaf children and the promotion of free sign language resources via Lifeprint.com

[@lindakruger1664]

Bill.. What is the difference in signing Insurance or infection? Is it strictly related to context?? Thanks. I am really finding your CD extremely beneficial. Thank you !! Linda Kruger

[@sign-language]

The difference between the signs for INSURANCE and INFECTION is indeed in context plus sometimes in facial expression.

[@elisejackson2854]

at 17:49 what does that mean again?

[@chellas2985]

become

[@ler918]

What did Dr. Bill want to be when he grew up, around 18:00? I've replayed several times, but just not getting the fingerspelling as I should. Thank you!

[@ler918]

I refused to give up on this, ha. Time management consultant?? Still confused because I think Katelyn has an R in there??

[@sign-language]

Laurren, you got it (in your other post). I wanted to grow up to be a "Time management consultant." (Ha!) Katelyn was working hard to get her fingers to keep up with mine.

[@ler918]

Bill Vicars thank you! I was hoping you’d reply! Once I got it, I was like, but he wants to be a time management consultant?! Is that a thing?! Ha. I think I need one of those. ;) Appreciate you always checking the comments.

[@Crash64100]

Is lesson 15 the last vid in this series?

[@sign-language]

Crash64100 Crash, The "ASL University" Curriculum at Lifeprint.com is divided into "levels" of 15 lessons each. Thus "Level 1" consists of Lessons 1 through 15. You can find the actual lessons and individual "sign" pages over at Lifeprint. The Level 2 videos are available for sale as a fundraiser for Lifeprint over in my little online bookstore at lifeprint.com/bookstore/bookstore.htm -Dr. Bill

[@natali1856]

Did Katelyn continue studying ASL?

[@DinoDraw]

I don't know but she is pretty! 😍

[@ikahernandez5606]

👏🏻👏🏻

[@KirbytheRagdollCat]

Will Katelyn be back for any future videos? 😁

[@sign-language]

She graduated and moved on to a career in nursing (where I'm sure she occasionally gets the chance to use her signing skills).

[@lydiatully8417]

What's the name of the woman in this video?

[@sign-language]

The student's name is "Katelyn."

[@parkedee548]

We should know, we learned to sign it with her ;)

[@Anonymous-bx9xt]

my deaf friends sign Step mother and Step father differently

[@sign-language]

christian Christian, The concept of "step" as in "stepfather" or "stepmother" varies quite a bit in the Deaf community. 1. SECOND (which can mean: "step" as in "stepfather/stepmother", "used" as in a "secondhand car," "your turn", etc. 2. S-T-E-P (spell it) 3. FALSE (which is commonly used for "foster" as in foster parents. 4. STEP (As in take a step. I don't recommend using this to sign "stepfather or stepmother." 5. I've got a friend who touches the tip of the thumb of an "L" hand on her forehead and flicks the index finger once. So, if you are able to describe how your Deaf friends sign it, please do share. Knowing lots of variations helps you to become a powerful signer.

[@Anonymous-bx9xt]

The way my deaf friends sign stepmother, and stepfather is they make the I love you sign. Then they place there thumb on there chin for stepmother, and for stepfather, they place there thumb on there forehead. That's the best way I can describe it. I work with four deaf people I'm the only hearing person at my job! So I really appreciate your videos they help me so much! I would be so lost without your online teaching!

[@ramzitunis81]

hi wow you i love you yes :)

[@le2458]

I'm so sorry I can't figure out for the life of me what word you're finger spelling at 0:29. Edit: main?

[@sign-language]

Tip: Try watching my student assistant's hand just after the 0:37 mark. You can see her hand straight on. Try using the space bar to freeze the video and then use the right arrow (comma key) to advance frame by frame. If that doesn't help, then visit the lesson page at: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/lessons/lesson15.htm and check out the vocabulary list. What I'm spelling to her is included in the vocabulary list as one of the synonyms of "major" (it is a synonym in ASL not necessarily English). Excelsior!

[@le2458]

@@sign-language Thank you so much, I just got stuck on one letter I think but in general I really need to practice my fingerspelling/reading! I really appreciate the reply and resources!

[@quicksilver753]

S.T.E.P brother what-do?

[@aprilsfaces1173]

I was okay with Katelyn until she made that comment about President Obama 🙄

[@sign-language]

I took a look and found it (so I could review it. Right around time code: 32:55 I asked her if she likes President Obama and she replied "sort of." -------- As far as comments go, hers was rather neutral and inoffensive. Moving on.

[@aprilsfaces1173]

Bill Vicars I just saw your original reply! Although taking offense is more subjective, it seriously wasn’t a big deal, especially in the year 2020 😹 by the time you get to this video we feel like you know you guys so I was more so let down by my “friends” comment LOL