Learn ASL: 50 Phrases to Sign with Store or Restaurant Customers! (Basic beginner sign language)

Learn how to sign in American Sign Language! TIMESTAMPS BELOW! Jump ahead!
... This is a basic, beginner-level introduction to a few signs and phrases that may be relevant to store and restaurant employees communicating with customers. If you serve customers in your sales/service job, then these signs may help you communicate with your Deaf clientele!
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Below is a full list of signs in the above video, with the timestamp so you can skip ahead to your desired sign. Any additional signs you'd like to learn? Feel free to comment and I'll add them to lists for future videos.
Signs in Order:
HELLO (0:24)
WELCOME (0:29)
HOW-ARE YOU? (0:44)
"Can I help you?" (0:59)
"Are you Deaf?" (1:27)
"Do you sign?" (1:53)
YES (2:14)
NO (2:28)
"I know a little" (2:52)
PLEASE (3:25)
SORRY (3:35)
UNDERSTAND (3:50) - followed by "Do you understand?" and "I don't understand."
AGAIN (4:30)
SLOW (4:40)
"Sorry, I don't understand. Please sign again, slowly" (4:51)
PAPER (5:04)
WANT (5:17)
"Want paper to write?" (5:44)
"What do you want?" (6:24)
HAVE (6:42)
"Yes, we have that." (6:54)
"No, we don't have that / don't have any" (7:00)
"Are you ready?" (7:22)
"Ready to order?" (7:34)
FOOD (7:50)
"Your food is ready." (8:00)
"Are you done?" / "Are you finished?" (8:15)
"Is this all?" / "Will that be all?" (8:29)
PAY (8:43)
"Are you ready to pay?" (9:24)
"You can pay over there" (9:33)
"Where do I pay?" (9:40)
"The register is over there" (9:58)
"How are you paying?" (10:02)
CASH (10:10)
CREDIT (card) (10:25)
"Are you paying with cash or credit?" (10:35)
"Cash only" (10:50)
MONEY (11:12)
COST / FEE / PRICE (11:20)
DOLLAR (11:32)
ALL TOGETHER (11:50)
On Sale / Reduced cost (12:12)
CHEAP (12:37)
EXPENSIVE (12:45)
FREE / no price (12:54)
THANK-YOU (13:05)
"Thank you for coming" (13:11)
"Have a good day!" (14:00)
"Goodbye!" (14:00)
Get more free learning tips and practice:
aslmeredith.com/newsletter
Serious about signing? Join my online beginner course:
bit.ly/ASLbeginner

[@NatNat-wv6tu]

Shoutout to everyone watching this for the solid purpose of being able to help others ‼️

[@sharmaynejackson5655]

Meeee 🙏🏼❤️

[@Talk2MeNice]

I have a customer who is deaf that has come to my job twice already so I really want to learn at least the basics so they have a great shopping experience!

[@angeliagallardo1263]

Melanie Castro I have the same thing. He’s super friendly and does his best to communicate and bring a smile to everyone’s face so I want to be able to do the same for him.

[@charcola66]

Yeah! I'm using it for my job because I know that deaf people have to go through so much just to order a meal.

[@moonscrylic8915]

I watch because I want a deaf friend and I want to be able to help them TwT

[@charlottestarnes5821]

My brain at 4 am like "Hey remember that one deaf person that came in to order food months ago?" and here i am.

[@ryanchurn7737]

I know right? I always feel bad that I can't help customers because they're deaf.

[@GuitarGirl_Sophia]

LITERALLY SAME

[@anar7619]

When you do these signs at different angles it helps a lot

[@ASLMeredith]

I'm so glad you find this format helpful, Anastasiya!

[@tararocksong5085]

It does, really much since sometimes people can use the wrong hand to make a sign.

[@blondy51091]

hello i am 16 years old and work at a fast food restaurant . I had a deaf customer come in the other day. Thanks to this video i was able to communicate enough to get them a pen and paper and pen to communicate.

[@ASLMeredith]

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing, George - keep up the good work!

[@meganodea4260]

@@tammygee1124 ive been learning on my own since 14, im now 15 😊

[@evasmojang]

@@meganodea4260 Me too since 13! Although I'm 14 now.

[@bred-et4pb]

I'm 10 learning it.

[@iiiEllxrie]

@@bred-et4pb I'm eleven and learning ASL, I don't really need it though. I'm learning for this KZbin couple called 'Sign Duo' I just want to be able to watch the video without closed captions.

[@theradioghost8440]

I work in a grocery store and I have a really lovely deaf couple who come in every week and I feel so bad not being able to properly communicate with them. I knew “yes””no” “hi” and “thank you.” But I wanted to be able to give them the same level of service as our other customers. This is so so helpful! Thank you!!!

[@kicksandgiggles18]

I've worked in retail off and on for 10 years and I have always felt bad when I couldn't communicate with deaf or hard of hearing customers. I am trying to learn ASL and these videos are super helpful! Thank you!

[@ASLMeredith]

Thank you for the kind feedback, Courtney! I'm so glad you find these videos useful :)

[@jennachack]

Courtney Ray me too! thats why I started learning then I fell in love with ASL

[@TheJess124]

You are such a good person! Im trying to learn for the same reason but some people simply don't care to learn so thanks for being awesome

[@nadiapierre4821]

I feel the same way. At least i can use Thank you as a "Youre welcome" if need be. This video is going to help a lot working at a grocery store.

[@sBabysKid-nk8eh]

Courtney Ray 👌🏼

[@jennifergarcia2450]

I appreciate finding ASL videos being super accessible and easy to understand. I have been super dedicated to learn to sign after a terrible encounter where a woman who was deaf couldn't speak to me at a restaurant and her husband blew up on her and made her feel absolutely terrible about me not being able to understand. I will never forget her shame and embarrassed as he yelled "this is why I hate taking you anywhere" I was so heartbroken and shared her shame. Learning basic ASL should be taught in schools.

[@ASLMeredith]

Oh wow, that IS a shame :( I couldn't agree more that basic ASL should be taught more widely to better facilitate communication. Kudos for taking the initiative to learn so that you can communicate with your customers!

[@nararabbit1]

Woooow. That guy is TRASH for treating his wife like that! I would've had a hard time not giving him the international sign for F---- you!

[@khaliaf]

This comment is so sad :(

[@manidk9891]

i would risk getting fired to call him out i have so much sympathy for deaf people who are being insulted just for being deaf. they cant fucking hear like thats the only thing that makes them different and ASL is probably much easier compared to other languages but yeah not worth being with that dick

[@emilyb5307]

Jennifer Garcia That sounds horrible! Yeah, I haven't had a bad experience yet, but I want to be prepared so that as a cashier I can properly help the people I work with- I want to be at least basically equipped to help everyone.

[@montanadykes5809]

I'm learning ASL for my customers and it always makes them so happy that a hearing person is learning to talk with them. I had this one lady cry and say thank you because not many hearing people can sign. I started to learn after my first encounter with a hoh person. It's a beautiful language that I think schools should teach.

[@BrycenTara]

I know this is an old post but I want to say I agree. I think it should be a basic thing in school

[@TheBiggestBruh]

​@@BrycenTara As someone who still goes to school, I wish we could all be taught this language. It has so many benefits and can helped so many hoh people!

[@kaileeburris402]

I would love some restaurant specific signs such as “ table or booth?” “Reservation ?” “ how many in your party ? “ “allergies ? “ etc

[@ASLMeredith]

Awesome! I have a request form linked in my bio

[@strangeity]

I started my first job a few months ago and had my first deaf customer the other day. I felt so bad that I only had rudimentary knowledge of a couple signs and it wasn’t at all enough to properly help him or talk to him like I talk to other customers. I couldn’t even ask him how he was. I’m hoping that he comes back so I can show him that he’s just as important as the other guests, or that the next time I have a deaf guest I’ll be able to properly communicate with them and tell them to have a good day.

[@ASLMeredith]

YESSS LOVE. Keep up the good work! Great that you knew a few signs already and are learning more. Thanks for sharing and for treating your customers well!

[@LunaBell08]

Hello! I currently work in security, and I understand that it can be frustrating or even frightening to go through the whole ordeal of being scanned with hand wands, or having to empty pockets, checking bags, etc. especially if one can't understand what they need to do. Can you make a video for security workers to talk and ask questions to patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing? We have to ask things like, "May we scan you/do a pat down?" And "You have to take [object] back to your car or throw it away." And "Empty your pockets," and things like that.

[@mamibg87]

Nina Evermore Would like to see a vid for this too, please. Signing in the airport.

[@saintpearl5429]

I'm not sure about those specific phrases. But there are KZbin videos made by deaf people about signs they wish police officers knew. Some of might help

[@gerryberry4763]

I felt so awesome and helpful when I helped a customer who was deaf!!!!!! He was so happy too!! And laughed cuz i wasn't all that good or fast XD But he understood!! Thank you!!

[@ASLMeredith]

That's wonderful! I'm glad you're able to use ASL in your workplace with customers. No matter how "good" or quick your signing is, it's great to make the effort to communicate visually. Keep up the good work!

[@jocelynar6165]

Thats awesome :D there was once a deaf supply teacher in our school and i felt rly bad cause i couldnt help her or ask her for help. i am not learning sign so i can communicate with them.

[@ykelshaw]

I have a wonderful couple that comes to our restaurant regularly, and the woman is deaf. She is going to be so thrilled with the signs I have learned from you, and I will be learning MUCH more! I feel so good that I can communicate with her, and not through her husband..lol. She has taught me the sign for tea, and thank you, your welcome, and other little ones. I can't wait to surprise her! Thanks again for you videos, and I look forward to watching more!

[@ASLMeredith]

Hi Yvonne, thank you for the kind feedback! I am so glad to learn that you're learning ASL to communicate with customers -- keep up the good work!

[@vilmapina8972]

Yvonne Kelshaw name vilma last molina deaf sing language

[@vilmapina8972]

Vilma last molina deaf yes sing languge

[@DanielCatalaa]

Awesome; great video! I enjoyed the slow pace of signing, the numerous repetitions, filming from multiple angles, closed captions, and voice over. Very complete and professional :o)

[@markborges]

Definitely very helpful!!

[@JL7ify]

I agree completely!

[@JL7ify]

Thank you soooo much!!! Awesome job!

[@yanitzaruiz5739]

Very well put! Couldn't have said it better myself, OP.

[@olivemccabe7274]

I liked that too, Daniel Catalaa

[@devinpacheco9177]

I'm HOH and want to learn ASL because there is a chance i might lose my hearing in the future, so I should learn anyways. I also work at a fast food restaurant and have a few deaf customers come in and not know what to do. It would mean a lot if you made a video on food like burgers, chicken, ice cream, etc. Thanks you!

[@juliancain3872]

Hows it going?

[@alrghtyaphrodte]

So glad I found this because I’ve recently had two deaf customers come in in the past week I’ve been working and I always feel so bad for not knowing enough sign language and I want to be able to communicate with my customers better so that they can have an easier time getting what they need

[@ASLMeredith]

Hi Max, thanks for sharing! Great that you're learning ASL to better communicate with your customers.

[@breannafitzgerald5623]

I'm trying to teach myself ASL and I love the different camera angles and how she repeats. I've already helped several deaf customers where I work due to watching theses videos

[@ASLMeredith]

Hi Breanna, thanks so much for this comment! I'm glad you find these videos useful and are able to use them to communicate with your customers!!! Keep up the good work!

[@dhahirally]

am a hearing person and i watched a series named "SWITCHED AT BIRTH" and that series made me interested in learing ASL. Then i searched for the sign language then met this beautiful teacher💖😊

[@ASLMeredith]

Thanks for watching! Yes-- Switched At Birth has brought in MANY new students of ASL! It's a great way to first get a glimpse of the language and Deaf culture.

[@dhahirally]

Meredith ASL yeah thank you for teaching us

[@piggielover4859]

Switched at Birth was the only reason I got interested in ASL. I never knew how amazing it was. Now I know how to have a conversation with someone deaf or hard of hearing!

[@evans3996]

I've seen that series too .

[@c.v8838]

Exactly through watching the show I got interested in learning in case someone ever needed help !! Thanks for the videos super easy to understanding

[@TheKitrizzleShow4You]

I am here because of the lady that came through the checkout in my line. All i knew is how to say my name and to say thank you in ASL. I cant wait till she comes in next to show her all I’ve learned for her. Thank you so much 💜

[@Taylormoser17]

I had an entire table of deaf people yesterday and I know a little bit of sign, like the “hello, how are you” kind of stuff but they were so polite and patient with my slow signing. so as soon as I got home after that shift, I started watching these videos so I can communicate better and make them feel welcomed. The deaf community is so big and I think it’s a shame that people don’t think of them too. Sign language is an incredible language that helps you connect to people in a completely different way, I think everyone should learn a little bit

[@ASLMeredith]

Thanks for sharing, Taylor! It's great that you're making the effort to communicate with your customers. I'm sure they appreciate it, and definitely keep learning! :)

[@CassidyParkerKnight]

This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I get deaf customers every so often and so far have gotten by with gestures and my slow and awkward finger spelling, but it’s definitely time to learn some actual signs. Thank you!

[@ASLMeredith]

Awesome, Cassidy! Great that you're learning to communicate with your customers, and hope this video helps :)

[@gothicdemon224]

I'm so glad I found this! I work in a restaurant and several times I have had a deaf customer and I always felt bad for writing things down to communicate, so I took one ASL class last year in college. By far my favorite class and I've used the ASL I've learned so many times. The customers love it and are so happy to have someone else to sign with.

[@ASLMeredith]

Yay! Thank you - I'm glad you find this useful. GReat that you were able to take a class; keep up the ASL studies!

[@HarleyQuinn-bd5pt]

This helps soooo much. I’m currently learning this because I work at a hotel. And we have a deaf convention 6 times a year. And it not only would make the check in process easier. But I can see the frustration on my guests face when I can’t understand. And I want them to feel just like any other guest

[@eclipse4376]

I work at chipotle and we have a couple deaf customers that come in, theyre all some of the sweetest, nicest customers we get and i would love to be able to have even just a small conversation with them

[@samanthaknight3305]

I work with a woman who is hearing impaired. I have always been intrigued with ASL however I've never been in close quarters was someone such as herself therefore never really having a "need" if you will, to learn. as I got to know her better I saw how big her heart was and it had started bothering​ me because I could not communicate with her nor she with I. So as time went on I began asking her to help me learn which she did so with such patience because I definitely needed it. I keep watching videos online to help me learn and pick it up but I always ran into it being a little too fast to keep up. I would end up getting frustrated and stopping for long periods of time. That was until I came across your videos​. As someone has previously stated in one of the comments above the way you do the voiceover and you make repetitive motions at different angles has helped me to not only understand what it is you're doing but helping to retain it also. So thank you for your time and your help with allowing those who do want to learn be able to do so.

[@alexkerper3967]

Samantha Knight, another great channel to check out for learning basic ASL is Ashley Clark Fry. She has three videos in particular, 25 basic ASL phrases, that I watched and practiced before watching this video. They were extremely well done too, with a great sense of pacing and repetition. There is no audio, but it's not like there's much of a point anyway, haha. I highly recommend her channel and those three videos for those getting serious about learning!

[@JadeDragon-gf5cv]

thank you soooooo much.my boyfriend is hard of hearing, and is going deaf so your videos help a lot!!!!!

[@ASLMeredith]

Thanks for sharing your story! I'm glad you find these videos useful and hope it helps you two continue to communicate!

[@neromh]

I had a group of 4 deaf people yesterday and luckily knew a few basic signs... It felt amazing to even be able to help them a little. But I wish I could've done more. Thank you so much for the videos, they're a huge help.

[@lynnetteparkz8092]

I was so excited that I actually got to use sign language with someone who is deaf it was amazing to actually be able to use it and understand and communicate with them enough to help them when they came in to my job. Best day ever 💓

[@annaliesesmith7985]

I work as a cashier at a tractor store and I had a customer come in today who was deaf. I only knew the basics such as are you deaf, thank you, yes and no. I didn’t realize how much of a language barrier there is and this video has taught me a lot. Thank you so much you are doing a great service to all of us who need to communicate people on a daily basis

[@DanielGarcia-ky7cp]

thank you again Meredith!

[@kukisworld1031]

Today I was able to surprise a deaf customer who comes in my drive thru every night! Thank you soo much!! He had a big smile on his face and so did I ❤

[@ASLMeredith]

YAY! I love that you put your ASL skills to use with a customer! 🙌🙌🙌 Thank you for learning and for sharing!

[@stephanyeherbert9883]

I work at Bath and Body works and I love helping people but sometimes I get deaf customers and no one trys to help them. But I always try even without knowing how to sign. And they always seem so happy to see someone is trying to communicate with them. So I’m finally gunna learn some sign to help anyone who is deaf. Aah! I’m so excited to use what I’ve learned here! Now I gotta learn things they could respond to me with😬 so much but it’s gunna be worth it!

[@jordangracecreative]

I just discovered your videos and I am so happy I did!! I did 4 years of ASL through highschool and college and wanted a quick revisit to brush up on skills. Thank you so so much for your videos, they are so helpful!

[@ASLMeredith]

Thanks so much for the kind feedback! I'm glad you found these useful for reviewing your ASL :) keep signing!

[@Esah23]

I love this !!! I have an amazing customer who signs and I can’t wait to surprise him and communicate with him !!! Thank you for this

[@ASLMeredith]

Yay! I'm so glad you're learning and will be able to better communicate with your customer. :D Thanks for sharing!

[@remimartin5642]

As someone who works at a restaurant with a deaf regular who comes in, I want to be able to help him more and hopefully make his day, this is so helpful to me, thank you

[@ASLMeredith]

Thanks for sharing! So great that you're learning ASL to better communicate with your customer.

[@blackguy8621]

I've wanted to learn sign language for years but never found my own personal use for it, until I had checked out a deaf customer at my store a week ago. He was very nice, and that experience gave me the motivation to learn.

[@Epac818]

Thank you so much. You've made a meaningful difference ma'am

[@ASLMeredith]

Thank YOU for the kind words! Happy holidays!

[@meaganmurphy9091]

thank you so much for these videos! Ive learned so much! I work as a waitress and i know a little ASL, but not much. Ive had a hard time finding how to take orders, like if people want or dont want ketchup, or lettuce ect. would you be able to do a video for things like that?? Thank you again!

[@amyjwebb7937]

I am working in a hospital helping a deaf woman from a neighboring nursing home who hasn't provided her with an interpreter for TWO years! Finally, they're being reported, but this poor woman is so thankful I'm at least TRYING to communicate with her. Thank you so much for doing these.

[@ASLMeredith]

That's awful! Glad you've recognized the issue and are working to communicate with her (and hopefully get an interpreter!). Keep signing!

[@bullwinkle524]

Actually served a deaf couple at the movies recently! I love how happy they were when I told them I knew sign

[@michelleiscrazyy]

ahh im so happy i found this!! i work as a server and encounter customers who sign every once in a while thanks!

[@ASLMeredith]

Thank you for watching! I'm so glad you find this useful in your job :)

[@bryansandoval8066]

michelleiscrazyy same ! I always found it really amazing how people who are not able to speak always find positivity in stuff, something we should all do. The first time I served a person using sign language made me want to learn.

[@modelstatus6612]

Thank you so much for doing my request means a lot. This was a very helpful video!!!

[@ASLMeredith]

My pleasure!! Thanks for watching :)

[@blarkflannigan2361]

I am a manager, I just met a deaf customer today. I was so glad to have technology available to help the customer, but this is so much more convenient to have. Thank you

[@momodojo2888]

I had a customer come to our store who was deaf. She pointed what she wanted and I tried so sign thank you. This video with definitely help me for the moment.❤

[@joshuasouthard5805]

thank you for the videos my mom and I are learning and the vids really help!!

[@ASLMeredith]

I'm so glad you find these useful, Joshua! Thanks!

[@form24us]

my mom and i are learning too! she's had hearing aids most of her life but now even those don't help enough so we started sign language, her with classes and me online.

[@alexolivera3958]

i hope i learn soon like you guys

[@michaelreyes8525]

If you want the best program for learning sign language then visit this website here: hootsignlanguage.blogspot.com

[@worldlyodd2081]

I had a deaf customer come in to order food recently, and while I was able to communicate with general hand motions, I wish I had known these sooner so I could help him easier! Hopefully if he comes in again I’ll be able to help him even more

[@khakis69]

thank you, i have a couple of deaf regulars at the store i work at, and i honestly never thought to learn sign before meeting them, but i feel like everyone deserves a good way to communicate without needing to take the time to write everything down

[@antisora]

This was so helpful! Thank you for posting these

[@ASLMeredith]

Thanks for the kind feedback! I'm glad you find these videos useful :)

[@udmbmw1129]

Hi I am trying to learn asl and want to say thank you for all of your videos I really enjoyed watching them. I am not dead and unfortunately I don't know anyone that is but I still want to learn sign language, thank for all your help.

[@ASLMeredith]

You're very welcome! I'm glad you find these videos useful!

[@nararabbit1]

You never know when you'll have the opportunity to utilize sign language. A few times I have seen customers signing and another customer comes over and helps them! It's what got me interested in learning ASL; I never want a customer to not get what they need for lack of understanding. In fact we are doing an ASL challenge at my store to learn a few new words per week!

[@bethany2130]

Glad to hear you're still alive... XD *Incase I make no sense, you have a typo :D

[@yoimxyler1711]

All of your videos have been so helpful to me. Last month we got a new student in my class and he is deaf, and thanks to you I can communicate with him. Now we are best friends!

[@ASLMeredith]

Wow, thank you for sharing, Breonna! I'm so glad that you took the initiative to learn to communicate with your classmate. Lovely to know you both made a new friend!

[@tylerjames1716]

I work as a full service gas station attendant as my college job. Just means I come to you window when you pull in, you tell me how much gas you want and I pump it for you so you don't have to get out of your car. Quite often I get this cute old deaf lady who comes in and she always has what she wants written on a note that she hands to me. I've been learning some asl specifically for her and other customers that might be hearing impaired. I wish I could have recorded the look on her face the first time I signed to her "thank you and have a nice day" I feel like it really made her day the way she smiled and her eyes lit up. Thanks for helping me learn how to communicate with those who can't hear 😁

[@ASLMeredith]

Hi Tyler, thanks for sharing! Love that you're learning ASL to communicate with your regular customer. :)

[@saaimafit]

I work at a cafe and I was wondering how I could say "what can I get for you?" "Is that all?" "Is that for here or to go?" Also "please sign here." That's usually what I say to the customers all the time and I think it would be useful.

[@Umbrellaoflove]

I knew how to communicate with ask from a friend at high school then took a 6 week immersion program at Sheridan College in Oakville Ontario Canada. You are amazing!! Years ago deaf or hearing impaired. were particular who they let into their clique! Let's face it it is a culture as well. Do you have any suggestions as to how I could find a place where I could sit down with deaf or heard of hearing and just converse? Do you also know any body in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada I would like to sit down and maybe have a conversation over tea using ASL? Also, like I said before I'm legally blind, but I do have residual vision. When people sign slow I can pretty will understand it and son back but when they're fast for gas because I don't have the visual acuity to watch signing fast. Do you do this on KZbin only? Or do you have dvd's to sell? Thank you so much. I really enjoy your tutorials. Oh by the way, for what it's worth your presence is quite mesmerizing!!❣🇨🇦

[@buttersfan18]

i work at walgreens and i'm a little rusty with my asl but we have a deaf customer who comes in everyday. she was so happy when i told her i sign a little so we chat a bit this will help me a lot more with her a few other people who come in. i was so happy to find this. i want to learn more signs specifically for when i'm at work. thank you!

[@ASLMeredith]

That's wonderful that you're learning to better communicate with your customers! ☺️🙌

[@PrettiMissJae]

I'm currently a waitress but I want to become a sign language interpreter. My motivation behind it is a deaf couple that come to my job. I adore them and started trying to learn ASL just to talk to them and it turns out to be a passion. God bless you for this video in particular because now I can communicate with them on a better level than before when they come in. Thank you so much!!!

[@zaria7720]

your videos are so helpful! i was wondering two things: 1) how do you actually form sentences? like if i were to have a conversation with someone, how do i know what word to say first (as far as syntax goes)? and 2) how do you sign so...fluidly? like without stuttering? of course it takes practice, but is there anything i should keep in mind to sharpen my signing skills?

[@aarondelgado3421]

All true languages have a structure of how sentences should be formed. In other words, there must be a word order for things. In English, the word order is: subject-verb-object. For example in English, you may have this sentence - "I am going to the store." "I" is the subject. "Going" is the verb. "Store" is the object. Now, in ASL, the word order is: object-subject-verb. So using the same example, the sentence signed in ASL would be "STORE I (or ME) GO". The object is emphasized first to let the person know what topic you are wanting to talk about. In some sentences, there can be several objects so it is up to you to choose which object to emphasize. Also, ASL does not use articles, i.e. a, an, the, and so on. Yeah, it does definitely take practice to sign fluidly. There are many ways to do so, but here's one way. Pick an easy children's book and for each page, translate the words into ASL Gloss (let me know if you don't know what ASL Gloss is) so you know what you need to sign then sign it. Once you have signed the whole book for the first time, do it again without looking at the paper containing the ASL Gloss, then do it again making sure you use facial expression.

[@zaria7720]

Aaron Delgado thank you so much for clearing up the sentence structures, it was very understandable. i've never heard of asl gloss, but i'll be googling it while waiting for your response.

[@HPPbby3]

This is great advice. Thanks!

[@Emily-xz7hv]

Zaria asl gloss (I think) is the object-subject-verb thing. So for example, if a sentence in a book your reading says “billy is running to the candy shop”, translated into asl gloss is like doing “candy shop billy running”. Please correct me if I’m wrong!

[@Hjay-so4vd]

Time, topic, comment, location. I think this video would be super helpful

[@cowsparks]

i cashed out a deaf customer today and i felt really bad because we both had to wear face masks and its impossible to read lips

[@scotch2865]

I had a few deaf women come in today while I was working. I don’t work at a restaurant per-ce. I work at a snack bar at a roller rink. I had to communicate with paper and pen. I felt bad that I couldn’t make the interaction any simpler, but I’m hoping watching these videos will help me if they ever come back, or if i encounter another deaf or hard of hearing customer.

[@ASLMeredith]

Love that you're learning from experience and taking the initiative to facilitate communication with your customers. Keep up the good work and positivity !

[@danielcenteno8330]

I’ve worked at a dollar store for about two years now and have some deaf customers who are always so kind. I felt bad for not being able to communicate with them. So I took it upon myself to learn and the time that I felt ready enough I signed to one of my deaf customers and they were thrilled! Thank you so much! Communication is key, and you gave me that tool!

[@pamelawillis637]

When they were talking about eyebrows I was sad bc I don't have any 😂🤣🤣

[@alienkid]

I work at a pizza place, would spell out pizza toppings? Or are there special signs for each topping?

[@aarondelgado3421]

There are definitely signs for some toppings such as "PEPPERONI", "ONIONS", etc. But if you don't know the sign for a topping, it's best to spell it and hopefully, the d/Deaf customer will teach you the sign for it at that moment.

[@Naaomzz]

I might only work as a cashier at a store that sells all kinds of electronics but I want them to feel comfortable in every way. I’ve tried to learn how to say “hello” and “thank you, have a nice day” in different languages and you can just see their faces lighten up and it’s the most pure thing ever. I had one customer who was speaking sign language two weeks ago and I still feel bad that I couldn’t communicate with him in a way that’s comfortable for him. I’ll be learning this for the future :)

[@ASLMeredith]

Hi Naomi, thanks for sharing! So great that you're learning ASL to better communicate with your customers. Keep at it!

[@danielolivares6313]

I work as a cook in a restaurant with an open view of the kitchen so customers can see their food made. We recently had a customer come in a few times who is deaf, and I wanted to be able to sign more than "thank you" this video was extremely helpful

[@denisejohnson4037]

So with the sign "order" am I touching one finger to my lip while moving both forward?

[@ASLMeredith]

Yes! :)

[@OriginalFamilyProductions]

Are you really deaf and you have an interpreter or are you hearing and you're doing a voice over it would be really cool if you deaf

[@Ash-sw5vp]

I used to work as Paraprofessional with a few non-verbal/deaf students so I learned some of these signs. I now have taken them into my current workplace, regularly talking to clients in ASL as a precaution/practice because I never know if they need it. It wonderful to learn more and spread the practice! Thank you for such helpful videos

[@terriwilson1441]

Thank you so much! I’m a cashier and I’m excited to memorize these signs to help me communicate with some of my favorite customers.

[@TherealJurtl3]

I work at a convenience store in WI and have one deaf guest that comes in regularly. I'm so grateful to find this video because as an employee at Kwik Trip, I strive to make my guest's experience in my store satisfactory, and am not afraid to go the extra mile to do so. So I am beyond grateful for this video, and this page.

[@ASLMeredith]

Thanks so much for sharing!! It’s wonderful that you’re learning ASL to better communicate with your customer :)

[@cheerfulcaptain5077]

Thank you for this! I've looked at a few basic videos but yours has been so easy to follow and repeat with the timestamps. I have this regular deafmute customer that has been coming in and all I knew were "thank you" and "okay" and "good", I'm excited to use these for him!

[@sssp6981]

Thank you so much for doing this to help people. Your kind heart is helping so many to be able to knock down a barrier and make it so people who sign feel loved and appreciated and not like a bother.

[@audreyrene4776]

I worked at a grocery store in the past and learned a few signs for one girl around my age, but now the restaurant I work at has several regulars who are deaf, and I'm trying to learn more. Thank you so much for putting up these videos. When someone deaf finds someone they can communicate with out and about it really seems to brighten up their day. All our deaf and hard of hearing customers ask for me now, and it makes me feel really good to be able to help them and make sure they have a good experience.

[@eatwhatukiii2532]

Another great video! Thanks!

[@meggeist6932]

Meredith. I've been following and learning signs and building up vocabulary and phrases. Thank you for your videos. It gave me an opportunity to communicate with someone. It was an incredible feeling. I'm looking forward to continue reinforcing the knowledge of sign and learning more in the future.

[@sang4urlife]

I work with a deaf lady and have a deaf customer who comes in frequently. These videos have helped me so much with communicating with them. I really love learning asl

[@haileybuck471]

I'm currently going into my senior year and I work in retail. I have taken sign language for 2 years so far and love it! I recently have had a deaf couple who like to come in because they like that I can sign. It makes my day when I get to use my skills and when I'm able to see what joy it brings them! Even know I knew or learned all of these signs at one point this video was a great refresher for me and I can't wait to use these when signing to them. Thank you

[@amartiner]

I LOVE THESE VIDEOS! I'm learning to sign a little during the quarantine. I watch a video- then go off and think/practice what I learned for a week or so. Then come back for more. I hope I'll be able to put this to good use someday!

[@virgo81chick]

I had a deaf customer the other day and I've been wanting to learn ASL for awhile- wanting to be able to communicate encouraged me more to learn a bit- and this video was exactly what I needed- thank you!

[@leonawrenn2095]

I started learning ASL to introduce myself to a deaf guy at a party so we could be friends and it's so exciting to be able to learn to communicate with more people and make their retail experience better/easier!

[@hellobot67]

I have two deaf customers. My little ASL has helped a lot

[@ASLMeredith]

That's fantastic! I'm glad you're learning ASL to communicate with your customers. Keep up the good work!

[@katestone6283]

I’m pretty sure I’ve commented here before as I was starting to learn asl for my job. I’m still learning, but I wanted to thank you as I was able to help a deaf customer a few weeks ago and he has since become a regular. He is super kind and was so excited when I signed “how are you?” After I helped him, he asked my name and told me his and thanked me. His happiness made me so proud that I learned even just a little that I ended up crying. He always comes to see me if I’m working the days he comes in.

[@ASLMeredith]

Hi Kate, thank you for sharing your story! It's so great that you've been ale to learn to better communicate with your customer.

[@SnoozzzeButton]

Ty for this. I have some deaf people come into my store and now hopefully I can make them feel more welcome and/or understood

[@sydneyhollowaymusic]

You are great!!! Thank you for posting these videos please keep them coming. The slow pace, the different positions, you make it easy to follow and understand! I am learning ASL and hoping to become fluent so I can become an interpreter in the FBI after I am done with college!

[@khaliaf]

Thank you so much! This video is necessary for me as a customer service associate in retail. Being able to communicate with all customers is so important

[@wansleyleah]

I work at a local grocery store and we have a few regular deaf/HOH customers and there is one that once she learned I know a few signs she seems to make a point to come into my line to checkout. Seeing this video is an incredible help and I look forward to learning more so I can communicate with her, and the others more easily. My best friend growing up is HOH so I knew a few signs from her, and have picked up a few more as years have gone on, but nothing specific enough to help in my current job. So again, THANK YOU for this!!

[@kerriganjohnson3700]

I work in customer service and have wanted to be ready and know signs like these for a while. So glad I found your page! such clear signing and angles really helped, thank you!

[@juliebitton9386]

I have two regulars at work that are deaf and this is so useful. Thank you!

[@ASLMeredith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tangomango7120]

Thank you so much!!!! I’ve been teaching a girl in my class sign language that I’ve learned from you! I also went into a 1st grade classroom and signed the alphabet because they were learning about people unable to hear, or deaf. Thank you so much for helping the community!!!❤️ All my thanks to you!

[@ObeyTheSnarf]

Thank you for making this video! I'm a cashier, and there's a regular customer who is deaf and I've been wanting to learn some ASL to make him feel more comfortable and better serve anyone else who comes through who may be deaf.

[@fridaguaman7877]

Hello Meredith, thanks for the suggestion about this video that I watched already and I spent time when I have the time (two babies plus work and home) for practice every sign that you teach here it is very helpful. I really appreciate the time that you give in these classes. Thank you so much.

[@subway_tolkien]

I watch this on my downtime at work (retail) and the other day a Deaf customer came in with a pre-typed note, but I replied with the ASL I learned from this video and he lit right up. He didn't care that I was a novice, he was just happy someone made the effort to communicate with him in his own language. I'm looking at in-person ASL classes this winter but in the meantime I've learned so much from this channel! Thank you, Meredith!

[@TheLadydanni]

This was so so helpful. I only knew the sign for want at work today. I’m hoping learning more makes it nicer in the future

[@Zetsumei22]

Hi! I am new to learning ASL and been looking for a video like this since I work in retail. Thank you so much for making a video of how to communicate to customers. I really appreciate it.

[@lynnsweirdcorner2609]

I love this video so much. I started learning basics in middle school, but stopped and only remember how to sign some of the alphabet and how to tell someone my name. I love the language so much as it is able to build a bridge between hearing, deaf and the hard of hearing. As someone who is hard of hearing and trying to find a job, I want to be a better help to the deaf and hard of hearing community, as i know how bad it feels not being able to talk to someone properly.

[@miraclerogers3722]

So in my short time of working at a grocery store I've had 2 deaf and one hard of hearing customers come through my line and I felt so bad because there are cashiers that speak different languages but I don't think any of them sign. So I've decided to learn AT LEAST enough to get through checkout and small things and this is SUPER helpful! I'll be sure to checkout your other videos as well!

[@MegKaye16]

love your videos! I enjoy learning from you.

[@adhdmochi]

This is exactly what I was looking for, you have the best ASL tutorials. Thank you so much for making this

[@appleiscozy]

I'm so glad I was able to find videos such as yours! I have deaf/hard of hearing customers come in all the time and I wanted to find a way of talking with them instead of using paper or our phones! I want to provide really good customer service, and I feel as if using that method is not the best. Again, thank you so much!

[@clairesmith787]

I work as a barista and I am learning asl to connect to some of my regulars who are part of the deaf community. I am very inspired by the hearing people in the comments who are also learning to make a more inclusive environment in their work places :) Your videos are so approachable; thank you Meredith!

[@kimmers441]

My third grade teacher knew ASL and taught my class the ASL alphabet, and a few songs as well-- ever since then I've always wanted to learn more, but never made time for it. I now work at a library and interacted with a deaf couple recently, and wished I knew more ASL to better communicate with them. It gave me the push to finally make the time to learn. Thanks so much for your awesome videos, they're a tremendous resource!