Never wrestle a pig. You both get dirty and the pig likes it.

[@sign-language]

Hello ASL Heroes!!! Hey, I could really use your help. If you’ve enjoyed having access to an expert in ASL you can help me continue my work for you. A small monthly 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 Lifeprint.com. Right now you can help out a humble (not to mention kind, caring, generous, compassionate, helpful, friendly, fair, and hard-working) ASL teacher -- just go here and a few clicks later you too will be a true “ASL Hero!” www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=64QMBRBXQSV6G For more donation options, see: Lifeprint.com/donate Thanks! - Dr. Bill

[@ellieinmusic8804]

Hey Dr. Bill! I'm homeschooled and I use your videos to learn ASL. I've gotten so much farther than I've ever imagined and I'm so thankful for your lessons! I have a question that I've been wondering about for a while: Perhaps I need to sign a phrase to a deaf person, but I don't know the signs so I must finger spell it to them... How should I show separation or spaces between two words to avoid confusion? Should I just take a brief pause in between spelling the different words? I have the same question concerning spelling my first and last name together? Is it normal to say "FIRST NAME E-L-L-I-E, LAST NAME E-X-A-M-P-L-E" when meeting someone? How do you guys normally do it in the deaf community? Thank you for taking time to read this comment, and I hope it all makes sense LOL.

[@sign-language]

Yes, you are right. To indicate a space between fingerspelled words, you simply insert a very small pause between letters. Skilled ASL signers rarely spell more than two words in a row. We use fingerspelling around 7 or 8 percent of the time while communicating. In the vast majority of cases the fingerspelling is for isolated words, not strings of words. Beginners often worry about how to spell several words in a row because they rely so heavily on spelling, but those who are conversationally fluent it is not an issue. While ASL does have signs for period, comma, and related punctuation, we only use those signs during English class or for discussions about English. We do not use separate signs to punctuate our sentences. Instead we punctuate our sentences with pauses, facial expressions, head-tilts, shoulder raises, and other non-manual markers (body language).

[@heythankstommy]

I love learning sayings like this 😁

[@lyingcat9022]

“Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.” -Mark Twain

[@sign-language]

A strong chance that going onto my list of quotes to teach how to sign! I first have to check to see if those who are into cancel culture will come after me for using the word "idiot." Seems in our society it is okay to disparage pigs but idiots are a protected species.

[@mariakate3505]

The title is amazing, love this

[@TobyCantrell]

adding this phrase to my repertoire

[@sign-language]

I put comment is right up there with: Never get in a pissing contest with a skunk. I think I'll record that skunk comment next. Hmmm probably should turn the monetization option off on that one so as to not invite censure from Google.

[@TobyCantrell]

@@sign-language good idea, I can never understand what messes with monetization, feels very inconsistent

[@claytonshirey]

Huh I've never heard that saying before but I actually love it. It's kinda deep honestly. That's some real shit right there. I recently learned something similar to that the hard way a few days ago. This is very very true advice

[@fur-everfrenscocoandtobe9420]

Thank you for sharing how to do sign language ...we have deaf patients and im glad i can greet them ang asking simple questions ...❤..

[@suzum.9713]

I recently received a cochlear implant, and it was so awkward being deaf, in a facility that treats deaf people, yet no one seemed to know sign language. My husband stayed with me and helped me answer the staff's questions. I think they need to think that through a bit better. Lol! Every hospital or emergency center should have someone know how to fingerspell.

[@sign-language]

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 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 Ways to support the ASL University channel: 1. Click the “thumb up” (like) icon on videos at KZbin.com/billvicars 2. Click the “subscribe” button at KZbin.com/billvicars (if you haven't done so yet) 3. Click the “Share” link and share the videos. 4. Visit the “ASLU” bookstore at www.lifeprint.com/bookstore/bookstore.htm (feel free to suggest new products that you would like to see). 5. Buy some ASL University “official” clothing at: ASLU gear: teespring.com/stores/aslu 6. Subscribe to the ASLU subscription site: asl.tc (For information see: lifeprint.com/asltc/ ) 7. Donate via: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=64QMBRBXQSV6G 8. 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 Thanks!

[@thrivinginamber2642]

Hmmmm, Blue Pig Dirty, Orange Tiger Friendly, Magic Spider, Zebra Scared. Just threw some colors into it and booom, instant ASL poetry, magic~

[@thrivinginamber2642]

Oh, I watched a video and the person intended to sign "pizza", but I mistook it for "snake". I'll have to start a list.

[@sign-language]

Check out the Distinctions project videos (1, 2, and 3) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX2Wl3dqeNeMosk And then if you make a list of "very similar but slightly different" signs that are not in any of those three existing videos -- I might be able to turn the list into a 4th (or more) installment on that project. No pressure. I'm just saying that I've got some very similar signs already posted but it is a fun topic for more signs.

[@thrivinginamber2642]

I've seen the effect of your project already, how you sign "variety" alternately, outwardly, vs how videos assigned as homework sign it, like "bacon" with one finger instead of two. It was funny when the person said that people wanted to eat snake more than hamburger, then they fingerspelled "toppings", context. And I have failed when signing "stay" instead of the ever popular emphatic "~That~"

[@thrivinginamber2642]

Two years ago, when I started, I searched for answers to questions I couldn't articulate, now, through experience, epiphany, I find many of those answers, and they are indescribable except through those experiences and epiphanies, furthermore, they only reveal themselves to me through ASL, in my movement, expression, and most importantly, ASL itself was something I needed most, it's part of me, ~thank you for that~

[@freeman3061]

Thank you !

[@TheNewLifeChannel]

Hi Mr. Vicars! 😃 Firstly, thank you so much for your KZbin channel and website. They have been very valuable resources during my learning journey. I have a question about ASL grammar, specifically regarding "relative clauses" and "subordinate and coordinate conjunctions." I am a linguist and foreign language teacher. So it's been my thinking that these concepts may potentially be called something else and categorized differently in ASL. But if these concepts are called what they are and are used in ASL, do you know of a book that I could buy that could go into more detail about how they are applied? Because of my background, I desire to identify the scope of all categories of ASL grammar/typology and would love a great resource that can help me with that.

[@sign-language]

You asked for an ASL-related linguistics book that delves into such nuances. You might not find one that reaches the depth of nuance for which you are looking. Here are some of my notes: Relative Clauses A relative clause is a type of dependent clause that modifies a noun or a noun phrase. It usually starts with a relative pronoun (like "who," "whom," "whose," "which," or "that") or a relative adverb (like "when," "where," or "why"). Relative clauses provide additional information about the noun, making it more specific. For example, in the sentence "The book that you gave me is fascinating," the phrase "that you gave me" is a relative clause. It provides more information about "the book." Compare that with a typical ASL construction: THAT BOOK YOU GAVE ME? (raise eyebrows, look at signing partner for a glint of recognition and recall in their mind. Upon getting an indication of “recall” from signing partner change head position and facial expression to indicate interest and affirmation and continue your comment) Fascinating! We can and do also sign such constructions without the pause while still including the facial expression changes. There are two types of relative clauses: 1. **Restrictive (or Defining) Relative Clauses**: These clauses are essential to the meaning of the sentence. They define or identify the noun and are not set off with commas. For example, "The car that is parked outside is mine." Here, "that is parked outside" is a restrictive clause, identifying which car is being referred to. We can sign that as: (raise eyebrows and look at signing partner) (fs)-CAR (classifier-3: depiction)-PARKED-(mid-distance from torso) (change expression from yes / no to affirmation) (IX)-IT MY. 2. **Non-restrictive (or Non-defining) Relative Clauses**: These clauses provide extra information that can be omitted without changing the basic meaning of the sentence. They are usually set off with commas. For example, "My cousin, who is a master chef, invited me to breakfast." Here, "who is a master chef" is a non-restrictive clause, providing additional information about "my cousin." We can sign the non-restrictive relative clause using a body-shift and the following construction: MY COUSIN (body-shift / aside information) THEMSELF SKILLED! TOP!-(“H”-hands version) COOK, (body-shift back to neutral) INVITE-(away) EAT-MORNING! We can drop the THEMSELF phrase which still results in phrase that contains a type of non-restrictive element but since linguists maintain that non-restrictive clauses typically begin with relative pronouns or adverbs, (while appositives do not) such individuals would likely label the construction as an appositive (instead of a non-restrictive clause). However calling such a sentence an appositive is simply fancy-speak as in here we have “a non-restrictive clause that doesn’t start with a relative pronoun or adverb so we’ll call it an appositive instead of calling it a non-restrictive clause). LOL. For example, in English we have the non-restrictive clause: "Dr. Vicars, who is my favorite teacher, provides free lessons at his website!" Here, "who is my favorite teacher" is a non-restrictive clause, providing additional information about "Dr Vicars." We can sign that without the “who is” concept (and not need the THEMSELF sign) as: (name-sign)-VICARS (body-shift / aside information) MY FAVORITE TEACHER (body-shift back to neutral) PROVIDE FREE LESSON POSS-(his) WW. In the above example the (body-shift / aside information) MY FAVORITE TEACHER (body-shift back to neutral) is considered an appositive. If we signed (body-shift / aside information) THEMSELF MY FAVORITE TEACHER (body-shift back to neutral) it would be considered a non-restrictive clause. ASL Also has subordinate and coordinate conjunctions that work very similar to how they work in other languages. A challenge (perhaps even a trap) for non-fluent ASL researchers is that English glosses for ASL concepts are often not good matches. For example the sign AND is much less used in ASL than the word “and” is used in English. Note that I didn’t say the concept. I said the sign. ASL has a dozen different approaches to various meanings of the English word “and.” I’m not going to get into all of those approaches here in a KZbin comment but I’ve expanded on them somewhat at the “AND” entry of my Lifeprint.com website. I'm currently working on several course developments -- one of which is "ASL Linguistics" -- it might take a couple of years but I hope to dive into more of the nitty gritty.

[@suzum.9713]

Mr. Vicars, how do you sign 'cochlear implant' ?

[@sign-language]

Safest way these days is to just spell "CI." For more info, see: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-signs/c/cochlear.htm Also I notice some people using a "U" hand instead of the bent "V" hand. Again though -- go with the "CI" unless the person you are signing with looks confused then you can try one of the other versions.

[@ITJProductionsChanne]

Quick question: could one use “that” instead of “it” here as well? “Never wrestle a pig, you both get dirty and the pig likes that” ? Or would that not be used because it’s a saying and using “that” could slightly change the interpretation of it (“it”: the pig likes being dirty; “that”: the pig likes the fact that you both get dirty)?

[@ITJProductionsChanne]

Also… oddly topical for the day I’ve had 😂 thanks for the reminder

[@sign-language]

You could use "that" but there is a certain value in portraying the quote somewhat intact. The Deaf community commonly uses a phrase that could be glossed as (fs)-DOIT. In other words many spell "Do it" as a way of telling someone to do something. The point here is that the spelling of "it" isn't any more English than the signing of "no" is English. The sign "no" started out as spelling N-O and morphed over the years to look like it does now. (And is well accepted.) See: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/nadl.htm to get a feel for my thoughts on language use.

[@ITJProductionsChanne]

thank you!@@sign-language

[@cary3240]

Thank you, I love it! ❤

[@Helene-jz5ku]

For each person learning, is their video of asl from beginning to end? Should I just watch one person's video to learn Or all videos?

[@sign-language]

I recommend you use the ASLU master playlist. See item 2 below. You can skip any videos that cover topics you are familiar with or repeated lessons. Or use the repeats as review by coming back to them 2 weeks later. 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 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 Ways to support the ASL University channel: * For donation options, see: www.Lifeprint.com/donate.htm * 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. Thanks!

[@sunflowerhill1175]

This was fun thank you!

[@TweetyPAK7]

Is the "both" signed after "the two of us" necessary? Or is that signed for emphasis in absence of the "with"? 🤔

[@sign-language]

Consider the difference in English: Version 1: The two of you get dirty. Version 2: You both get dirty. While both sentences communicate that two individuals get dirty, the nuances differ. The first version can feel like an observational statement, while the second version feels more conversational and immediate. The choice between the two might depend on context and the relationship between the speaker and the listeners. If the speaker is addressing two close friends after a playful mud fight, "You both get dirty" might feel more natural. If the speaker is a teacher addressing two students who have come in from recess covered in dirt, "The two of you get dirty" might be the choice to emphasize the particular pair among the class. That said, in many contexts, the two versions could be used interchangeably without a significant shift in meaning. I wouldn't use the sign "with" in this context since it connotes "you get dirty together" which is not the nuance of meaning this particular quote intends. Also the fact that it "is" a quote from English there is a certain amount of value in choosing signs the glosses (or English labels) of which align more closely with the original quote if those signs overlap in meaning with the English words.

[@TweetyPAK7]

@@sign-language Thank you. You are always the best "explainer." ❤️

[@fisherguzzi]

What does the “IX” mean like @6:14 ?

[@sign-language]

IX = index = point at with your index finger = he, she, they-singular, there, it, that-one, in that direction, etc.

[@TobyCantrell]

@@sign-languagethank you! i got this from context but i was wondering as well

[@kacythomas1327]

Yeah I see

[@krisgosdismoyer1734]

So fun

[@Pottery4Life]

Fun!

[@kingstrisazebabilowandra]

❤