Start Learning American Sign Language (ASL) Lesson 01 (ASLU) (Dr. Bill)

[@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 (or more if you can afford it) 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. You can help out a humble (not to mention kind, caring, generous, compassionate, helpful, friendly, fair, and hard-working) ASL teacher -- just go here right now 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 Or, if you prefer "Cash App" you can use: cash.me/$Lifeprint Or use Patreon at www.patreon.com/ASLU Every little bit helps so much! Thanks! - Dr. Bill p.s. Want to have your very own USB drive with four semesters worth of ASL instruction for just $79.95? See "SuperUSB" in the ASLUniversity bookstore at: lifeprint.com/bookstore/bookstore.htm Take care and love to you all. :)

[@nomadicphantom8902]

As soon as I can I'd love to buy your material, I wish I could contact someone from your office so I could teach my children sign using your material on KZbin. Our situation is complicated like many during this time, and I use my channel to communicate with my far away children. If I do put up a video, I will ensure all credits are yours as you have dedicated many hours and effort to provide many people with ASL lessons. I love your work and I appreciate the fact that there is no talking. Wishing your family, friends, staff and you wellness at this time.

[@sign-language]

There is no need for you need to contact someone from my office in order for your children to learn from my material. You could just send them a link to my playlist and your children could learn from me directly. In case you haven't seen it yet, here is the official ASLU KZbin master playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL6akqFwEeSpiLwRFA3ZvuOWMwPXwI7NqA There is no need to buy my materials -- just visit www.Lifeprint.com and you can see lesson plans / vocabulary lists / practice sentences, etc. If you want to sign my material to your children as a way of connecting to them -- a reasonable way to go about it is to post your signing to an unlisted or private KZbin video and then send the link to your unlisted or private video to your children (if you want). Best wishes to you.

[@cocobrother]

Where can I mail a check to make a donation?

[@sign-language]

Hello Cocobrother! Best approach is to go here: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/contact.htm and scroll down and find my AOL address. Then fill out the check to William Vicars and take a picture of the front and back of the check using a fairly high resolution setting (it helps to set the check in the sunlight before taking a picture. Then email me the picture of the check -- which I can then deposit electronically. That saves money on stamps and stationery (and is actually faster than using the mail system).

[@erikae2100]

Done

[@JeremyCanned]

I know this is an old video but I just have to say how delightful this teacher is. As a hearing person, I'm not used to "listening" without sound, but Mr. Vicars makes it so engaging and enjoyable that focusing is no trouble at all. I love how much personality he puts into the instruction and reviewing the signs over and over is invaluable for developing muscle memory. Really stellar lessons!

[@daphne6281]

I am learning ASL because my boyfriend is deaf and I want to communicate with him as best as I can. Thank you so much for these videos. I have downloaded many apps that don’t seem to help like your videos do. Much respect!

[@brebrown5338]

I love this ❤ good luck leaning!!

[@imanigalloway841]

I don’t know why the apps aren’t accurate! 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@headjuice125]

Starting to pick up on the banter in between the lessons. Thanks Bill and students, you guys are awesome

[@OakenTome]

My hearing + ability to speak verbally get easily overwhelmed in loud environments, and your work has been an absolute blessing. Thank you.

[@vstro_i]

Fr

[@Skyk0_0]

I relate to this so strongly!

[@BrandionBusiness]

I’m excited for your lesson to start from the beginning. I have watched quite a few of lessons and have learned so much. The way you teach WORKS!!!!! And I’m actually learning. While we are staying home through this trying time why not learn something useful😊

[@katherinepoindexter4380]

I remember when I started to learn..i was a bumbling idiot..it has been 10years since I was an interpreter and most of what I did know slipped away. I am glad for youtube and your videos because i am starting way at the beginning so I can learn more even what I didn't know before. thank you God bless

[@TheStoneNinja00]

Thank you genuinely for your videos Dr. Bill. Your sense of humor is wonderful and your videos always make me smile. I'm trying to learn so I can still have conversation with my best friend if she goes completely deaf. I'm a slow learner but I'm working at it. Your videos help me tremendously!

[@bookwrm4evr]

I have been having so much fun learning from you and your students. I love ASL and have always wanted to learn. I catch myself doing the signs, in my mind, of the words I know. You're a great teacher!, and the way you interact with your students makes me laugh so much. Thank you so much for the lessons. I appreciate them and your time very much :)

[@lasinhouseinthetrees1928]

I found it really nice how TEACHER/TEACH and STUDENT/LEARN work out. STUDENT/LEARN (atleast from my perspective , greanted I'm hearing) looks like taking knowlege from a page or book and putting it in your brain then the final bit going down being similar to "PERSON". and vise versa TEACHER/TEACH taking knowlege out and of the brain (like giing people info. idk I find that really really intersting to me It's so neat and feels nice and intuitive.

[@daihititus]

Doctor, I have been teaching myself ASL for the past two years and your lessons have been excellent. I am again going through them, start to finish and was pleased to discover a new set you have started. Invaluable, especially the addition of the separated examples of individual signs. Many thanks.

[@aprilnutt8714]

I love 💘 how you explain why the way a person signs is correct or incorrect. Has helped me out a lot. Thank you, Bill

[@iswhatitis_ayy]

I just want to say thank you for making these videos! I used to know some of the signs back in middle school but never took to learning them all. I've been working customer service for almost 8 yrs and have realized that it's important to know asl, even if you don't need it all the time. My job is to make everyone feel welcome in the store and feel they belong and that's why I decided to pick up asl again. I want to be able to communicate with ALL of my customers in a respectful way. Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@drpigglesnuudelworte5209]

I’ve always wanted to learn sign and now that I’m in university there’s a deaf girl in my class and it was kinda a wake up call that I need to start. This is a great resource

[@sign-language]

Who knows? You might end up making a new friend! See below for some tips to help you speed up your learning of ASL. 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

[@hapscop]

Yes! Thank you for restarting and creating a whole other review.

[@hoonkmimimimi]

as someone who enjoys the process of learning there is so much joy in progressively understanding the convos better throughout the video ❤️❤️

[@TwstedTV]

You make it so fun to learn.... I giggle a lot but I learn so much. Please dont EVER stop being a teacher. You are very awesome at it... I wish I had you as my teacher when I was in high school. I would have learn much more. Thank you for making it fun. :) One thing I also learned is that in ASL facial expression is EXTREMELY important. ;)

[@jmkosan]

Is facial expression equivalent to tone inflection and/or punctuation?

[@sign-language]

Facial expressions are used for certain types of punctuation -- and often influence the "tone" of the message. (It helps to "look" surprised when you sign "surprise.") See: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/grammar17.htm

[@elizajune8849]

Hi there ! I'm a high school student who's been trying to learn asl since middle school and I have to say after just this one video I learned more than I have in the past year from reading a bunch of books and watching people sign. Thank you so much!

[@sign-language]

Anna, Many people find that the interactive format and teaching a real student helps them to feel engaged and retain the information better than simply watching a teacher wave their arms around on the screen. Best wishes to you in your studies. 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.

[@annieswatches]

I love the visual tips and tricks to remember the signs. I feel like it's much easier to remember when it's a visual language.

[@geminieve6792]

This man has been my teacher for two hours now. I've already got such a crush ;-) Think I've finally found the right place for me to learn ASL, big bucket list item! So glad to find the channel.

[@sign-language]

Welcome to ASLU Christine! ============================ 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

[@geminieve6792]

​@@sign-language :-) Thank you so much! I'm so happy to finally really be ready to learn this language!! Such encouraging videos!

[@cowgirl5852]

Thank you for this guide!!! This will help tremendously! You have so many lessons and ways to learn!!! Thank you for all you do!🤟🏻

[@abutuanthony-gd8sd]

Thank you for all you do to connect us with the deaf all around thank you sir

[@erikae2100]

Learning sign language on my own. Thank you for sharing these lessons. I am losing my hearing and this is so easy to pick up.

[@sign-language]

You're very welcome!

[@or1517]

I've been meaning to start learning ASL for a while, these videos are fun and easy to understand, thank you so much!

[@WabbyDoo]

I'm learning ASL in honor of my late great grandmother, Nanee (that's always how I spelled Nanny for some reason). She was not deaf herself, but much of her family, including her parents and siblings were deaf. I never got to meet them, unfortunately. Nanee would teach me bits of ASL here and there. The one she would teach me the most is "I love you." I miss her very much. Thank you for helping me learn.

[@sign-language]

My pleasure. Thanks for sharing your "why."

[@adigunidowu8811]

I want to learn to be able to preach the gospel to the deaf

[@jerryarnold4583]

GREAT to see a new video!! I also like that there's background sound!! I can hear other students signing (IE: good - hand slapping). This is an awesome refresher! I also liked the added video you inserted to show variations of a given sign (student, etc).

[@acashapozaz-ramsey4895]

I am hearing but I’ve worked in customer service for many years and there was a few times I was approached by a deaf customer but I wasn’t able to communicate with them and it made me feel so bad. To me ASL is like any other language to learn. Like French or Spanish. I’m teaching my daughter sign as well. Thank you so much for these videos

[@jessicahilliard8838]

I taught myself the alphabet, but I could never get the hang of numbers, especially the ones that are so similar to letters. Thank you for this video. I think I've got it now! Now I just need to practice so I can spell as fast as you someday!

[@rachbuhhh]

You're such a great teacher! Patient and a sense of humor to boot! :)

[@splashthefly9039]

I know that I'm late, but wow, you're a good teacher. Yesterday I learned the alphabet (and already knew the numbers, but your vids gave me clarification!). I thought: "No way, I can't learn it in one vid..." I ended up spelling things from a documentary about the middle east (ancient days). Also, thanks for giving it for free on yt! I make sure that I won't skip commercials (I don't have a lot of money, but I do wanna help!). Thanks! 😁🤟

[@sign-language]

That is kind of you to be supportive of the channel by watching the ads. Tip: You only need to watch the first 30 seconds of an ad in order for a KZbin creator to get paid. Tip: If you use that same 30 seconds (during the mid-roll ads) to review and practice what you have recently learned -- it becomes a win/win for both of us since taking a few moments to practice and review helps students to retain the information. See below for more tips. Also check out asl.ms/mobile for even more help on your fingerspelling. ============================ 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 ====================== 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. THANKS!

[@splashthefly9039]

@@sign-language Oh wow, cool. You reacted! 😁 I already found your site (and bookmarked/favourited it). Thanks for all the info. I'll continue to support the channel in the ways that I can (watch ads, like, sub, share and keep practicing 😉). Stay awesome! 😁✨

[@KP-bq7yc]

I wasn't sure about this video at first because it seemed to be moving along too fast. 10 mins in, Great teacher! Been smiling for the parts I now do understand.

[@sign-language]

You might enjoy the whole series -- see below for tips and links. Note the playlist in item 2: ========================= 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 would enjoy the free LIfeprint.com lessons you might love the premium version of the lessons available for a low-cost subscription. For information see: lifeprint.com/asltc/ 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 or ASLU gear: teespring.com/stores/aslu 6. Donate via: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=64QMBRBXQSV6G 7. 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 ===========================

[@KP-bq7yc]

@@sign-language Thank you so much for all this info! This is fantastic! ❤

[@planck4691]

Thank you so much for having these up on youtube and for teaching so spiritedly...will be working on my ASL

[@mariaantoniacuevas7013]

I Know some English and l am learning ASL Witherspoon KZbin lesson, they're funy and You are an excelen teacher. Thankyou.

[@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

[@lyakakaya8290]

im going mute day by day and this videos will help me to communicate, thank you for sharing such needed content

[@Satine007ful]

Thanks you for uploading the videos! They are fun and easy to follow.

[@sign-language]

So very nice of you to help out! I appreciate it!

[@caspenbee]

This is SO easy to understand! ...so far 😅 Great methodology. Thank you!

[@sign-language]

I'm glad you like it. You might also enjoy some of the resources that go with the videos: 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

[@caspenbee]

@@sign-language wow, thank you for all these resources! You are a generous teacher. Much appreciated. :)

[@charmedheart77]

back to the beginning lesson 1. onto the next lesson

[@Xavilovergurl]

we love you Dr. bill

[@ralphda.1321]

Thank you for the great work and the joyful actitud in teaching.

[@aishataylor45]

Hearing people need to practice facial expressions. Deaf communication uses body language and facial expressions more than just sign language with hands

[@NonTwinBrothers]

Only now realizing the TV is blue because it's probably broken but I like the look 😁

[@benfranklin2738]

Thank you for the video... It's amazing and terrifying at the same time ...because the only form of communication is sigh language. Great Video !!!

[@maurafenlon8071]

Thanks!

[@emanuelalrocks]

Thanks for posting!

[@andresreyes4007]

Amazing teacher!!!! ❤❤❤ Ty so much!!!

[@rebecca7403]

Is the sign for "this" the same as the letter q? I can't see any difference between the two, thank you

[@sign-language]

Rebecca, I've answered your question and posted it to my "this" page at my website. See: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-signs/t/this.htm

[@simplymoonchild3908]

Interesting 😊

[@jjjjjjahhshshsh8045]

I want to learn ASL I am a nurse and I would love to be able to help my patients better

[@ReesRomanoff]

Impactful story choices

[@alisagumm8547]

Thank You!

[@chrisahearn1735]

Extended review 😀

[@lelouchvibritannia4235]

I have a question, when asking a ‘you’ question ex: “This yours?” Do I sign ‘you’ at the beginning and end? Or does it matter? 😅 Also, with ASL, can we omit the subject when it’s the person we are talking to? For example: “what’s your name again?” Could I omit ‘you’ because I am talking 1 on 1 with this person and it’s assumed I mean them? In that case, would signing “name again?” be correct?

[@sign-language]

You would just point at the object and then sign YOUR (while raising your eyebrows). (Note that you will often see all caps used to name a sign it is not yelling and it is not offensive when discussing signs.) See: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/lessons/lesson01.htm and click on the various sentences to see how to sign them. What's your name again? -- could be asked several ways and make sense. In Lesson 1 I show it as: AGAIN, YOU what-NAME? (What is your name again?) Note that I don't sign "you" in that sentence. So by simply observing how I'm signing you can see at least one solid way to ask the question. If you are curious about ASL grammar I recommend you check out my grammar pages: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/grammar.htm

[@sagingmilk]

15:05 bookmark

[@BBurnett333]

Hi Dr Bill! Enjoying your lessons. Question: Why do some Who, What, When, Where, Why and How questions start at the beginning of a question. (Like spoken English.) Some are at the end of a question? This is confusing for me. Thank you!

[@sign-language]

ASL, like most languages, has more than one "right" word (or sign) order. English can put "why" and "how" questions (and other WH-type questions) at the beginning or the end. Look at the examples below of English using "wh"-type questions at the end: You mentioned seeing someone familiar at the cafe; who? She talked about her favorite movie from last year; what? They were discussing a trip they took recently; when? He explained his reasons for moving to a new city; why? The manager described the new location for the branch office; where? You mentioned several books you read last month; which? The chef suggested a dish that was unusually spicy; what? They recalled an event that changed their lives; what? She had an idea for solving the issue at work; what? You were wondering about the origin of these artifacts; where? A "wh"-question word (or sign) (like who, what, when, where, why, or which) comes at the end of the sentence is often referred to as an "embedded question" or "indirect question. Such sentence constructions are very good for when you want to remind someone of a situation to make sure they have an understanding of the situation to which you are referring before asking them to specifically respond in an elaborative way. So, both ASL and English put WH-questions at the beginning and at the end for emphasis or clarity. ASL tends to use rightward movement of WH-questions more than English because signers often use facial grammar to denote the difference between an actual wh-type question (eyebrows down) and a rhetorical type question (that they plan on answering themselves) (eyebrows up). ASL has some very common WH-question at the beginning type of constructions. You'll find that the shorter the sentence the more likely the WH-sign is at the beginning. For example: In ASL the phrase "Why not?" almost always starts with the sign for "why." Similarly in ASL "How are you?" is signed as "HOW YOU?" (The caps are not yelling -- they are how glossing of specific signs is done.) Similarly "What for?" is reduced to simply signing FOR twice while furrowing the eyebrows! So, the secret to not being confused is to accept that ASL (similar to English) has multiple "right" sign orders. Instead of worrying about it -- focus on massively expanding your vocabulary and becoming a smooth signer so you can hang out in the Deaf community and have lots of great conversations and notice all of the many ways we ask questions in real life -- instead of the half-truths you often see (or worse "hear") on the internet. For a deep dive on ASL Grammar, see: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/grammar.htm Also see: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/wh-rightward-movement-unnecessary-in-very-short-questions.htm

[@BBurnett333]

@@sign-language Thank you for the in-depth explanation and the links! I am very excited to continue my ASL journey with you from afar. Thanks again, Dr Bill!

[@sign-language]

One of my favorite articles: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/store-i-go-the-myth.htm Another favorite: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/subject-verb-object-asl-sentence-structure.htm

[@annieswatches]

I'm confused. I thought how-SIGN went at the end of a sentence. And for the other questions, like: 1. HE/SHE WHO? 2. YOU what-NAME? 3. T-H-A-N-K-S (with eyebrows up for thanks) how-SIGN?

[@sign-language]

Annie, Recently a KZbin commenter asked a question regarding my older "Lesson 4" instructional video. The commenter's question was: "For number 11, why is the sign for "who" first? Why doesn't [the WH-question] go last?" I took a look at the (old) video and noted that the question was "Who hurt your feelings?" and the signs were "WHO HURT YOUR FEELINGS?" That particular question/sentence is an interesting situation wherein If you don't lead with the sign WHO -- you end up needing to either live with ambiguity for a short while or you need to use additional signs such as: PERSON HURT YOUR FEELINGS, WHO? or "SOMEONE HURT YOUR FEELINGS, WHO?" If you choose to topicalize the sentence -- during the first part of the sentence you end up having to raise your eyebrows (for PERSON HURT YOUR FEELINGS) to establish it as your topic and then furrow your brows to ask the WH-question. Using "more signs" and an "additional facial expression" literally takes more work and thus linguistically is contraindicated. As time goes on though I find myself more and more "teaching" WH-question rightward -- NOT because it is (always) "right" but because it is expected and common among ASL teachers (and students) who use my curriculum. For example, I actually have adjusted my lesson page to instead list: Practice Sheet: 4.C 11. YOU HURT WHERE? I adjusted the practice question not because the rightward movement of the WHERE (in the case of this very short sentence) is better but rather because of zeitgeist. In real life for very short questions such as "Where do you hurt?" -- it is my assertion that we will fairly often see: WHERE HURT? (Without the YOU -- since the person to whom we are signing obviously knows we are talking to them -- not someone else). The sentence "WHERE HURT" is so short that topicalization and rightward movement of the WH-question is unnecessary. Indeed, the topicalization process would add an extra facial expression and thus require more work without a significant payoff. More work with no benefit is not the direction in which languages evolve. At your convenience, please see this page: streetleverage.com/tag/steven-surrency/ Specifically read the criticism expressed in item 1 regarding "Formulaic Syntax."* The fact is -- very short sentences do fine with WH-questions on the left side since the eyebrow furrow is not held long enough to become awkward, the meaning is still obvious, and we are often saved from doing two facial expressions when only one is needed. Is it okay to sign, "HURT WHERE?: Yes, it is fine to ask "HURT WHERE?" I'd bet most "experts" will strongly prescribe signing "HURT WHERE?" (over WHERE HURT?) -- I'm simply saying that due to the shortness of the sentence in this case it doesn't matter. I'm also saying stick with the furrowed brows on the sign WHERE (and don't try to raise your brows on "HURT"). Remember, I'm simply suggesting that students (and teachers) avoid "one size fits all" attempts at ASL grammar. Consider the difference between these two English samples: 1. Are you in pain? Where? 2. Where does it hurt? The first one would work well topicalized: PAIN-[eyebrows-up], WHERE-[eyebrows down]. For the second sample it would be a waste of brow movement to raise the brows. You can just keep them lowered. Also for the second sample the order of the two signs doesn't matter -- unless you are taking a class taught by a prescriptive teacher. In that case do it however your teacher wants until you get the grade you want -- then go out to the Deaf Community and see how it is done (and the variety) by local Deaf adult native signers. Notes: Just in case the page to which I referred becomes unavailable, here is a quote of the relevant material: "Formulaic Syntax. Many interpreters, in their zeal to learn and preserve ASL, often develop an unnuanced, formulaic idea of what ASL is. As a result, they apply overly simplistic "rules" about what constitutes "pure" ASL. For instance, such interpreters expect all ASL sentences to use topicalization or right-movement of wh-questions (wh- question words at the ends of sentences). Such an approach reveals an incomplete understanding of the wide range of syntactic variation available in ASL." Source: Surrency, Steven (November 10, 2015) "Respecting Language: Sign Language Interpreters as Linguistic Descriptivists," Street Leverage, Retrieved, July 30, 2019 from streetleverage.com/tag/steven-surrency/ ------------------------------------------------------------------ For more information on this topic, see: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/wh-rightward-movement-unnecessary-in-very-short-questions.htm

[@sign-language]

It is common for ASL teachers to tell their students to (always) put "WH" concepts (such as who, what, when, where, why, etc.) at the end of a signed question. While in general it is often helpful to put "WH" question signs at the end of a sentence -- it is not an "absolute" rule applied to all situations. I mention this since I know many students are taking sign from teachers who insist that the "WH"-question must come last. Actually that is not true IRL (in real life). 1. In very short sentences it isn't overly important to put the "WH"-question last. For example: "WHO IX?"-("Who is that person?"). 2. Some sentences involve a "WH"-question clause wherein the WH-question is in the clause but not necessarily at the end of the sentence. For example: In a widespread ASL curriculum, we see a video demonstration of the following question: THREE FLAGS WHICH OLD-EST? 1st-of-3 ENGLAND (depict the stripes), 2nd-of-3 FRANCE (depict the stripes), 3rd-of-3 AMERICA (depict the stars and stripes) of-these-3 WHICH OLD-EST? (Source: Signing Naturally, Unit 19). The point here is the Deaf signer in this widespread curriculum is signing: "…WHICH OLDEST?" (Not "OLDEST WHICH?") 3. Often the "WH"-concept is subsumed into another sign. For example: "IX what-NAME?" ("What is that person's name?") Let me give you a sample of a trade-off. Consider the sentence: "Who takes out the garbage in your family?" If you want to put the "WHO" sign at the end you end up trying something like this: YOUR HOUSE, GARBAGE THROW-out WHO? (Awkward!) This is a little better: YOUR HOUSE, PERSON THROW-out GARBAGE, WHO? (Still awkward but more clear. We have to expend energy adding the sign "PERSON.") Or you can use this type of sentence: YOUR HOUSE, GARBAGE, WHO THROW-out? (This fairly decent version but it takes a micro bit of extra effort to topicalize "GARBAGE." ) Then if we do this, we are making the ASL 1 and ASL 2 teachers happy again but wasting time and energy: YOUR HOUSE, GARBAGE, WHO THROW-out WHO? Or you just accept the fact that your ASL 1 and/or ASL 2 teacher were parroting over-generalized advice about (always) putting the "WH"-question at the end of the sentence and realize that it is okay to sign: YOUR HOUSE, WHO THROW-out GARBAGE? (Winner!!!) Oh sure, you should sign however your local teacher wants you to sign (at least until you get the grade you want in the class). Then go out in the world and see how we sign in real life.

[@annieswatches]

@@sign-language Okay, thank you for that explanation!

[@annieswatches]

@@sign-language Thank you, this was a really helpful explanation!

[@Taylor-z9c1l]

HEYYYY I HAVE A QUESTION?? If I am using (S/HE) when that person isn’t in the room and I can’t point to them, how would I sign that?????? Thanks Bill 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@sign-language]

You point slightly off to your dominant hand side as if the person were there. (Unless someone else really is standing off to your dominant side. In that case, point a bit further to the side of that person so there is no confusion.) This is called "absent referent" in ASL. You might find this page at my website to be of interest: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/indexing.htm

[@michaelarmenta]

YAY!

[@ForeverFashion2111]

Is the sign likewise the same as me too ? Enjoy your videos !!!😃

[@sign-language]

Yes, the sign me-SAME-you works well for the concept of "likewise." kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmOyon54i96JgqM

[@mariawi1357]

Hi Bill!!! Hope you and your loved ones are healthy! Just thinking of one thing with questions. If a person has botox to take away the angry wrinkle (due to headache for example), how will they do when they ask What?, because that expression is gone or very weak. Or can it been read out from the rest of the face that it is a question anyway ?

[@sign-language]

It will be the equivalent of having a voiced conversation with a monotone speaker. Two Hearing people will typically still be able to understand each other based on the actual words being used. However there may indeed be times when miscommunication happens. I recall an interpreter friend of mine who told me about a time when the boss was greeting employees and voiced: "Working hard?" (as a question). The Deaf employee could lipread the question but not hear the intonation at the end of the sentence and so thought the boss was saying: "Working hard!" (As in, "I can see you are working hard!" (which would be a compliment). The Deaf employee responded, "Thank you!" (Assuming it was a compliment instead of a question). So, indeed, Botox treatments may influence signed communication and to some extent result in miscommunication. It depends on the level of context involved. The higher the context -- the less likely the miscommunication.

[@CaseyMarkov]

so in the beginning you signed student with starting to sign learn and then turned it into the rest of the sign (seen at 0:40) but at the end when you showed it again you did the full sign that you used with your students in the video (as seen at 41:25) so which one would be correct to use or would they both be correct?

[@sign-language]

Go with the abbreviated / casual version. You'll look more native that way.

[@sign-language]

Yes. Keep in mind that language has registers, formal, casual, intimate, etc. For fun see this comic strip: assets.amuniversal.com/b8e73db06219012ee3c200163e41dd5b Likewise, ASL has abbreviations. This typically isn't a matter of right or wrong (unless you are taking a class and your teacher wants it a certain way). Rather it is simply learning the spectrum of versions of a sign. Please see item 6 below. Consider joining that or some other ASL discussion group. ============================ 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. * 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

[@ratrodhoney]

Do you think tattooed hands and fingers pose any issue when signing?

[@sign-language]

Some folks trying to read ASL might find tattoos on the hands to be distracting. Others won't care. I can tell you that quite a few Deaf ASL teachers dislike grading ASL videos submitted by students with long fingernails because long fingernails are distracting and make clearly articulating some handshapes a bit difficult. Tattoos can serve a lot of purposes -- including being a form of art or communication. If a communication partner's brain is subconsciously admiring your tats, being annoyed by your tats, or trying to figure out what your tats mean -- that is a form of distraction. Whether or not such distraction becomes an issue -- as in having a measurable impact on reception, acceptance, or retention -- is going to vary quite a bit depending on the conversation partner or client. If "I" were intending to become a certified interpreter for the Deaf, actually needed the income, and had to decide for or against tatting up my hands -- I would probably decide to keep my tats above the short-sleeve line just so as to not trigger any potentially fee-paying clients. Also worth considering is that over time tats are becoming more and more common. (That is a pretty easy argument to win simply by comparing OLD biker magazines with more recent biker magazines and noting the amount of tats displayed by females in the "old days" versus how common they are "these days.") My point is that any answer I give you "now" (such as the discussion points above) might actually seem silly at some point in the future if or when tattoos become near ubiquitous via some new technology making it easier to have amazing / lifelike / interesting / high quality tats for low cost / low pain / and maybe even reversible. Time will tell. But if you "do" have tats on your hands and you go to a Deaf social and someone gets weird about it -- then gee --- you have an easy way to decide who is intolerant and who "not" to become friends with.

[@elizabethmahady6797]

so (i haven't finished the video yet maybe they explain it later) I've seen them sign it as "you deaf?" and "deaf you?" does anyone know which way is correct? or are they both correct?

[@sign-language]

I encourage you to read up on "pronoun copy." See: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/pronoun-copy.htm That should help answer your question. For a deeper dive on ASL grammar, see: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/grammar.htm For a bit of myth busting, see: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/subject-verb-object-asl-sentence-structure.htm and my favorite: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/store-i-go-the-myth.htm

[@elizabethmahady6797]

@@sign-language Thank you!

[@Ikahernandez1978]

👌👌👌

[@dariodiniz621]

Bill, I know LIBRAS (Brazillian Sign Language). Im trying to understand asl visual communication. In the phrase "You learn asl where?", could I sign "You asl learn where?", because in this way I could first put asl in my visual space and then "grab" it with "learn" sign, puttong it in my head. May i continue in the way of learning? Trying to visualize ASL like this?

[@dariodiniz621]

Thanks for you classes and funny way to teach. Its a plesure to watch and learn.

[@sign-language]

This would work well: ASL, YOU LEARN WHERE? (Note: the capitalization is not yelling but rather it is ASL gloss.) If it is obvious that you are asking your interlocuter the question you can drop the sign YOU. Thus you'd have a sentence such as: ASL, LEARN WHERE? However, I encourage you to read the following articles: First: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/store-i-go-the-myth.htm Then see this article: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/subject-verb-object-asl-sentence-structure.htm And here's another suggestion: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/induction-and-extrapolation.htm Warm regards and happy studying!

[@dariodiniz621]

@@sign-language thank you! I will read the articles!

[@cgoodson2010]

Hi! I've been watching your videos since I learned basic ASL for my music therapy training. Now I'm getting arthritis in my fingers -- really difficult to bend my index finger. Help, please!!!!!

[@sign-language]

See: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/arthritis.htm

[@jewelzoevalencia7442]

I have a suggestion, that maybe you can put some captions on your videos, 'cuz most of the time I don't understand what y'all sayin'...

[@sign-language]

Maybe someday I'll add captions but for now try going to: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/lessons/lessons.htm and studying the lessons before you watch the videos. Then keep in mind you don't need to understand everything to benefit from the video.

[@mrdummy_nl]

Lesson 01? Did you start over again the lesson line?

[@sign-language]

Due to the pandemic I've been digging through my old hard drives and finding unpublished videos. So I'm not exactly starting over but rather just posting the videos I manage to locate.

[@louttloutte]

@@sign-language thank you so much for doing this ! all the best!

[@mrdummy_nl]

@@sign-language I see. Do you know you have avatar in VRChat that looks like you, and your videos will used in ASL lessons in Sign & Fun world. We're helping others with VR headset (signing with Index or normal controller) to learn ASL. Already many deaf people in VRChat over the world, and there is VR deaf community "helping hands". I was only trying to make correct lesson order, so in this way i used latest lesson 01 and higher. So yeah, i was hoping to keep correct lesson order for everyone. So, what is correct order to follow lessons? You have multiple lesson 01 videos for example. For small introduction, here is video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHOpZKWalpuJncU made by deaf player. I am in the video as well. We like your videos very much, and it has very positive feelings, good in bad times to laugh a bit. Keep the good work! I am learning ASL too!

[@sign-language]

Hello. The correct lesson order is certainly Lesson 1 on up through Lesson 60. The concept of multiple Lesson 01 videos "could" be included into a curriculum via the concept of "recursion" and/or using a "recursive" approach. For example, a student could watch Lesson-01-version-a Then watch L2, L3, L1-version-b, L4, L2-version-b, L5, L3-version-b, etc. Such repetition would help the learner to master the information. At this time I have extra versions of some lessons but not others. As time goes on I teach lessons again in my day job and/or develop versions of older lessons. So it makes sense to develop a recursive "lesson review" process. For now it is just something I'm working on and will eventually become a suggested / recommended approach to using the instructional videos. As far as an Avatar that looks like me I suppose that is no big deal UNLESS someone is actively seeking to pretend to "be" me, to take un-agreed-to advantage of my reputation, or to deceive people into thinking that the things the avatar is signing is reflective of my opinion. Such activity would be tantamount to "identity theft" and misrepresentation which others have done in the past with the result of having their materials or website literally taken down by the hosting company (because it is illegal). Note: I'm certainly open to collaborations and becoming a virtual ASL instruction. I'm just saying that use of my likeness needs to be "permission based" rather than hijacked. A good place to bring up such discussions (regarding my role or ability to help support the development of avatar-virtual-based ASL instruction) is the official public Facebook page associated with ASLU / Lifeprint at: facebook.com/groups/Lifeprint.ASLU/ If you are not yet a member you may wish to apply for membership.

[@mrdummy_nl]

@@sign-language The deaf community is very well aware and we all know that avatar is yours. We also tell others it's face of you, so avoid misunderstanding and not someone else. And also we recommend videos to new people who want learn ASL. So hopefully it's positive enough for you. :-) Thanks for the explaination!

[@zerihungoshu6106]

It is good , me is don't deaf , it is good very sing language

[@estebanroman3088]

Bill, how do I know where to start? Is this lesson 1?

[@sign-language]

See: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/lessons/lessons.htm

[@kimhoang901]

☺😅❤

[@christinescott9218]

Christine look Lear some word language to much ok I busy jewlerly and cook sometimes 😮 by. Send vicariously bill

[@LinksBetweenDrinks]

Doctor Bill can grab my hand anytime.

[@sign-language]

Wouldn't the Earth be so much more fun to live on if it were a common thing to just hold hands with anyone? Just walking down the street and someone is going the same direction and you could reach out and hold their hand as you walk? You'd get to your turn off, give them a hug and head your own way. Such a cool world that would be. I once had an advanced student who suddenly and unexpectedly dropped out of school after having gotten mind-wiped by a rare bacteria that (among other things) chewed the myelin sheathing off of a significant amount of her neurons. She showed up a year later barely able to communicate and her learning style had become almost totally kinesthetic. She started showing up to every office hour for tutoring and staying until I had to leave. Over time we developed a system in which she sat very close to me so I could grab her hands and move them through the movement path of the signs and turn her palms in the right direction. It allowed us to become efficient in facilitating her regaining of her former signing skills. An outsider looking in would have totally misunderstood and misjudged what was going on. The student graduated and went on to obtain employment in a field and position in which she used her signing skills to benefit Deaf children. We remain friends to this day.