ASL Lessons

Intermediate

notes:

  • For this section we will be taking a look at some of the more middle ranged rules and structure along with some of the intermediate level activities and vocabulary.

Class notes :

Things to think about: YES and NO questions always have eyebrows raised. WH? questions like " who, what, where" eyebrows are down.

Topic Comment structure: Always put the topic of the sentence first then the comment.

Example: (English. I bought a bike.) (ASL. Bike + I buy)

Non-Manual Signals: non-manual signals are yes and no head shakes and nods that support your sentences.

Example: ( English.I don't like cold weather.) (ASL. Cold weather+ I+ like [negative head shake with sign (like) to show don't)

Possessives: Whenever you are using a possessive such as yours or mine always use the palm facing your target.

Example: That is your book. The palm is facing the person you are giving ownership too.

7/18/19 : This video shows personal and Possessive Pronouns. Notice you use the pointer finger "dexis" for personal pronouns like (you, me, he ,she, it) and you use "B" hand shape for all things possessive like (yours, mine, hers, its).

This video reviews some of the rules for the "Topic- Comment" structure. You will notice that some of these time shows up at the end as a result of it being used for the comment. It is Fine to put the time reference at the beginning as well ....For Example... Saturday...party. Saturday takes on the role of the topic.

This Video introduces tenses. I discuss the uses for Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. I talk about the word order you should use for the sentences and explain why the order is important.

This video deals with gender distinction in ASL. We look at the various male and female signs in ASL. I discuss various family members. Be mindful of location and hand placement.

This video deals with shoulder shifting techniques. I discuss the purpose for using shoulder shifting and give a few practice examples. When using shoulder shifting be sure to keep your ideas organized spatially. Allow enough space between the items you are organizing so that it is clear to your audience.