Lecture Notes: Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL)

Class Overview

In today's class, we learned the first 25 basic signs in American Sign Language (ASL), essential for beginners. We also discussed five key components of ASL signing which include hand shape, palm orientation, movement, location, and non-manual signals.

Five Key Components of ASL

1. Hand Shape: The form your hand takes for a specific sign.
2. Palm Orientation: The direction in which your palm faces during the sign.
3. Movement: The action your hand(s) make while signing.
4. Location: Where your hands are positioned relative to your body.
5. Non-manual Signals: Facial expressions and body movements that are not made with the hands.

First 25 Basic Signs in ASL

1. HELLO
   • Dominant hand moves out from the forehead.
2. SEE YOU LATER
   • Sign for "see" followed by flipping the hand for "later."
3. I or ME
   • Point towards yourself with an index finger.
4. FATHER
   • "Five hand" shape tapped on the top of the head (masculine area).
5. MOTHER
   • "Five hand" shape tapped on the chin.
6. YES
   • Hand nods like a head nodding yes.
7. NO
   • Form the letters 'n' and 'o' with fingers.
8. HELP
   • Modified from old sign to a newer simpler version.
9. PLEASE
   • Flat hand circles on the chest.
10. THANK YOU
    • Hand moves out from the chin.
11. WANT
    • Bent "five hands" pulling inward.
12. WHAT
    • Bent "five hands" wiggling in and out.
13. DOG
    • Like snapping to call a dog.
14. CAT
    • Mimic cat's whiskers.
15. AGAIN or REPEAT
    • Dominant hand moves over the palm of the other hand.
16. EAT/FOOD
    • Hand moves towards the mouth, similar sign for both.
17. MILK
    • Similar to milking a cow.
18. MORE
    • Flat "o hands" touching together.
19. GO-TO
    • Index fingers move based on the location.
20. BATHROOM
    • "T hand" (also denotes toilet or restroom).
21. FINE
    • "Five hand" moves up to the chest.
22. LIKE
    • Thumb and middle finger pull from chest outward.
23. LEARN
    • Mimic picking something up and putting it in your head.
24. SIGN
    • Hands move inward referencing sign language.
25. FINISH or DONE
    • Phrase completed by saying "finish" with appropriate sign.

Practice Sentences

• Hello, my name is Meredith.
  • HELLO MY NAME M E R E D I T H
• I'm fine.
  • ME FINE
• How are you?
  • HOW YOU
• Nice to meet you.
  • NICE MEET YOU

Conclusion

Great work learning your first 25 signs in ASL! Remember to practice these signs and use the aforementioned components to improve accuracy and comprehension in signing.

Additional Resources

• Check out the six-part series on 150 essential signs in ASL and other beginner video playlists to further enhance your skills. Visit the provided website for more information, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly updates on new content.