Learning ASL… 1, 2, 3 GO!

This week in my learning journey with ASL I decided to learn numbers which were relatively simple to learn but remembering which numbers use which hand motions and watching someone else sign them had me a bit confused. The numbers 1-5 were simple, it was the same as how many people count on their hands. Starting with your index finger to count the number one, then add your middle finger to count the number 2. They throw a little curve ball at you and add the thumb to count 3 rather than the ring finger. After this you drop the thumb and add your pointer to pinky fingers to count four, then of course add your thumb to count 5.  

Learning ASL through youtube videos and apps have been super helpful but I also find myself unsure why they do certain movements and whether that is intended to be copied or if it is a way of showing the motion. While watching ASL THAT he shook his hands/wiggled his fingers while he counted 10+, but did not explain this. So I dug into it a little further and found that this is more common when telling time. 

Numbers 6-10 were also relatively simple. But rather than how we teach young children to count using both hands, sign counting is using one hand. Once you get to 5 and all your fingers are up, you sort of count back down on those same fingers. Your thumb hits the pinky for six leaving your remaining 3 middle fingers up. You repeat this down your hand, using your thumb to hit a new finger as a new number. (I will post the video I learned below so you can better follow!) 

As I continued on with my learning from this video, as mentioned the numbers got tricker. The comment sections on the Youtube video were very relatable throughout this process so I thought I would share those with all you fellow bloggers!!

Overall this week was tough and I am still learning the larger numbers, but I love how many videos and resources there are to help assist in my learning. I am hoping to try the “ASL for Dummies” book in the next few weeks since I have focused mainly on digital formats, and I want to compare the learning experience from each. I find it hard to explain using words and even just pictures in some examples to fully understand how to properly sign. Which is why I am interested to see how the book differentiates the learning process!