Common Phrases in ASL
This week, I decided to learn some common phrases in ASL. As I have mostly been focusing on learning single words, this was a challenge for myself this week. Some of the phrases such as “my name is…” were tricky as there were three different parts to the sign. Memorizing these signs was definitely an exercise for my brain!
I learned these phrases from the website Sign Language 101. They have lots of free videos that teach you the basics of sign language. They repeat the sign multiple times from different angles, as well as say the word aloud. One thing I noticed when watching these videos and comparing them to my own videos is the lack of facial expression I have when signing. I am usually so focused on making my hands do that right thing that I completely overlook my facial expressions. In the tutorial videos, the demonstrater always seems to match his facial expressions to the word he his signing, similar to how people use facial expressions when speaking. Using facial expressions when signing is a goal I would like to attempt for next week! Do you have any tips on integrating facial expressions into ASL?
Here is a video of myself signing common phrases in ASL!
I think learning ASL is a very cool and applicable project to do. Is doing sign language along with speaking something you would like to do in your classroom? I saw a teacher at my internship this year using sign language as she was talking to her students and I thought it was so cool! I unfortunately do not have any tips on how to do facial expressions while signing, but I’m sure it comes with practice. I also found a quick video that goes over some facial expressions you may use https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnap3MRYkL8 (less than two minutes).
Hey Steph,
I found it interesting that you noticed yourself lacking facial expression while using ASL. I feel like most people would not pick up on that about themselves. As for any suggestions on how to incorporate facial expressions, I am not sure, however as Hailey said above, I believe that will come with practice. Not needing to focus so much on your hands will allow you to multitask and focus on those expressions.
Good job with the phrases in this post. Do you think you’d be comfortable having a mini-conversation with someone in ASL? Just about the phrases you mentioned in this post.
Evan
Hey Stephanie, thanks for sharing. I never thought about the facial expression part of ASL either until reading your post. I have thought about learning it as well but there is always more to it than you think once getting started. I think that’s awesome that the teacher was signing as she was speaking to the kids. If you have a child in your class that needs it, I think it’s pretty amazing to be able to communicate with that child and not have to have someone being the translator.!