ASL Basics
1. the definition of ASL
ASL is a full natural visual language with its own grammar, structure, facial expressions, and use of space. It is NOT based on English. It is used by Deaf communities across America and Canada.
6. the role of non-manual behaviors in ASL
Non-Manual Signals (NMS) include facial expression, eyebrows, mouth shapes, head movement, and body shift.
They show:
Grammar (YES/NO = eyebrows up, WH = eyebrows down)
Modifiers (size, speed, emotion)
Tone & attitude
Adverbs/adjectives
Questions, negation, topics
11. what is the NAD?
National Association of the Deaf — protects Deaf civil rights and language access.
15. why and how do Deaf people keep each other informed?
Deaf people share information for safety, access, and community connection.
Examples include:
Sharing news
Warning others
Telling events or announcements
Giving directions
Passing on community updates
19. what signal devices and other technologically helpful devices do Deaf people use?
Videophone
TTY
Fax
Flashing doorbells
Visual fire alarms
Vibrating alerts
20. understand the process of giving directions in ASL
Directions use:
Classifiers
Eye gaze
Path movement
Landmarks
Spatial mapping
Pointing
3-D space
2. what language is historically related to ASL?
French Sign Language (LSF), because Deaf French teacher Laurent Clerc brought LSF influence to the U.S.
7. the role of fingerspelling in ASL
Used for:
Names
Places
Brands
English words with no sign
Technical vocabulary
12. what is significant about Gallaudet University?
It is the ONLY Liberal Arts University in the world designed for Deaf students.
16. how do Deaf people get each other's attention?
Common methods:
Wave
Tap shoulder
Flash lights
Stomp on floor (vibration)
Ask someone else to signal
21. in what ways do Deaf people communicate with others who do not know ASL?
Gestures
Writing
Texting
Pointing
Home signs
Drawing
22. what are the norms to follow when identifying others in ASL?
Always identify in this order:
Gender
Body size
Height
Hair
Unusual features / clothing
3. who (where) uses ASL?
Americans and Canadians (primarily in the U.S. and English-speaking parts of Canada).
8. the role of space in ASL
Space shows:
Location
Direction
Movement
Pronouns
Verb agreement
Time (past behind, future in front)
Relationships between people or objects
ASL uses a 3-D “map” to show meaning.
13. who was Laurent Clerc? who was Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet?
Laurent Clerc: A Deaf French teacher who helped bring sign language to America; co-founded the first U.S. Deaf school.
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet: Hearing educator who partnered with Clerc to establish Deaf education in the U.S.
17. what information is shared by Deaf people who have just met? why?
They share:
Group
School
Who they know
Purpose: to find connections, relationships, and community links.
30. When did TTY begin and end?
→ Began in the late 1960s; widely used through 1990s; declined 2000s; replaced by videophone by 2010s.
26. what is RID?
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf — professional certification and standards.
4. what percent of Deaf people have deaf parents?
10%
9. rules of behavior when using ASL
Important visual rules:
Maintain eye contact
Don’t look away while someone signs
Keep hands visible
Use clear facial expressions
Ensure good lighting
Respect personal signing space
Don’t talk with voice during ASL conversation
Stay visually engaged
14. what was the DPN! movement? (Gallaudet University)
Deaf President Now (1988) — students protested and demanded a Deaf president for Gallaudet. Victory for Deaf leadership.
24. what are appropriate ways to handle interruptions in ASL?
Pause signing
Move aside
Allow someone to pass
Resume signing after the interruption
31. When did videophone begin?
→ Early 2000s; Video Relay Service (VRS) began in 2002; became standard Deaf communication afterward.
27. what types of schools can Deaf people go to? what Deaf Education philosophies are there?
Schools:
Deaf schools
Mainstream programs
Bilingual programs
Philosophies:
ASL/Deaf culture bilingual
Oral
Total Communication
5. how ASL is transmitted from generation to generation?
Peers.
Most Deaf children learn ASL from other Deaf children in school and community settings.
10. what is valued by Deaf culture?
Eyes and hands → visual communication.
NOT English.
NOT speech.
Deaf culture values:
Signing
Community
Shared experiences
Communication access
Visual information
Deaf identity
23. what Deaf history milestones occurred in the 1960’s?
ASL recognized as a real language
Stokoe published first ASL linguistic research
The word “ASL” became commonly used
Sign language returned to some Deaf schools
Deaf cultural pride increased
Start of modern Deaf rights and advocacy
25. how do Deaf people maintain continuity in relationships?
Stay connected
Attend Deaf events
Socialize
Share information
Maintain visual presence
29. When did closed captioning begin?
→ Began in the 1970s; launched publicly in 1980; required on TVs from 1993 forward.
28. what are the most common causes of deafness?
Heredity
Rh-blood incompatibility
Prematurity
Accidents / head injury
Illness (high fever)