ASL Vocabulary
This sign is commonly used when greeting someone and asking how they are
HELLO, HOW YOU?
Fingerspell this word: DEAF
D-E-A-F
Sign the number 7 in ASL
7
This term refers to people who share language, traditions, and experiences related to Deaf identity.
Deaf Community / Deaf Culture
This university in Washington, D.C. was founded specifically for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Gallaudet University
This sign means to communicate using sign language.
SIGN
What handshape represents the letter S in the ASL alphabet?
Closed fist with thumb in front, touching knuckle of middle/ring finger
Sign the number 25 in ASL
25
This visual language uses handshapes, movement, and facial expressions.
ASL / American Sign Language
This French educator helped bring sign language to America and worked with Thomas Gallaudet.
Laurent Clerc
You should use this sign to ask someone their name.
what-NAME?
Which letter is being fingerspelled if the index finger points up while the other fingers touch the thumb forming a circle?
The letter D
Sign the number 68 in ASL
68
This behavior is important in ASL conversations because communication is visual.
Eye contact
This 1880 conference discouraged the use of sign language in schools.
The Milan Conference
This sign means you do not understand something that was signed.
DON'T-UNDERSTAND
When fingerspelling a person’s name, what do you usually do before spelling it?
Sign NAME first
Sign the number 100 in ASL
100
Name one polite way to get a Deaf person’s attention.
Examples: wave, tap shoulder, flash lights, stomp floor
This Massachusetts island community historically had many Deaf residents and its own sign language.
Martha's Vineyard
This sign expresses appreciation after someone helps you.
THANK-YOU
Fingerspell the word UMBRELLA
U-M-B-R-E-L-L-A
Sign the number 341 in ASL
341
Why are facial expressions important in ASL?
They provide grammar and meaning
Thomas Gallaudet helped establish the first permanent school for the Deaf in this U.S. state.
Connecticut