10 Signs Everyone Should Learn
Start writing a post
Entertainment

10 Signs Everyone Should Learn

Basics for beginner signers.

4670
10 Signs Everyone Should Learn

American Sign Language, or ASL, is an extremely interesting language that everyone should try and learn. Signs are conceptual, making them easier to understand, and, by learning ASL, you can open yourself up to communication with Deaf people. We live in a hearing dominated world so we don't often think about ASL or the Deaf community in general, but they have a lot to say with just their hands. If you have the opportunity to learn, take a class in ASL or just learn some on your own, that's great, but if you just want to get started with some basics, here are 10 signs to get you going:

1. The Alphabet/Numbers

The most important thing you have to learn before any sign is fingerspelling. Learning the alphabet is pretty easy and once you know it, you can spell any word. If you're ever unsure of a sign, all you have to do is fingerspell the word, and if the person you're talking to knows the sign, boom! New sign for you! The numbers are also really helpful, so start out with 1-10.

2. Name


Once you have the alphabet down, you can learn to sign your name. The sign for name, as shown above, is chopping down your dominant index and middle finger on your non-dominant. Combined with fingerspelling, you can now sign "My name is___" This is done by angling your palm towards your chest, signing "name" and then fingerspelling your name.

3. What


Now that you can sign an introduction, how about asking a new friend their name? This is pretty similar to number two, but instead, you angle your palm toward them, sign "name" and then sign "what" which just looks like what you'd think. In ASL questions, you sign the "Wh" (what, why, where, when, how) signs at the end of a sentence. Also, all "Wh" questions involve lowering your eyebrows, while yes/no questions involve raising your eyebrows. Eyebrows and facial expressions, in general, are very key to ASL, don't forget them!


4. and 5. Yes/No

How to answer a lot of questions: yes or no. "Yes" is just knocking your fist and "no" is opening up three fingers and closing them as shown in the picture. "Yes" and "no" are always helpful to learning a new language.

6. Please and 7. Thank you



You never want to learn a new language and be rude, so here are your basic etiquette signs. If you're asking for something, circle an open palm on your chest for "please," and if you want to thank someone, touch your chin and move that hand off. BONUS! The sign for "good" is the same as "thank you," but you just bring your dominant palm backwards into your non-dominant palm.

8. Bad


Since you know "good," you might as well learn "bad." This is very similar to "good" in terms of how you start it. Touch your chin, but when you move your hand off turn it upside down and close it into your non-dominant palm. Don't forget facial expressions! They're super important to signing in terms of getting your tone and grammar.

9. Nice


Part one of another sentence to try out: "Nice to meet you." The sign for "nice" is to wipe your dominant hand along the open palm of your non-dominant. This works not just in the sentence, but anytime you plan on using the word "nice."

10. Meet

The basic way to sign "meet" is to make two "ones" with your hands and make them touch, just like two people meeting each other. NOTE! Don't make two "D's," that's "date," and don't put up two fingers unless you want to use a profanity. So to sign "nice to meet you," sign "nice, meet," and then point at the person you're signing to.

This may only be ten signs, but if you noticed, you can already introduce yourself to someone and greet them! Pretty solid start for a beginner. There are so many signs to learn, and if you have the opportunity, so much culture to learn as well. Take these signs as your base and start learning this awesome language!

If you have any troubles with just the pictures or want to learn more you can always google the sign and then ASL, the internet will take it from there. Spread the sign (https://www.spreadthesign.com/) is also a really helpful website if you need more. Happy signing, everyone!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70830
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132439
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments