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Cheat Sheet
Signing For Dummies
Successfully communicating with others in American Sign Language (ASL) starts with learning to sign the manual alphabet, numbers 1 through 10, important expressions, and important one-word questions.
One-Word Questions in American Sign Language
Signing one-word questions in American Sign Language is a way to create small talk, help get to know people, and gather information. It helps when you're signing these questions to look inquisitive, tilt your head, and lean forward.
ASL: Signing Essential Expressions
Practice signing these basic expressions in American Sign Language (ASL) to meet and greet people, join in on conversations, answer questions, and be polite and courteous.
ASL: Signing the Manual Alphabet
Learning the manual alphabet in American Sign Language (ASL) is essential to begin communicating. If you don't know the sign for something, you'll need to use the manual alphabet to spell the word, or fingerspell. Check out and practice the hand signs for the manual alphabet:
ASL: Signing Numbers 1 through 10
In American Sign Language (ASL), knowing how to sign the cardinal (counting), numbers will help you in everyday situations like banking and making appointments. Pay attention to the way your palm faces when you sign numbers: For 1 through 5, the palm should face the person doing the signing. For 6 though 9, the palm faces out toward the person who is reading the sign.
