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Adan R. Penilla II
Adan R. Penilla II, PhD, NIC, NAD IV, CI/CT, SC:L, ASLTA, teaches American Sign Language at Colorado State University and is a freelance interpreter for the Colorado court system.
Articles & Books From Adan R. Penilla II
Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-08-2022
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. And because good communication also involves manners, learning some basic do’s and don’ts of Deaf etiquette is also helpful.
Article / Updated 02-21-2017
American Sign Language (ASL), like any other language, allows you to communicate your feelings. You can sign about how that movie made you sad or how seeing your Deaf friend made you happy:
Angry: Make the open-5 hand shape, palm toward your face, and pull your hand away from your face, scrunching up your fingers.
Article / Updated 02-08-2017
The holidays and other yearly celebrations are an enjoyable time for family and friends to gather 'round and join in the festive good cheer. Partake in the festivities with your Deaf friends by practicing the signs shown here.
If you're gathered around a table with some Deaf folks and you want to propose a toast, knock on the table to create a vibration.
Article / Updated 02-08-2017
Remembering a few simple points can help you make American Sign Language (ASL) handshapes like a lifelong signer. Handshapes are hand formations that you use to sign each letter of the alphabet; this is also called the manual alphabet.Your manual dexterity is like a voice that has the ability to sing, and it requires practice.
Article / Updated 02-08-2017
Going to the hospital during an emergency is a scary thing, and if you're communicating via American Sign Language, it can be even scarier, but it doesn't have to be. Nothing is scary about these emergency-related signs (except having to use them). These signs may be your 9-1-1 when you need to help out in an emergency!
Article / Updated 02-08-2017
What you know about rhetorical questions in English is not the same as rhetorical questions in American Sign Language (ASL). In English, a rhetorical question is a question that does not require an answer. In ASL, a rhetorical question is asked and the person who asks the question gives the answer as well. A rhetorical question is a way of making a point by providing the information for the very question you ask.
Article / Updated 02-08-2017
Going out with the gang is a good time for those who like the night life. Deaf people enjoy their social bonds and can paint the town red with the best of them. Often, people go as singles, and other times, it's couple's night out. The signs shown here will help you when you're planning that night out with your friends.
Article / Updated 02-08-2017
Raising a brood is quite a responsibility. Nothing is more impressive than teaching your children a second language like American Sign Language (ASL). You can use the signs shown here every day around the house. As you're hanging out with your Deaf chums, see which signs they use with their children and take note.
Article / Updated 02-08-2017
Constructed Dialogue is a way to communicate the details of what was said in a conversation. In American Sign Language (ASL), this technique requires your body to shift slightly from side to side so you can role shift. The purpose of this shift is to take on the character of the two people who had the conversation you're describing.
Article / Updated 02-08-2017
Classifiers in ASL may sound complicated but they are not; they are a fun way to explain the finer points of the message you are conveying. Once you get the hang of them, you can show off your skill to your Deaf friends and let them teach you more about classifiers.
Classifiers are nothing more than handshapes that are grouped into categories with a specific purpose as describing something, showing relationships, demonstrating something, or taking the place of an object.
