Articles & Books From American Sign Language

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.
Video / Updated 11-13-2019
Everybody eats, so being able to let people know in American Sign Language (ASL) that you're hungry and what you want to eat is very useful. This video shows a Sign language conversation about what to have for lunch.
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
At home or out and about, you often talk about people who aren't right there with you, and that's the same whether you're signing with American Sign Language (ASL) or speaking English.For instance, at work, you may discuss with one of your co-workers how much you like your boss. When using Sign, you don't have to be able to see someone (or something) to be able to talk about him, her, or it.
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
Making phone calls as a Deaf person is an interesting event. Some Deaf people use a videophone to see who they are conversing with while other Deaf people would rather talk to other people using a traditional telephone. The question is, how do Deaf people use a house phone/landline if they cannot hear? Deafness comes at different levels.
Article / Updated 02-08-2017
In the early 1800s, many Deaf schools were established throughout the United States that still exist to this day. It was during this time that manual communication was prospering.In 1880, a Conference for educators of the Deaf took place in Milan, Italy. This was a turning point for American Sign Language (ASL).
Article / Updated 02-08-2017
The videophone has replaced the TTY for Deaf people calling friends and family, making appointments, and attending to daily business needs. To set up a videophone, all you need is a videophone, Internet connection, and a screen to connect the VP, or videophone.Deaf people do have the option, however, of having an application on their smartphones.
Article / Updated 02-08-2017
When participating in the Deaf community, a good rule to follow is, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." In other words, when you're with Deaf people, respect their customs; what you don't know, you can figure out by observation and through asking questions. Basically, just watch and learn. Some of the things you may notice include the following: A sense of unity: Depending on the size of the Deaf community, Deaf people congregate at activities such as bowling leagues, Deaf clubs, Deaf plays, and fundraisers.