American Sign Language

In this unit, we will cover proper signing techniques and also begin to understand the concept of signer’s perspective. There will be opportunities for the students to practice with a partner some of the example dialogues found on the Classroom Activities page.

American Sign Language (ASL) Signing Techniques

	Make certain that you and your partner are facing each other comfortably – shoulders square, directed towards one another. (For example, partners should not be sitting in opposite rows in a classroom, causing one partner to turn around to sign)
	You should be able to see your partner’s signing space (the area in front of your body where most of your signs will be taking place) and your partner should be able to see yours.
	All of your signs should be clear. If you do not understand what your partner has just signed, politely ask them to repeat their sign.
	It is okay to ask for signs to be repeated more than once. Just like learning any other second language, practice makes perfect.
	Make yourself aware of the context of which you and your partner are signing. This will put you both on the same page and make the communication process a lot easier. Click here for a printable version of these signing techniques.

American Sign Language (ASL) Signer’s Perspective

 In this particular unit, we are learning about giving directions or setting up a room. Although these two subjects seem completely unrelated, they are actually quite similar. The main idea you are to remember when giving directions or setting up a room in ASL is to use your perspective. That is the easy part – what may seem more difficult about that is when you are no longer the signer, but instead you are the one receiving the directions from your signing partner. When you are facing your partner and they tell you to turn left or that a couch is located on the left, it may seem like they are telling you to turn right or that the couch is on the right because from your perspective they will be pointing to the right direction. Just always try to remember that when someone is signing to you, their signing perspective is going to be basically the opposite of your own. This can be hard to get used to but, just like anything else in ASL, the more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel with singing perspectives.
Click here for a printable version of the signer's perspective.

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Questions? Contact Kelly Hall at halll@uwec.edu
Page last updated 03/17/2005