Questions + Answers
Where can I take a course in ASL?
What is the sign for [word, phrase or song]?
What does this sign [description of sign] mean?
Is a sign language universal?
How do I get started at Handspeak?
As a dominantly left-handed, how should I sign?
The sign is different in my area. Which is correct?
How do I distinguish signs for verb, noun, adjective and other figures of speech?
How to sign the passive verb in ASL?
How do I use the facial expression along with the sign?
"Where can I take a course in Sign?"
Sign Language classes, especially in Canada, United States, and some countries are popping up all over places. Check out the following possible secondary and post-secondary institutions for their calendars or catalogues that may offer in your areas:
"What is the sign for [word, phrase or song]?"
Unfortunately, because of the nature of graphically and grammatically complex signs, it is not easy to describe a sign-word in graphically accurate details via email. Support is not provided for a phrase or song or sentences via email. Although, subscribers are welcome to suggest words or phrases via email for future additions to the site.
"What does this sign [with a description] mean?"
Unless an image is provided via email, a description of the sign or gesture without its context is not sufficient to give the right answer.
"Is a sign language universal?"
No, there are different sign languages around the world in the same way for vocal/spoken languages. American Sign Language (ASL) is used in the U.S. and Canada. There are British Sign Language, Australian Sign Language, and so on.
How do I get started?
For a starter, check the checklist page: ASL Lessons -> Getting Started -> Learning Signs.
"As a dominantly left-handed, how should I sign?"
Like left-handed handwriting, it is an individual preference. Most signers are right-handed (even if some of them are left-handed writers); although, it is still an individual's choice. Signs are done in a mirror fashion.
The sign is different in my area. Which is correct?
First, an image of a sign-word may display slightly different as a result of the image distortion.
Second, a sign-word may be different due to regional, ethnic/racial, age, and/or gender variations. The variation naturally exists in any languages. For example, in British English, one spells "colour" whereas in American English, one spells "color". E.g., "flat" and "tube" in British English for "apartment" and "TV" in American English respectively . "Check" in American English for "cheque" in Canadian English. The Handspeak dictionary includes as many signs of regional variations as possible.
How do I distinguish signs for verb, noun, adjective and other figures of speech?
If you look up a word-sign in the Handspeak dictionary and are not sure of the right figure of speech, don't be desperate. Generally, most of signs in the dictionary are general, unless mentioned specifically otherwise. For example, signs for "wise" and "wisdom" are generally the same; however, they do have figures of speech or different contexts within sentence structures, using facial expressions, sign modifiers, and other parameters (eg. movement, repetition, handshape, location). See the "plane" and "fly" example for reference.
I was wondering how to sign the passive verb in ASL. For example, how would you distinguish between "be served" versus "serve"?
The linear, 2-dimensional written/vocal language is different from the 3-dimensional spatial-visual language. The question is related to the directionality. Please see the articles: "Directionality" and "Subject-Action-Objects" under the ASL Lessons. Look at the example under the sign-word "to give" It might help you understand the concept of passive/active verb in ASL.
The sign-sentence "I give you" can also be understood as "You're given by me." Or, "She gives him" the same as "He is given by her". They are two ways of expression in English that word order can be rearranged. In ASL, there is one sign-sentence for both because of the nature of non-linear, space-time.
How do I use the facial expression along with the sign?
The facial expression in some animated images is neutral to keep a sign-word in general context. If there is a specific context of a sign-word, the facial expression will be demonstrated. For example, I can sign "doubt" and frown my eyebrows to convey "doubtful" in a serious manner or with a concern. Or, I also can squint my one eye and slightly grin to convey a different feeling. When you learn to sign well, facial expression will be naturally integrated on your own. Be natural. Get absorbed into an essence of sign language.
Likewise, in a foreign vocal language, once you learn some vocabulary and grammatical structures and later learn to master the language, you would able to speak with tonal or vocal expression and accent more fluently. This works in a similar way to a sign language.
