Beginner I

Describing shapes and locations

In addition to learning how to describe the shapes and sizes, now these videos show you how to describe the relative locations of the shapes, names, and/or numbers.

Remember the perspective is of the signer. The listener (you) should mentally reverse to match the image below each video.

First describe the shape. Tap the location twice and name it that is relative to the shape. When tapping, raise eyebrows. Watch facial grammar in the videos.

It is a good idea to practice on your own before looking at the answer. Play the video and watch. Write or draw down. Repeat the video if necessary. Compare your answer. One at a time.

describe shape in ASL

Watch how the reference point is established with the base hand to hold the location while the dominant hand describes. Observe the facial grammar when identifying the location by tapping with the finger.

describe shape in ASL

Watch how the reference point is established with the base hand to hold the location while the dominant hand describes. Remember that palm orientation faces the signer when telling a number between one and five.

describe shape in ASL

Related posts

Also see describing shapes and sizes (beginning).

New to sign language? "Where do I start?" or "How do I start learning sign language?" This ASL Rookie guide lists some selected links to the tutorials for ASL beginners to get started and keep rolling. It may be a useful review for intermediate-level learners and ASL students as well.

Some tutorial pages are a mix of free and premium versions. Access to premium content and links below are available in the PatronPlus subscription. More links/posts will be added from time to time.

Expressing needs and wants

  1. Making commands or requests

Talking about activities

  1. Frequency of time: how often?

Are you able to carry everyday conversations in ASL? Are you a student in the intermediate levels and beyond, who wishes to boost up your signing skills? You've come to the selected tutorial series. (Some premium content are available to PatronPlus membership.)

Stories, poems, performance arts, etc. in sign language.

This documentation project follows a child's language acquisition, literacy development, and phonological acquisition in sign language, specifically ASL, from newborn to age five in a natural native-ASL environment and visual culture.