GRAMMAR in sign language

This entry word contains how to sign "grammar" in American Sign Language (ASL), "word order" phrase, some links to other words and grammar tutorials.

ASL sign for "grammar"

Meaning: the study of how words combine to form sentences; the study of words and their relations in the sentence.

Pronunciation (sign description): Both hands with the "G" handshape, palms facing each other where fingertips of index fingers are in contact, diverge apart while the hands move in a zigzag twist motion at the wrist.

Contrary to common ignorance, ASL and English are two different languages of their own. Both have their own grammar, vocabulary, and so on, like any other languages whether signed or spoken.

Phrase: word order

Meaning (word order): The sequence of words in a sentence, especially as governed by grammatical rules and as affecting meaning.

An example of the classifier use for 'word order' seen out in the wild. Watch the first part for "word order" before "not congruent..." (Video by E. Lynn Jacobowitz, 2017).

As ASL has its own grammar, thus differnet word order, sentence structure, and vocabulary, ASL sentences are different

Also see: WORD.

Vocabulary

Related signs: SENTENCE, PHRASE, SYNTAX, LANGUAGE.

ASL Learning Tips

Learning vocabulary without grammar isn't learning a language. Learning ASL without its grammar is like studying German words without its German grammar and then trying speaking German with English grammar in it. Right, really bad.

When learning ASL words, keep learning grammar in parallel. The best way to acquire the language is to interact with Deaf fluent and native signers. Your best bet is to take an ASL course with a qualified Deaf ASL instructor, especially if you are studying ASL for your career as an interpreter or working with Deaf people.

Granted, grammar is hard or perhaps dry for some learners. It can be fun also, especially with a classifier system. Try listening ASL stories where learning grammar can be enjoyable. This site has several ones in the Learn section under the "literary arts" tab.

Learn more about ASL grammar.

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Search Tips and Pointers

Search/Filter: Enter a keyword in the filter/search box to see a list of available words with the "All" selection. Click on the page number if needed. Click on the blue link to look up the word. For best result, enter a partial word to see variations of the word.

Screenshot of dictionary search with notes — Screenshot of the search dictionary

Alphabetical letters: It's useful for 1) a single-letter word (such as A, B, etc.) and 2) very short words (e.g. "to", "he", etc.) to narrow down the words and pages in the list.

For best result, enter a short word in the search box, then select the alphetical letter (and page number if needed), and click on the blue link.

Screenshot of dictionary search with notes — Screenshot of the search dictionary

Don't forget to click "All" back when you search another word with a different initial letter.

If you cannot find (perhaps overlook) a word but you can still see a list of links, then keep looking until the links disappear! Sharpening your eye or maybe refine your alphabetical index skill. :)

Add a Word: This dictionary is not exhaustive; ASL signs are constantly added to the dictionary. If you don't find a word/sign, you can send your request (only if a single link doesn't show in the result).

Videos: The first video may be NOT the answer you're looking for. There are several signs for different meanings, contexts, and/or variations. Browsing all the way down to the next search box is highly recommended.

Video speed: Signing too fast in the videos? See HELP in the footer.

ASL has its own grammar and structure in sentences that works differently from English. For plurals, verb inflections, word order, etc., learn grammar in the "ASL Learn" section. For search in the dictionary, use the present-time verbs and base words. If you look for "said", look up the word "say". Likewise, if you look for an adjective word, try the noun or vice versa. E.g. The ASL signs for French and France are the same. If you look for a plural word, use a singular word.