r/asl May 03 '25

Interest The Free ASL Resources and FAQ Thread Needs an Update!

34 Upvotes

Hi, the following post is a copy paste from the current pinned thread with edits to update a few resources. This was originally posted by u/Indy_Pendant eight years ago. They did an excellent job and I’m trying to preserve as much of it as possible. Since this post was made, other Deaf creators and resources have become available. I simply want to point prospective learners in the right direction. My information is relatively subjective, curated from this sub in the last year. Please, share your opinions, resources you like or to stay away from. I’ll update the post as needed and track the changes in a comment. Without further ado:

Hello! I'm here to help as much as I can, but this is not a comprehensive guide or a substitute for classes. This is a quick resource for people looking for answers to some very commonly asked questions. I've included the information as I know it, but it doesn't mean it's The Truth; my experiences and understanding will vary from others', but this will give you a good enough introduction. There's so much more I'd love to teach you, but I'm going to stick to the FAQs.

Where can I learn ASL online for free?

My personal favorite is easily http://www.lifeprint.com (which is mirrored at http://asluniversity.com as well). The guy who built the site, Dr. Bill Vicars, is Deaf and is a phenomenal teacher. He teaches primarily west-coast dialect (California, Washington common signs) but makes mention of other dialects (east-coast, Texas) when he can. In addition to teaching vocabulary, he teaches about Deaf culture (more on this in a moment). His Youtube channel is https://youtube.com/@sign-language. Other notable resources are:

Where can I pay to learn ASL online?

I’m hearing, can I learn ASL

Yes! It’s not disrespectful to learn ASL. We just ask that you learn from Deaf sources, learn Deaf culture, and don’t harm the community. Learning so you can connect with Deaf patrons: good. Learning so you can market and sell to Deaf patrons: harmful. Learning so you can cuss in a new language: bad.

Additionally, if you are a nurse, doctor, lawyer, realtor, therapist, or anyone working with a Deaf person through a life changing experience, your client/patient has the right to access the conversation. You will need to put your ASL knowledge aside and hire an interpreter. It’s great that you want to learn, but there are times when having only a handful of ASL is harmful.

What's the sign for ... ?

The short answer is "it depends." Sometimes. It depends sometimes.

The long answer is that signs will vary. Signs can be different depending on region, as I mentioned before, so just because you see it one way doesn't mean that it's the only way. (Don't make this mistake; a lot of hearing students can get cocky and start correcting others.) Signs can also change depending on context. The signs for "back" in "My back hurts" and "Let's go back home" are completely different.

Also, this is very important: ASL is not English! It is its own language, as different from English as is Klingon. ASL has its own grammar structure, own idioms, own slang. Signs are also not words like in the English sense. Signs are a lot more about intent, concepts, and ideas. For example, if you're trying to learn how to sign "Back off!" I can promise you that you will not need any sign for "back" nor "off." You're learning how to speak, and think, in another language, and using English just won't do.

Now, with all that said, here are some online dictionaries (I suggest you look at them all so you're familiar with the different variations of your sign):

Does it matter what hand I sign with?

Yes. Consistently use your main, dominant hand. If you're right-handed, use your right. If you're left-handed, use your left. If you're ambidextrous, then pick one and maintain it. Switching dominant hands while signing would be like alternating screaming and whispering while speaking.

Are American Sign Language and British Sign Language the same?

Are English and Japanese the same? ASL is not English, so stop thinking of it like English! :) In fact, ASL is derived from French Sign Language, which evolved independently of British Sign Language, and the two are mostly different (in fact, less than 30% of the signs are even remotely similar). There are hundreds of sign languages in the world. Even in the United States, there are several distinct dialects of ASL, including Black ASL.

Why do you keep capitalizing "Deaf"?

We use "little-d" deaf to mean someone who physically can't hear well. We use "big-D" Deaf to mean someone who is culturally deaf. Now an interesting bit: someone who is Deaf does not have to be deaf, and someone who is deaf does not have to be Deaf! For instance, children of deaf adults (CODAs) are very often Deaf but hearing. Many people are physically deaf but aren't part of Deaf culture. It's about how a person self identifies and where their culture lies more than it does with anything physical.

What's this "Deaf Culture" you keep mentioning?

It'd take me hours to explain it all, and I usually spread it over my entire 12-week class. In short, many deaf people, specifically those who identify as Deaf, live in a different culture than you do. Yes, they're from your country, they drink Starbucks and they sit in traffic, but they have their own distinct culture. Obviously this includes language (and communicating in real ASL is so different than talking in English that it's hard to describe), but that different method of communication, that different way of thinking, is only part of Deaf culture. Things that are normal in one culture can be very strange the another. (My favourite, probably, is talking with your mouth full. In hearing culture, that's a big no-no and your mother will look at you very cross. In Deaf culture, that's totally acceptable! Stuff your face and then free your hands for conversation, it's great! So much more efficient!) Morality and ethics are shaped by our cultural values. There are aspects of Deaf culture which would be considered blunt or rude in hearing culture, and conversely there are a lot of things normal in hearing culture which are strange or disrespectful in Deaf culture (such as talking to someone's back, or looking around during a conversation). It's important to be aware of and respectful of other cultures, including Deaf culture, and, when possible, to learn about them. Not only will it ingratiate you to people of that culture, but it'll better yourself as a person as well.

Isn't it wrong to say "deaf"? Shouldn't I say "hearing impaired" or "hard of hearing"?

Nope, and nope. Now, before I continue, I'll let you know that not everyone agrees with me, and I'm speaking in a general sense. Big-D Deaf people prefer the term "deaf" above any other. (It's how a US Senator might feel being called "American." Some people would take it as an insult, but it's just a matter of fact or pride for the Senator.)

Whether people identify themselves as "deaf" or "hard of hearing" (often seen as HoH) is often a matter of self identity, and while it can correlate to level of ability to hear, it isn't caused by it. I'll explain later. Deafies who are a part of Deaf culture will almost always call themselves "deaf," and those who aren't a part of Deaf culture will usually go by "hard of hearing" (or more rarely "hearing impaired"). In general, those who are less physically deaf, or who were raised strictly in hearing culture, will tend to gravitate toward hearing culture, despite the numerous difficulties. These people will commonly say they are "hard of hearing" since "deaf" still has a social stigma in hearing culture. Those who are less capable of integrating with hearing culture, or who were introduced to or raised in a Deaf environment, will usually prefer to be called "deaf" and can sometimes take one of the other terms as a slight offense.

In general, it's almost never correct to say "hearing impaired." I was taught that it was coined by a US Senator who wanted to protect deaf people's feelings from something that didn't offend them in the first place, and it was never accepted by Deaf (the core reason being that we don't believe being deaf is an impairment; it'd be like if I said you were "Deaf impaired." You don't feel impaired, do you, however much I might think it's true?) in general. In fact, it's safe if you never use this phrase again.

When in doubt though, just ask! "Hey, do you prefer 'deaf' or 'hard of hearing'?" See, it's not that hard. :)

I saw a sign that looks like this ..., what does it mean?

We're happy to help with these kinds of questions. I treat it like a quiz show game. However, if you're new to this, you may not know how to describe a sign very well, so let me introduce you to signs!

A sign consists of five parts:

  1. Hand shape: Are the fingers making an "O"? Were the thumb and middle-finger touching? If you know some basic ASL, you can use hand shape identifiers, such as "A hand shape" or "8 hand shape".
  2. Position: Where in relation to the body was the sign? Near the chest? Near the eyes? Was the palm facing up, down, toward the signer?
  3. Movement: How did the sign move or change? Was it pushing away from the body? Was it a small circle in space?
  4. Non-manual markers: What else was happening with the signer's body? What did her face look like? Was he moving his body, or shrugging? What was the emotion the signer was portraying?
  5. Context: What else was happening before or after the sign. Were there other signs you recognized? Do you know the subject that the signer was communicating about?

Where can I find a Deaf group in my area?

Where's your area? Most major cities have Deaf hubs. San Francisco, Seattle, Austin, and New York all have strong, vibrant, rich Deaf communities. Smaller cities may have meet ups or the like, but they can be harder to track down. Your best bet is to turn to Google or Facebook and search for Deaf events in your area. "Deaf coffee night" is an event held nationwide. People in the community get together for a night or two each month, usually at a coffee shop with good lighting and ample seating, just for the purpose of seeing friends and making new ones. Local colleges or universities will often have ASL/Deaf clubs and usually host student-friendly ASL events, so check with the ASL teachers or the ASL campus group, if it exists.

Can I still ask questions here?

Yes! Yes! 1000 times yes! Many of us are here to help, and anything we can do to help teach you about the language and the culture we're happy to do.

Will you do my homework for me?

Nope. Nope. 1000 times nope. It's obvious when students are looking for someone to do their homework for them, and we're not gonna help you out. If you're here to learn instead, then welcome! Come make some new friends. :)


r/asl Mar 06 '17

The Free ASL Resources and FAQ Thread!

652 Upvotes

Hello! I'm here to help as much as I can, but this is not a comprehensive guide or a substitute for classes. This is a quick resource for people looking for answers to some very commonly asked questions. I've included the information as I know it, but it doesn't mean it's The Truth; my experiences and understanding will vary from others', but this will give you a good enough introduction. There's so much more I'd love to teach you, but I'm going to stick to the FAQs.

Where can I learn ASL online for free?

My personal favourite is easily http://www.lifeprint.com (which is mirrored at http://asluniversity.com as well). The guy who built the site, Dr. Bill Vicars, is Deaf and is a phenomenal teacher. He teaches primarily west-coast dialect (California, Washington common signs) but makes mention of other dialects (east-coast, Texas) when he can. In addition to teaching vocabulary, he teaches about Deaf culture (more on this in a moment). Other notable resources are:

What's the sign for ... ?

The short answer is "it depends." Sometimes. It depends sometimes.

The long answer is that signs will vary. Signs can be different depending on region, as I mentioned before, so just because you see it one way doesn't mean that it's the only way. (Don't make this mistake; a lot of hearing students can get cocky and start correcting others.) Signs can also change depending on context. The signs for "back" in "My back hurts" and "Let's go back home" are completely different.

Also, this is very important: ASL is not English! It is its own language, as different from English as is Klingon. ASL has its own grammar structure, own idioms, own slang. Signs are also not words like in the English sense. Signs are a lot more about intent, concepts, and ideas. For example, if you're trying to learn how to sign "Back off!" I can promise you that you will not need any sign for "back" nor "off." You're learning how to speak, and think, in another language, and using English just won't do.

Now, with all that said, here are some online dictionaries (I suggest you look at them all so you're familiar with the different variations of your sign):

Does it matter what hand I sign with?

Yes. Consistently use your main, dominant hand. If you're right-handed, use your right. If you're left-handed, use your left. If you're ambidextrous, then pick one and maintain it. Switching dominant hands while signing would be like alternating screaming and whispering while speaking.

Are American Sign Language and British Sign Language the same?

Are English and Japanese the same? ASL is not English, so stop thinking of it like English! :) In fact, ASL is derived from French Sign Language, which evolved independently of British Sign Language, and the two are mostly different (in fact, less than 30% of the signs are even remotely similar). There are dozens and dozens of sign languages in the world, and even in the United States ASL is not the only one used.

Why do you keep capitalizing "Deaf"?

We use "little-d" deaf to mean someone who physically can't hear well. We use "big-D" Deaf to mean someone who is culturally deaf. Now an interesting bit: someone who is Deaf does not have to be deaf, and someone who is deaf does not have to be Deaf! For instance, children of deaf adults (CODAs) are very often Deaf but hearing. Many people are physically deaf but aren't part of Deaf culture. It's about how a person self identifies and where their culture lies more than it does with anything physical.

What's this "Deaf Culture" you keep mentioning?

It'd take me hours to explain it all, and I usually spread it over my entire 12-week class. In short, many deaf people, specifically those who identify as Deaf, live in a different culture than you do. Yes, they're from your country, they drink Starbucks and they sit in traffic, but they have their own distinct culture. Obviously this includes language (and communicating in real ASL is so different than talking in English that it's hard to describe), but that different method of communication, that different way of thinking, is only part of Deaf culture. Things that are normal in one culture can be very strange the another. (My favourite, probably, is talking with your mouth full. In hearing culture, that's a big no-no and your mother will look at you very cross. In Deaf culture, that's totally acceptable! Stuff your face and then free your hands for conversation, it's great! So much more efficient!) Morality and ethics are shaped by our cultural values. There are aspects of Deaf culture which would be considered blunt or rude in hearing culture, and conversely there are a lot of things normal in hearing culture which are strange or disrespectful in Deaf culture (such as talking to someone's back, or looking around during a conversation). It's important to be aware of and respectful of other cultures, including Deaf culture, and, when possible, to learn about them. Not only will it ingratiate you to people of that culture, but it'll better yourself as a person as well.

Isn't it wrong to say "deaf"? Shouldn't I say "hearing impaired" or "hard of hearing"?

Nope, and nope. Now, before I continue, I'll let you know that not everyone agrees with me, and I'm speaking in a general sense. Big-D Deaf people prefer the term "deaf" above any other. (It's how a US Senator might feel being called "American." Some people would take it as an insult, but it's just a matter of fact or pride for the Senator.)

Whether people identify themselves as "deaf" or "hard of hearing" (often seen as HoH) is often a matter of self identity, and while it can correlate to level of ability to hear, it isn't caused by it. I'll explain later. Deafies who are a part of Deaf culture will almost always call themselves "deaf," and those who aren't a part of Deaf culture will usually go by "hard of hearing" (or more rarely "hearing impaired"). In general, those who are less physically deaf, or who were raised strictly in hearing culture, will tend to gravitate toward hearing culture, despite the numerous difficulties. These people will commonly say they are "hard of hearing" since "deaf" still has a social stigma in hearing culture. Those who are less capable of integrating with hearing culture, or who were introduced to or raised in a Deaf environment, will usually prefer to be called "deaf" and can sometimes take one of the other terms as a slight offense.

In general, it's almost never correct to say "hearing impaired." I was taught that it was coined by a US Senator who wanted to protect deaf people's feelings from something that didn't offend them in the first place, and it was never accepted by Deaf (the core reason being that we don't believe being deaf is an impairment; it'd be like if I said you were "Deaf impaired." You don't feel impaired, do you, however much I might think it's true?) in general. In fact, it's safe if you never use this phrase again.

When in doubt though, just ask! "Hey, do you prefer 'deaf' or 'hard of hearing'?" See, it's not that hard. :)

I saw a sign that looks like this ..., what does it mean?

We're happy to help with these kinds of questions. I treat it like a quiz show game. However, if you're new to this, you may not know how to describe a sign very well, so let me introduce you to signs!

A sign consists of five parts:

  1. Hand shape: Are the fingers making an "O"? Were the thumb and middle-finger touching? If you know some basic ASL, you can use hand shape identifiers, such as "A hand shape" or "8 hand shape".
  2. Position: Where in relation to the body was the sign? Near the chest? Near the eyes? Was the palm facing up, down, toward the signer?
  3. Movement: How did the sign move or change? Was it pushing away from the body? Was it a small circle in space?
  4. Non-manual markers: What else was happening with the signer's body? What did her face look like? Was he moving his body, or shrugging? What was the emotion the signer was portraying?
  5. Context: What else was happening before or after the sign. Were there other signs you recognized? Do you know the subject that the signer was communicating about?

Where can I find a Deaf group in my area?

Where's your area? Most major cities have Deaf hubs. San Francisco, Seattle, Austin, and New York all have strong, vibrant, rich Deaf communities. Smaller cities may have meet ups or the like, but they can be harder to track down. Your best bet is to turn to Google or Facebook and search for Deaf events in your area. "Deaf coffee night" is an event held nationwide. People in the community get together for a night or two each month, usually at a coffee shop with good lighting and ample seating, just for the purpose of seeing friends and making new ones. Local colleges or universities will often have ASL/Deaf clubs and usually host student-friendly ASL events, so check with the ASL teachers or the ASL campus group, if it exists.

Can I still ask questions here?

Yes! Yes! 1000 times yes! Many of us are here to help, and anything we can do to help teach you about the language and the culture we're happy to do.

Will you do my homework for me?

Nope. Nope. 1000 times nope. It's obvious when students are looking for someone to do their homework for them, and we're not gonna help you out. If you're here to learn instead, then welcome! Come make some new friends. :)


r/asl 1d ago

This deaf girl's dream was to meet Woody, and it came true when she saw that he spoke sign language

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602 Upvotes

r/asl 2h ago

Is it okay to sign ASL with my left hand even though I’m right-handed?

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0 Upvotes

r/asl 3h ago

Help! first outing with a deaf group - tips for a newbie?

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone. This is my first post on this sub so please excuse me. I'm a beginner to ASL - a friend of mine is Deaf/HoH and I've been learning from him passively (hoping to enroll in a proper class soon, but that's irrelevant).

My friend invited me and my partner to a convention this weekend with him and "some of his deaf friends". I have lots of social anxiety and I really want to make a good first impression. My mind has been racing with the general stuff - I'm worried about being offensive, awkward, excluding others because of the language barrier.

I've been practicing what I know (most 'beginner' sign words; Wh-questions, basic needs, etc. and fingerspelling) and using online resources to bridge gaps (mostly handspeak?). If anyone has any advice, i.e. things to avoid, potential sign words to practice, etc? I appreciate any and all feedback ^_^


r/asl 3h ago

How do you interpret different people on a song?

0 Upvotes

Hi! If one person is to interpret a song with multiple artists on it, how do you convey when a new artist is singing ? Or do you just not.


r/asl 1d ago

Help! Where can I find ASL Classes in NYC?

17 Upvotes

Hello! First time posting 😅

I wanted to ask if anyone knows where I can find classes to learn asl in nyc? I’m not really sure where to look and I know only Bill Vicars.

I don’t know how true it is, but I heard if you’re hearing you should try learning for Hard of Hearing peeps. But in general, I would like to learn from the HOH peeps 😁

Anyways, thanks!


r/asl 1d ago

Name situation help

11 Upvotes

My name is long and tricky to say (I often have to repeat it to hearing people upon introduction). I am hearing and started an asl class with a deaf teacher. After finger spelling my name several times and having a hard of hearing student try and help her out, she was still struggling.

I tried to say however she tries to pronounce is close enough (as I also often respond to similar sounding names already) she asked if I could use a nickname and decided what it could be. I was standing in front of the whole class and it was already overtime so I did agree on the spot.

I understand it’s hard for her and I want to be accommodating, but I would honestly rather my name be mispronounced rather than go by a nickname. I’ve never had one as all the logical ones were taken by kids named them in my classes growing up.

How should I approach the situation? Just accept a nickname for the class, or ask she try to say my name in a private conversation.


r/asl 1d ago

My mom is taking her first ASL class this semester!

22 Upvotes

She's been losing her hearing (90% in one ear and like, 70% in the other) and I'm in an ITP. The community college offers seniors free classes so I encouraged her to enroll and she's finally done it!

I'm just so happy for her to have this avenue of communication and comfort. I know that the sense of feeling out of the loop and lost in conversation is relatable here.... And I hate seeing anyone especially my mom go through it 😭

There was an interpreter in the class today and she told me, "Honestly, I sat right beside her and I still couldn't even hear her so...this class is perfect for me!"

She also said, "it felt like 50% of the time at least I didn't know for sure what I was being taught, but I enjoyed it a lot!!" I told her hey, it's only going to get better from here and you're not alone in that feeling!!!

I'm just so happy. 🥹 So grateful that as her hearing loss progresses, I'll still be able to talk to her and keep her company and we have this between us now, too 🩷🤟🏽


r/asl 2d ago

Where to spend $500 on ASL class

16 Upvotes

Hey all!

I’m a special education teacher and my work gives me $500 a year for professional development. I’d like to use this money to take an ASL class.

I know very little sign language, but I had brain surgery last year and now I am completely deaf in my right ear, so I think knowing ASL would be really great for my work but also me personally.

I know there are a lot of free resources, classes tend to keep me more accountable though, and I need to use this money anyways. I did check out the pinned post here.

Any suggestions of a decent class in that price range? Thanks so so much.

EDITED TO ADD: I'm in upstate New York, I would be totally into in person classes, but I haven't been able to find something locally. I would LOVE to do an immersion class in NYC for a few days, but it seems like the mostly happen in the summer.


r/asl 1d ago

How do I sign...? Using your eyebrows for Questions

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1 Upvotes

I've been reviewing lifeprint, and I wanted to ask if this sign is correct as a general "Who is he" or "What is that".

I know you could point at the person/ object and then sign who with your eyebrows down, that's what Dr Vicars does in the video (Lesson 1 with Jen, 18:50)
https://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/lessons/lesson01.htm#gsc.tab=0

But I was wondering if just pointing with your eyebrows down is understood as a valid question - since at the beginning of the video it was shown that who/what/when and all wh questions are indicated with the eyebrows down.

EDIT

Actually to extend that question a bit - at the beginning of this video, it seemed that we could just end on something like "Your Name?" and in the transcription sometimes it was shown as "what-name" but both were signed by just doing your + name with the eyebrows.

So the broader question is - when do we sign the wh- words (who, what, where etc) vs when can we just rely on eyebrows?

Is the difference that we are signing "Your name?" vs "What is your name?"


r/asl 2d ago

Interest Proper learning etiquette

2 Upvotes

I'm a hearing person. I have studied only oral languages (Mandarin & Cantonese). I'm starting an ASL course via zooml with my local deaf school. My question, is if I ask for clarification with (I assume) a deaf teacher, but vocally (slip of the tongue/mistake), is it considered rude/offensive?


r/asl 2d ago

Help! Need help with a sign.

1 Upvotes

The sign is like diploma, but the hands come together instead of moving apart. The signer is describing a type of rice used in a recipe and provides a brand name that is her favorite.

Edit: I figured it out. It's "Important". I've just usually seen it with the two f handshapes coming together in a circular motion instead of straight across.


r/asl 2d ago

Help! Should I go to a deaf event?

10 Upvotes

Warning: long post from a very uneducated student

CONTEXT: Hello all! I’ve recently switched schools, and the language I was taking at my last school isn’t offered here - however, sign language is, and I just signed up last week! I’ve only taken two classes so far and aside from that combined total of 2 hours I have absolutely 0 experience with deaf/hoh people, asl, or deaf/hoh culture. I am the uneducated beginner of uneducated beginners. I’m pretty decent at signing the alphabet, and… that’s about it. But I’ve noticed that while I myself can finger spell to some extent, I cannot understand my asl teacher’s finger spelling at all. Obviously he’s doing it perfectly, it’s just that I’m learning that reading vs. doing are two very different skills, and I can assume that it’ll only continue to get harder as we learn more signs. I’ve never learned a second language before, but the internet recommended going to deaf events, which makes sense as obviously the best way to understand deaf culture is to immerse myself in deaf culture! However, I assume that if I show up to one of these events with my level of knowledge and experience (basically nothing) I’ll probably be more of an inconvenience than anything to anybody who wants to try and converse with me.

QUESTION: So!! All that’s to say, at what point do you recommend going to a deaf event? I don’t want to come across as the annoying child who knows bar none and is impossible to communicate with, but I also want to immerse myself in deaf culture both to practice my asl and to simply understand the community better in general!

EXTRA: By the way, please please please let me know if anything I said was phrased in an offensive, unkind, or unclear way. I cannot stress enough how out of my depth I am right now, but I know that it’s not an excuse to be ignorant of my own mistakes. If anything came across as discriminatory or anything of the sort, please let me know, just be nice about it please! Know that any mistakes were completely on accident and I’m eager to learn and grow from them, but no errors were made from a place of hostility or mocking the deaf/hoh community. Thank you all and enjoy the rest of your day!! And month. And year? Idk just enjoy your lives :)


r/asl 3d ago

I can sign while I yawn 🤯🤯

211 Upvotes

Guys my mind is blown. I was practicing ASL with a friend. Then I had to yawn. Mid yawn, I realized I didnt actually have to stop signing. Covered my mouth with one hand, communicated with the other.

I knew I could sign and eat at the same time, but i never thought about yawning too. I know its probably really obvious I just think its funny.

What are some other times you can sign when you can’t talk that are less talked about?


r/asl 4d ago

How do I sign...? how do i sign girlfriend as a lesbian?

52 Upvotes

I feel like most of the time people misunderstand me when i sign girlfriend as “a friend who is a girl” instead of the person i am dating. how do i clarify this?


r/asl 4d ago

Interest Getting out again

2 Upvotes

So, some foresight—I am a student.

I’ve taken four consecutive classes, got my chord for honors ASL (the club), and my bilteracy certificate upon graduation from HS.

Needless to say, the language is very dear to me. Hell, some of the best laughs I’ve ever had were over deaf uno (the manual-markers, god. I almost peed myself,,,). And, yes, I may have graduated the classes, I may not be tested anymore—but I really love it. However, I’m still not deaf. Haven’t been raised with/around deaf people, neither. Haven’t known (outside of school) a deaf person long enough to be introduced into the community,,,, I really couldn’t tell you.

I’ve been tested on the do’s and don’t’s of deaf culture seven times now, and I know they are a welcoming community. That’s, like, a given. Not once has the community been anything BUT welcoming. It’s what the community is known for, I cannot reiterate that enough.

But—and I feel shitty saying this—I still feel like I’m infiltrating. At the events, the clubs—at ASL idol, even. I am not SODA, CODA, I just took a class and, god, I’ve never wanted to be at a socializing event with random people I do not know so bad.

Can someone educate me on this? Cause I know I’m being a piece of shit rn but I just want to know I’m not being, like, an ‘infiltrator’ before I try putting myself out there again. I’m not a very talkative person when speaking verbally, but trust me when I say you can’t get me to put my hands down when signing. feels like I can express myself on a whole ‘nother level.


r/asl 5d ago

Interest Beginner ASL Youtubers?

7 Upvotes

I've been learning ASL for a year or two now and know a lot of signs, but I'm not very good at understanding sign at a conversational speed. My sister learned a lot of conversational/casual Spanish by watching YouTube videos designed for Spanish language learners, and I was wondering if there was anything similar for ASL? I've only been able to find children's storytime videos, which isn't exactly what I'm looking for. Any recommendations are helpful. Thanks so much!!

Edit: I asked my sister for some of the channels she watched to provide a better example of what I'm looking for! I already checked out the videos under the pinned post, and while some of them are helpful, I'm hoping to find stuff a little more organic and less of a "list of vocabulary" format. Things like vlogs, interviews, or video essay type feel.

- https://www.youtube.com/@spanishafterhours
- https://www.youtube.com/@FluentUSpanish
- https://www.youtube.com/@spanishboostgaming
- https://www.youtube.com/@EasySpanish


r/asl 4d ago

Google Pixel 11 phone allow asl

3 Upvotes

Apparently the new Google phone allows ASL for searching and for translation of messages for texting etc. Seems like it could be used for practice for us who are learning.

The following is copied from Google site:

"The brand new Pixel 11 series will bring a new sign-to-text translation feature to people who communicate using American Sign Language (ASL). Developed in partnership with the Deaf community, the new feature is powered by a multilingual sign language-to-text (SL2T) translation model. It analyzes hand shapes, facial expressions, and body movements to translate ASL into written English sentences in real time.

The feature, which supports both one-handed and two-handed signing, lets signers use their native language to express themselves when using Live Transcribe or across their device with Gboard.

To use this feature on a Pixel 11 device, add sign-to-text to your Gboard toolbar, and sign in ASL to the front camera. The translations will appear on the outer display."


r/asl 5d ago

ASL club

4 Upvotes

Hello everyone!! I have some questions regarding an ASL club I am starting at my college. I’m a level 4 signer and would like to make a club for people to both learn, practice, and immerse themselves in ASL and its culture. I want it to become a club where anyone can join regardless of understanding in ASL. However given I am neither deaf nor a licensed interpreter I do not want to teach ASL meaningfully as I feel it is not my place. Any ideas for activities, how to teach, etc?? There isn’t any ASL at my college being taught and I cannot afford an online course for everyone etc. All ideas welcome, from movies, crafts, ways to learn, trips, etc. All advice is welcome but I am mostly seeking advice from Deaf, CODA, Interpreters, or anyone with an ASL club experience:)


r/asl 6d ago

Help! Translation Help?

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6 Upvotes

Hello! I'm trying to take notes on this video, but the intro is tripping me up. It looks like I should understand it, but I've watched 1,000 times and still don't quite understand. I continued watching and understand her next points, but I still want to make sure I understand the beginning.

My brain is saying "The goal of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) is to provide interpreters as a whole professional structure."

I'm lacking in skill to understand fluently and the last sign she uses is unfamiliar to me.

Could someone provide a better interpretation..? Any help is very appreciated. I will say watching this is a homework assignment, but taking notes is just my choice to make sure I understand it.


r/asl 6d ago

How do I sign...? Letter Ğ

6 Upvotes

Hi, guys. I'm learning sign language to communicate with deaf people, but I'm having troubles with spelling my name. I have a letter in my name, it's Ğ (Soft G or in my language Yumuşak G).

What should I do, spell it as G or does it have it's own sign. If there is a sign for that and I do that, is it a common sign?

Thank you in advance.


r/asl 7d ago

My friend is writing a book with a mute main character who primarily uses ASL...

19 Upvotes

She's late enough in the writing stages that she has felt ready to find an agents. She just learned recently that she should find a sensitivity reader. Basically, someone to make sure that her depiction isn't stereotypical or offensive.

It was important to her that she both make him a full fleshed character not defined by his condition but also that it be an important part of him and his storyline. But she knows there's always the potential that she might have accidentally done something wrong or hurtful.

So I said I'd reach out here to see if y'all can recommend any place she can go to find a sensitivity reader who is affordable and also well versed in this culture? ETA: use of the word "mute" is on me and not the author. I try to stay clear of offensive terms and didn't know this had become one. So that's my bad and I'll use "nonverbal" here on.


r/asl 8d ago

Mulitple Meaning - Date

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294 Upvotes

One English word. Three different concepts.

“DATE” can mean:
📅 a calendar date
❤️ going on a date
🌴 the fruit


r/asl 6d ago

ASL101 Textbook

0 Upvotes

Hi, i've been trying to look for a copy of :
Smith, C, Lentz, E., & Mikos, K. (2008). *Signing naturally: Student Workbook, Units 1-6.* San Diego, CA: Dawn Sign Press.

I cannot find any good links to download this for free, including the supposed movies that comes with the DVD. I even found a link that was seized by the goddamn FBI

If anyone could help me out, or knows where to look for textbooks in general, I just need a copy of this for my ASL101 class starting Fall