Hello ASL Heroes!!! Hey, I could really use your help. If you’ve enjoyed having access to an expert in ASL you can help me continue my work for you. A small monthly donation from you would instantly make a big difference here at the studio because teachers don’t earn much and I could use some help paying for server and domain hosting for Lifeprint.com. Right now you can help out a humble (not to mention kind, caring, generous, compassionate, helpful, friendly, fair, and hard-working) ASL teacher -- just go here and a few clicks later you too will be a true “ASL Hero!” www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=64QMBRBXQSV6G Thanks! - Dr. Bill p.s. Want to have your very own USB drive with four semesters worth of ASL instruction (that’s the equivalent of two years of colleges classes) for just $79.95? See "SuperUSB" in the ASLUniversity bookstore at: lifeprint.com/bookstore/bookstore.htm Take care and love to you all. :)
Yes I appreciate your videos very much. I am currently on my 2nd semester taking ASL but I feel I learn much more from you. Thank you for all the work that goes into making these videos. I will be donating and will also purchase the USB drive.
i love your attitude and humor Dr. Bill, would love to take your classes. thank you so much for these "online" classes, they help me a lot. i've learned so much just by watching you teach others.
I am kinda getting addicted to these videos. Lots of downtime in my job and watching those makes the time pass so fast. Hard to believe each one of those are 40 minutes long!
Watching with my wife, I laughed for a few minutes, at 27:34 " hurt someone feelings " We both said at same time, "wrong finger" 🤣😂 Thank you I learn so much more with your teaching style vs a speaking teacher. It blew my mind the first time that acured to me.
22:23-22:30 😩😂😩😂 I know he has a part time gig as a comedian! I would love to take one of his classes. He should definitely have a sign in his class that says "Learning is fun!"
Many thanks Dr. Bill, I am currently in the army and being able to sign to other soldiers is a different kind of enjoyment. We joke around and call you king midas for your golden touch!
You can tell you really enjoy showing people how to sign and all the variations god I wish u could've met my high school teacher , yall souls are of a kind
I like the fingerspelling images on the screen. it makes you actually think more about it when your signing along with it. when Celine was signing excuse with her pinky up I thought of a British person drinking tea.
I have been sitting at work watching these (slow day ) and it's really awesome that I can understand even the small asides/jokes, like when you said you thought she was happy when she came there after she tried to say she was happy when she went home. These videos have been incredibly easy to understand, and within just the span of a couple of hours, I am really picking everything up! Amazing work!
Oh hey, recent research indicates that as many as 1 in 10 people "hear voices" in their head -- and it isn’t necessarily an indication of psychosis. You may be perfectly fine. ;-)
@@rogielynbagay8332 it's something called hyperphantasia, where you can not only hear voices, but actually imagine images or events, tastes, and tactile senses vividly! It was amazing to know I wasn't the only one that had this when I found out.
Hmmm... I'm wondering if hyperphantasia could be actively developed as a skill. If so then we could have "The Hyperphantasia Diet!" -- in which you vividly imagine holding, biting into, tasting, and swallowing a big, juicy cheeseburger! Woah -- I'm starting to feel a little hyperphantasiastical right now!
Thank you so much for these videos, please enable Closed Captioning for this particular lesson, so far I have learned so much by being able to see the signs and closed captions!
I appreciate your lessons! I have not been able to find any ASL classes where I am, so for the past 3 years I have been teaching myself through Instagram and RUclips. I found your lessons and they are AMAZING! Thank you so much for taking the time to include us who can’t get to a class! ❤️
@Bill Vicars I’m a traveller up in Canada. We (my family and I; who are also learning ASL) go from town to town. There is a college near where we are staying now...
Got it. Thanks!I I'm always fascinated by the dynamics of why people can or can't make progress in learning sign language. Best wishes to you and your family. Happy travels.
Bill Vicars I just met somebody at a church I started going to who is Deaf! It was AMAZING being able to communicate with her! She’s going to help me find ways to learn more! Until then, I am on Lesson 6 tonight of your videos! Thank you so much!!
I work in a shop that has several deaf families who bring an interpreter from their family to help them shop. Thanks to you I'm able to have my customers come in alone if they want to and feel included and fully informed when they're shopping at my store. Thank you So much for what you do! Its helped me connect with people and seeing that person smile when they realize they can converse with someone feels amazing.
Thanks Dr. Bill. I am learning so much from these videos and having so much fun and am so interest in learning more. My grandma and grandpa on my father's side were deaf and mute. My father and his sister were not. Amazing. They all learned ASL. I would have loved to converse with my grandmother, but didn't know how. She would get frustrated with me, when she tried to teach me. I only knew the alphabet. I wish she were still alive. Now we can talk in heaven! I love music, and sign along. Most times I have to be creative to express them. HOWEVER, I just wanted to say, I will buy something when I can afford it. I do appreciate what you do for us. I am a hearing person BTW. I will keep learning! God bless you!
The circle of life is an amazing process. Who knows, maybe someday you will have a Deaf grandchild or some other young person in your life and will be able to sign to them.
Be aware that as time goes on some people (not me but I end up needing to teach what the community decides) are pushing to get rid of "initials" in ASL. For example another sign for divorce is the pulling apart of the "marriage" sign. I encourage "all" my students (including you virtual students) to stay flexible and learn the versions as they come in in various sources. The more you know -- the more flexible and powerful of a signer you can become.
Hello Amy! In regard to your question, see: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/mislabeling-of-initialized-signs-as-signed-english.htm Your second question was to the effect of: Question: How would I determine which initialized signs are "acceptable"? Answer: Invest a massive amount of time learning ASL in general and then invest even more time interacting with a wide spectrum of Deaf adult native ASL signers from your local area -- and take note of which signs they initialize and which signs they don't. Also invest the time becoming familiar with the reputation of and/or how invested in the Deaf community are each of these signing models -- then give more credence to the skilled, native, ASL signers who seem more reflective of the type of signing being done by the majority of other skilled, native signers. Eventually through that process you will be able to determine which initialized signs are acceptable and which are not. Most beginning signers would really love a shortcut -- an easy algorithm (or set of rules) to instantly replace years of watching and engaging in conversations with skilled signers. Asking how to determine which initialized signs are acceptable is much like asking a mechanic to respond to "How do I determine what is wrong with my car?" Possible answers: 1. Become a mechanic. 2. Take the car to a mechanic. 3. Invest long hours doing internet searches, reading articles, hanging out in discussion boards, and comparing what you are learning to the clues your car has provided. How does that apply to ASL? If you want to know what signs can and/or shouldn't be initialized: 1. Become an expert at ASL 2. Ask an ASL teacher or tutor (then tip or pay them) 3. Invest the time necessary to research thousands of signs via studying, reading, looking up signs, hanging out in discussion groups, and seeking out opportunities to watch or engage in signed conversations with skilled signers. ================ It may help to think more in terms of "unnecessary" English linkage as being the issue. Marking up your signing with more complex handshapes (when simpler shapes will do) adds unnecessary work and is therefore disliked by those who do a lot of signing. Doing the sign RED with and "R" hand instead of an index finger doesn't add appreciably to the communication effectiveness of the sign since there are no conflicting homonyms. In other words the sign "RED" isn't competing with any other signs using that movement, orientation, and location. However, doing NURSE with a modified-N hand is efficacious (good) because otherwise the sign would be ambiguous and easily confused with "doctor." The reason why this is a hard concept for Hearing people is that to know when it is good and when it is not good to use an initialized sign you have to know the spectrum of existing signs. Beginners can't make good decisions or choices related to when and when not to initialize a sign because beginners do not know which signs have competition (for the same location, orientation, and movement) and which signs don't. That is why you are following the right path: Find a decent sign that you see being used by lots of Deaf people and stick with that sign until you have compelling evidence otherwise. Now just repeat that process 10,000 times. Simple. ================= How to use ASL University to learn sign language for free: 1. Visit Lifeprint.com and become familiar with the ASL University website. 2. Bookmark the official ASLU RUclips master playlist: ruclips.net/p/PL6akqFwEeSpiLwRFA3ZvuOWMwPXwI7NqA 3. For quick reviews (to prevent memory extinction) bookmark the "Signs" channel playlist page: ruclips.net/user/Lifeprint-signsplaylists 4. If you use a desktop or laptop computer you can look up signs using this page: www.lifeprint.com/search.htm 5. If you use a mobile device you can look up signs using this page: www.lifeprint.com/search/index.htm 6. If you can’t find a sign after using the search options at Lifeprint.com then consider applying to join the Lifeprint-ASLU Facebook group and asking your question there. See: facebook.com/groups/Lifeprint.ASLU/ 7. Go through the ASLU Lessons for free: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/lessons/lessons.htm
Bill, Thank you for your videos! I was recently diagnosed with bilateral meniers disease and now need to learn sign language. Your channel has helped me so much! Thank you for the fun instruction....it is WONDERFUL!
My baby granddaughter caught cmv and it appears to have affected her hearing marginally. However, it may suddenly strike her in her early teens with total hearing loss. I am trying to learn asl so that if t were to happen, and I was still around, I could talk to her. I wish you all good fortune and hope that this meniere's disease strikes you only lightly. With Dr. Bill's excellent help, we'll all do well.
God bless this youtube channel, and you Bill, I learned ASL in Highschool and have never wanted to lose touch on it but unfortunately i no longer have close friends that are deaf, hard of hearing or many people that actuallt Genuinely have the interests and commitment as well, praying that I can use this to help refresh and luckily i really have retained a lot i love ASL
Dr. Bill I may not know you but I'm sure you are a teacher with a great personality. Your classes are brilliant. I'd like to think that the use of facial expression in ASL helps us (hearing person) discover a way to evolve our on personality.
Dr bill thank you for helping me learn sign language ! You really inspire me to to continue I promise I won’t give up learning! one day I hope to teach someone has you taught me (:
The secret to success is getting involved in the Deaf Community. When this pandemic thins out try googling "Deaf Events near me." and/or ASL Socials near me. Then expect a transition period that requires a lot of patience, humility, and work. Then with enough persistence you can certainly succeed.
It feels like such a victory to understand a full sentence from Bill Vicars when it isn't specifically modeled! It feels like I'm kind of catching up when it comes to pacing
thank you! I dont have any deaf friends (yet) so I never got the chance (or urgency) to learn. But something telling me I need to learn it and your videos makes me very happy. I wish I can influence my hearing friends to start to learn too
How to use ASL University to learn sign language for free: 1. Visit Lifeprint.com and become familiar with the ASL University website. 2. Bookmark the official ASLU RUclips master playlist: ruclips.net/p/PL6akqFwEeSpiLwRFA3ZvuOWMwPXwI7NqA 3. For quick reviews (to prevent memory extinction) bookmark the "Signs" channel playlist page: ruclips.net/user/Lifeprint-signsplaylists 4. If you use a desktop or laptop computer you can look up signs using this page: www.lifeprint.com/search.htm 5. If you use a mobile device you can look up signs using this page: www.lifeprint.com/search/index.htm 6. If you can’t find a sign after using the search options at Lifeprint.com then consider applying to join the Lifeprint-ASLU Facebook group and asking your question there. See: facebook.com/groups/Lifeprint.ASLU/ 7. Go through the ASLU Lessons for free: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/lessons/lessons.htm Your comments, questions, or suggestions are always welcome. To contact Dr. Bill Vicars, see: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/contact.htm Ways to support the ASL University channel: 1. Click the “thumb up” (like) icon on videos at RUclips.com/billvicars 2. Click the “subscribe” button at RUclips.com/billvicars (if you haven't done so yet) 3. Click the “Share” link and share the videos. 4. Visit the “ASLU” bookstore at www.lifeprint.com/bookstore/bookstore.htm (feel free to suggest new products that you would like to see). 5. Buy some ASL University “official” clothing at: ASLU gear: teespring.com/stores/aslu 6. Subscribe to the ASLU subscription site: asl.tc (For information see: lifeprint.com/asltc/ ) 7. Donate via: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=64QMBRBXQSV6G 8. For other donation options, see: www.Lifeprint.com/donate.htm If you have any friends who might be in a position to do so you might want to consider inviting them to donate -- thus supporting Deaf children and the promotion of free sign language resources via Lifeprint.com
Hey Dr. Bill! Just wanted to leave a quick note saying that I really enjoy your videos and what you're doing here. I am a novice in ASL (clearly, I'm watching Lesson 4...) and I've only been practicing in front of my computer and in the mirror for about 3 - 4 weeks, but I already feel myself improving just going back through these videos! And even when I don't know a sign, or want to look it up in another page quick, it's almost always you I see in one of the first options of the search doing a little gif of the sign or video! You're everywhere, man! I think that's truly special that you are taking the time to do each and every one of these videos, gifs, etc., and I think a lot of people may not truly understand what sort of time and dedication that must take. You clearly love the work that you do and are very good at doing it! I don't know much about the Deaf community, but I imagine you must be seen as a sort of pioneer for ASL, or will be in the future! I will definitely be donating, and I encourage all to donate if they can, because education like this is all that a lot of people will ever even have access to!
Tony, Thank you. Your post means a lot to me because I really do work long and hard to create and provide ASL resources. In addition to this channel and the website Lifeprint.com -- I’ve been building up the signs repository at “The Signs channel” (one of my sub-channels, see: ruclips.net/user/Lifeprint-signsvideos ) to the point where it now has over 12,000 entries. I plan on producing more and more content (and working to improve the existing content) for as long as I live and have the health to do so. Warm regards, - Dr. Bill
I've been watching a ton of these videos lately and I feel like I am starting to get it down somewhat. Still really hard to understand the signing but I found if I drop the speed down to .75 or .50 when I have trouble interpreting (especially for finger spelling) it really helps. Thanks so much for the great videos!
You are an awesome teacher!! I have taken 2 ASL classes just for fun, and because I want to learn a new language. These videos are a great review for me.
Great lesson. Thank you. I’ve been taking ASL classes and your videos help me to practice at home. And you’re very entertaining and make me laugh as well. Bravo!! ❤️
Thanks! I appreciate the feedback. Be sure to: * Click the “thumb up” (like) icon on videos at RUclips.com/billvicars * Click the “subscribe” button at RUclips.com/billvicars (if you haven't done so yet) * Click the “Share” link and share the videos.
I have been learning signing for fun and it was extremely difficult so I stoped but I wanted to try again and your videos help so much and make it very engaging thank you
(Seriously though,, sorry about that -- and I hope you feel fine now.) It is not uncommon for ASL students to harm themselves. One of the most common is poking themselves in the eye. I recall one young lady who had recently clipped her nails and then signed "girl." Apparently her thumbnail had a jag an it sliced her chin as she did the sign. She literally bled.
@@sign-language Oof! Thank you for teaching all of us sign on RUclips. I don't really have any need to learn it except to make it easier to communicate when the time comes. Thank you again!
It is my pleasure to teach. I've been doing it a long time and have seen a lot of "stuff." One time a student (with another wicked thumbnail) signed “mom” rather excitedly and punctured her chin. At an ASL social I watched a rather animated college student basically hit himself in the forehead while referring to someone or something using the sign for “dumb” (the "fist" version). After which he personally felt dumb. You could see the red mark and a bit of a bump in the middle of his forehead the rest of the evening. So, be careful out there folks! Safe signing!
Add the fact of being recorded in front of a live audience (while learning something new -- and having your mistakes recorded for later display to thousands of people. I'm sure it is not easy to relax in such situations. Every one of these student volunteers is a hero in my book.
I've been learning sign through your videos and have been taking the quizzes as well. I notice you have uploaded an updated/new versions of your videos. Will they still relate to the quizzes on lifeprint?
The curriculum at LP is constantly going through revisions and updates. The updates are very gradual thus most of the older quizzes are still of use and are generally still covered by the lessons.
Dr. Vickers, have found Your tutorials So helpful. I first learned from an interpreter at church then took a class at a community college in the 80's. Then life got in the way. Could u turn more towards the camera so I could see more clearly the finger spelling. I love your teaching method and your sense of humor. I wish I was about 30 years younger and I could take ASL up again and be more proficient. It's too late now @ 87. Do you have any suggestions on how I could get involved with the deaf community. I don't know any deaf people and would like to have someone to practice with. Thank you.
After you've established a basic foundation of American Sign Language it is time for you to supplement your learning and education through direct interaction in the Deaf World. Google "Deaf Events near me" and see what turns up. Start (or continue) watching Deaf Newscasts. Do searches online for your state's "Association of the Deaf" and then go. Seek out your state's RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) chapter (if you want to become an interpreter) Search for "Deaf Church near me" (if you are into religion). Check "meetup (dot) com" for any "ASL meetups" in your area -- or pay the fee and set up your own ASL meetup and see who shows up. Hire a Deaf ASL private tutor. Just do a search for "ASL Tutor" online. Hire a local Deaf ASL instructor and offer small-group ASL classes in your home or some other location. Check Facebook for any Deaf hobby groups such as "Deaf Hiking" groups, etc. Search for the word Deaf and the name of your City in the Facebook search box. Search for "ASL socials near me." If you can't find any ASL socials near you -- set up your own "ASL Social" and invite a Deaf person to come. Be clear with that person that they are the "anchor" (main draw) for the social and as such you will pay for their coffee or meal. The cost of a meal is a tuition bargain considering the amount of sign language you will learn. Ask them to inform you ASAP if for some reason they can't show up to the social. Consider setting up an email news list for those who do show up to the social to let them know of any changes to the schedule, location, or other related information. If you enjoy working with young people, consider volunteering. Contact any local well-recognized long-succeeding youth-focused organizations and provide them with your contact information and desire to become a mentor for any local Deaf youth who might appreciate or benefit from an additional caring adult in their life. Check to see if there are any Deaf Education programs in your area and then apply to become a volunteer. Get fingerprinted and the whole bit. Do fundraisers for that program. Consider buying and donating a large screen monitor or projector or some other needed equipment to the program -- but ask first so you don't saddle them with an unwanted item. If you do donate money or equipment -- give with "no strings attached." Your money doesn't buy you anything other than warm fuzzies. If you are amazing at fundraising and/or organizing (or if you just have a lot of grit and persistence) consider forming a local Deaf-centric team to support any local Deaf Summer Camps, Deaf Space Camps, or other events serving Deaf youth in your area.
Hi Dr Bill, Thanks so much for your videos!! I have only watched one so far but plan on subscribing. I really liked your teaching format because I have been slowly learning for a year and the quiz form was a GREAT way to test my knowledge. Pushed me out of my comfort zone on the speed and I did it! 😀 I follow SignedWithHeart and she is the one who recommended you 😌 I am definitely going to look into purchasing the USB course. Thanks for what you do!
Actually, there are a few videos in my master playlist that have the classroom sounds. Sorry...I don't have a list of which ones do or don't but there are a few. Master playlist: ruclips.net/p/PL6akqFwEeSpiLwRFA3ZvuOWMwPXwI7NqA
Bill Vicars I just watched Lesson 5 which had audio and it was really cool. I learned that the whole class behind the camera is signing as well because when you signed “Good” I heard everyones’ hands slap behind the camera. Haha. Very awesome videos, and you have the perfect personality to be a teacher of any subject, not just ASL. Very cool, dude!
Yes, indeed. I've been developing some awesome brain-surgery instructional videos -- but for some reason it has been a challenge to find a willing assistant on whom I can demonstrate the techniques.
You can use "context" to distinguish "toothbrush" from "brush my/your teeth." It simply isn't an issue in everyday life. You sign the sentence and the other person understands it. For example: YOU PUT TOOTHBRUSH? (In context: Did you pack a toothbrush?) The sentence works because one or both people in the conversation are going on a trip.
To distinguish "toothbrush" from "brush teeth" we generally just rely on context. If I already know you have a toothbrush and I sign to you: YOU NEED BRUSH-TEETH! It will be obvious that I mean the verb. If I sign: "I NOT HAVE TOOTHBRUSH" then it will be obvious that I'm referring to the noun. Also, the verb will tend to use a bigger movement. The noun will tend to be a smaller movement.
HERE-[index-finger-version] versus NEED The sign we commonly label as "need" can also be inflected to mean ought to, should, have to, must, etc. -- using more or less force and stronger or gentler facial expressions. The sign for "need" uses a "crooked" index finger (also known as an "X" hand. The sign need generally bends at the wrist but can involve some elbow movement. The concept of "here" can be signed by using the formal sign consisting of palm up flat hands but also can be signed by simply pointing downward with a straight index finger. The movement is mainly in the elbow without much movement in the wrist Pointing downward can create a variety of meanings depending on context. Such meanings can include: this, here, it-(when something is below the speaker), foot, and down. See: ruclips.net/video/hfa0GQG-LYA/видео.html Also see: ruclips.net/video/Eo-vEE1gFxM/видео.html
Love your videos:)! I just had a question regarding the phrase: 'Person hurt your feel, who?' Is it mandatory to include the sign for 'person' here? Could we also just sign: 'Your feel hurt, who?'. Because we are just asking: 'who hurt your feelings?' correct? I'm just wondering, if the sign for 'who' already gives enough context for the actual question.
You ask: "Is it mandatory...?" Absolutely! The ASL Police will show up at your door with a no-knock warrant if you use any variation in your signing other than what you see in in these online ASL videos. Plus Deaf people won't invite you to parties. Ha! Umm... forgive me for the above jesting. Couldn't resist. Discussion: If you sign YOUR FEELINGS HURT WHO? -- it creates a meaning of: Who was hurt by your feelings? You can change that by topicalizing the "your feelings hurt" part by adding a pause and a yes/no question. For example: YOUR FEELINGS HURT? WHO? That construction works but requires a lot of context, a bit of assumption, and skilled use of topicalization. Contrary to what you may be told by some ASL teachers, this sentence works really well: WHO HURT YOUR FEEL? A few other approaches to consider: PERSON HURT YOUR FEEL? WHO? or SEEM YOUR FEELING HURT. WHO CAUSE? YOUR FEELING HURT? WHO INSULT-you? It is a huge myth that WH-question signs (like WHO?) always have to go at the end of ASL sentences. Yet the myth (the "lie") is so strong and pervasive that it is unwise to challenge it unless you are prepared for a debate. For more on this topic see: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/induction-and-extrapolation.htm
@@sign-language xD! Got it! So it’s absolutely mandatory, I see… … hahaha… yea, maybe I went a bit overboard with the word ‚mandatory‘ hahaha ;P Thx so much for your reply!! Interesting, so I do see that it gets a bit trickier there. I guess for now, I will just memorize the way you did it with the ‚person…‘, but also keep in mind what other versions you noted down here. And thx for putting up videos like these, I will, for sure, check out your website. It’s such great way for people like me to get started on ASL. I am actually from Germany (and very eager to learn ASL), so therefore, I’m kinda limited to online resources, though I would love to be able to actually attend real classes in person. I imagine it to be so much more fun and effective^^
Thank you Bill Vicars! These lessons are great and so needed for me at this time. I did sign up for you monthly thing that is $9 something per month. So Cool!...... Are these courses completely on line? Can I use them for certification to be an ASL interpreter?
Bobbi, The ASL.tc courses to which you are referring will help you develop a strong foundation from which you could then move on to personal interaction and watching Deaf VLOGS bring your receptive skills up to conversational fluency. To become a "certified" interpreter isn't a matter of "how many classes you have taken." It is a matter of passing a test. If you want to become RID certified you generally will need to have completed a BA degree (in any field) AND pass rigorous skills and knowledge testing. Again, ASL.tc provides an excellent foundation. To get to the level of being an interpreter though you are going to need in order to pass a certification exam -- plan on obtaining literally "thousands" of hours of exposure. If you haven't already -- start seeking Deaf friends to hang out with. - Dr. V.
Perhaps it is time for bifocals? Or maybe watch the videos on a desktop computer with a large monitor. For what it is worth, I've been looking into how I can use a larger screen behind me for the English prompts.
I believe what you say about the black on a white background. There are always trade-offs and what pleases some people annoys others -- thus the goal ends up trying to find a combination that works for the most people. Unfortunately I often don't have the luxury of carefully picking my backgrounds. Often I get literally 10 minutes to set up my equipment (or less) -- the time between the previous instructor's use of a classroom and my class. I've had to throw away dozens of videos that "just didn't work out" for one reason or another. Oh well. I keep plugging away trying to provide value to society in whatever manner I can.
I have a congenital thing that means I can't fully extend the pinky on my dominant hand. It's always a little bent. Would it be weirder to use my non-dominant hand for signs involving it, or to use my not-straight finger?
A number of people have asked me similar questions about signing with physical limitations. To check out the discussion, check out: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/signing-with-physical-limitations.htm
I don't get frustrated very often since so much of my world has been purposefully selected to visual-centric. My day job consists of signing and they provide me an interpreter for meetings. Most of the people in my world are signers. My wife is Deaf. My kids sign. (One of them is Deaf/HH.) The more involved you are in the "Deaf World" the less frustrating it is to be Deaf. Instead being Deaf/HH simply becomes a type of culture.
Hey Dr. Bill! Thank you for these videos, I have already purchased your lessons in the past, but would be happy to donate, but I'm curious, why the remake of these lessons? They look like the same ones that you put out a few years ago... And you haven't aged a day! :-)
Some of the lessons were previously published in very low-resolution format. I was able to locate a number of the original files (the early versions of the Katelyn series) with the higher resolution (1080p). Prior to finding the original files I decided to re-record the low-resolution lessons with new students. Then I found the original files. So now there are several versions of the lessons on this channel. I figure folks would rather me post them than delete them. Eventually I'm going to build a number of playlists from "easy" to hard and then occasionally slip in an earlier video as a form of "review" (to avoid memory extinction).
That makes sense. I'm going through the series all over again because I've sadly been away for too long. We all appreciate this so much and I hope you get all the support you need to keep going and more!
I said, that I thought she was going to say she was happy when she comes to class. So the last word on that sentence is "class." The laughter is because she was trying to recall the sign for HOME to use after "I feel happy when I go to ... ______" Thus my mind was hoping / expecting her to sign "class" but then she signed HOUSE (and I suggested to her that the sign she wanted was HOME. Then later I state that I feel happy "now."
You might want to visit my fingespelling playlist: ruclips.net/video/va1aAXpVr2w/видео.html See below for additional tips: How to use ASL University to learn sign language for free: 1. Visit Lifeprint.com and become familiar with the ASL University website. 2. Bookmark the official ASLU RUclips master playlist: ruclips.net/p/PL6akqFwEeSpiLwRFA3ZvuOWMwPXwI7NqA 3. For quick reviews (to prevent memory extinction) bookmark the "Signs" channel playlist page: ruclips.net/user/Lifeprint-signsplaylists or more specifically: ruclips.net/user/Lifeprint-signsplaylists?view=50&sort=dd&shelf_id=1 4. If you use a desktop or laptop computer you can look up signs using this page: www.lifeprint.com/search.htm 5. If you use a mobile device you can look up signs using this page: www.lifeprint.com/search/index.htm 6. If you can’t find a sign after using the search options at Lifeprint.com then consider applying to join the Lifeprint-ASLU Facebook group and asking your question there. See: facebook.com/groups/Lifeprint.ASLU/ 7. Go through the ASLU Lessons for free: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/lessons/lessons.htm Your comments, questions, or suggestions are always welcome. To contact Dr. Bill Vicars, see: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/contact.htm If you like the free LIfeprint.com lessons you might enjoy the low-cost subscription version of the lessons. For information see: lifeprint.com/asltc/ Ways to support the ASL University channel: * Click the “thumb up” (like) icon on videos at RUclips.com/billvicars * Click the “subscribe” button at RUclips.com/billvicars (if you haven't done so yet) * Click the “Share” link and share the videos. * Buy some ASL University “official” clothing or ASLU gear: teespring.com/stores/aslu * Donate via: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=64QMBRBXQSV6G * For other donation options, see: www.Lifeprint.com/donate.htm If you have any friends who might be in a position to do so you might want to consider inviting them to donate -- thus supporting Deaf children and the promotion of free sign language resources via Lifeprint.com
I can't make out what Dr. Vicars signs right before he says "home".. It's like he's snapping his middle finger and thumb twice before making the sign for home. Was he signing "dog house"?
Tip: include a time code such as 0:00 when asking questions about specific signs in the videos. RUclips converts time codes to links that jump to that point in the video. That way people can more easily jump to the sign about which you have a question. Review the sign DOG Review and compare the signs HOME vs HOUSE If you use a desktop or laptop computer you can look up signs using this page: www.lifeprint.com/search.htm If you use a mobile device you can look up signs using this page: www.lifeprint.com/search/index.htm If you can’t find a sign after using the search options at Lifeprint.com then consider applying to join the Lifeprint-ASLU Facebook group and asking your question there. See: facebook.com/groups/Lifeprint.ASLU/ Note: To get into the group you need to read the rules and answer the questions if you want the moderators to add you.
@@sign-language Hello Dr. Vicars. My apologies. I meant to say House. As I kept watching eventually you showed the sign for "dog" and so I was able to put those together and now I understand what you were signing at time stamp 11:30.
@MochiMaster 9001 Hint: At around 3:10 I spelled the concept about which you are asking. (The sign that touches near the lower cheek and then arcs up to touch again a bit higher and a bit further back on the cheek. Read my fingerspelling and you'll know what I signed.
While it is generally good to put WH-type questions at the end, sometimes it can make a sentence even more compact and clear to form a clause. For example, you form a clause out of "HOW-MANY SONS?" -- at the end of the sentence. So compare: YOUR FATHER HAVE SON HOW-MANY? vs YOUR FATHER HOW-MANY SON? If you try to do the first version without the HAVE sign -- it feels rather awkward because to make it work without the HAVE sign you would need to topicalize both FATHER and SON. The second version works well though without the sign HAVE. __________________ Different "experts" will give you somewhat conflicting advice on this so make sure to do your own observing of real life unscripted ASL conversations between skilled (native or near native-level) Deaf adult signers. Also see: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/wh-rightward-movement-unnecessary-in-very-short-questions.htm
@@sign-language Thank you so much for that information!!! I want to take a live class with you. You're so clear and informative. and such a fun person!!
![ARGENTINA vs. PERÚ [1-0] | RESUMEN | ELIMINATORIAS SUDAMERICANAS | FECHA 12](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/xtI25ENDDSY/mqdefault.jpg)
Hello ASL Heroes!!!
Hey, I could really use your help.
If you’ve enjoyed having access to an expert in ASL you can help me continue my work for you.
A small monthly donation from you would instantly make a big difference here at the studio because teachers don’t earn much and I could use some help paying for server and domain hosting for Lifeprint.com.
Right now you can help out a humble (not to mention kind, caring, generous, compassionate, helpful, friendly, fair, and hard-working) ASL teacher -- just go here and a few clicks later you too will be a true “ASL Hero!”
www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=64QMBRBXQSV6G
Thanks!
- Dr. Bill
p.s. Want to have your very own USB drive with four semesters worth of ASL instruction (that’s the equivalent of two years of colleges classes) for just $79.95? See "SuperUSB" in the ASLUniversity bookstore at:
lifeprint.com/bookstore/bookstore.htm
Take care and love to you all.
:)
Yes I appreciate your videos very much. I am currently on my 2nd semester taking ASL but I feel I learn much more from you. Thank you for all the work that goes into making these videos. I will be donating and will also purchase the USB drive.
Hello... I am deaf and need learn Asl more. Nice meet you. ☺
Hello pls sir I have interest on sign language but I don't know how I will make is there is online classes for it sir
I'm so glad you have a new version of this video!
I am deaf. I am enjoying and love to watch your sign language with students
i love your attitude and humor Dr. Bill, would love to take your classes. thank you so much for these "online" classes, they help me a lot. i've learned so much just by watching you teach others.
I am kinda getting addicted to these videos. Lots of downtime in my job and watching those makes the time pass so fast. Hard to believe each one of those are 40 minutes long!
at 18:03 he signed "boyfriend or girlfriend" we love an inclusive king
I love that! I didn't catch it the first time. That's awesome
This American sign language teacher is so a pedagogue!!! I like his classes❤️. From Senegal 🇸🇳
I like the way you can see how she learns & tries to remember it as she goes ... this is how I learn it along with you! I like her!!
Watching with my wife, I laughed for a few minutes, at 27:34 " hurt someone feelings "
We both said at same time, "wrong finger" 🤣😂
Thank you I learn so much more with your teaching style vs a speaking teacher. It blew my mind the first time that acured to me.
22:23-22:30 😩😂😩😂 I know he has a part time gig as a comedian! I would love to take one of his classes. He should definitely have a sign in his class that says "Learning is fun!"
This video made me laugh so much, I love his humour
Many thanks Dr. Bill, I am currently in the army and being able to sign to other soldiers is a different kind of enjoyment. We joke around and call you king midas for your golden touch!
You can tell you really enjoy showing people how to sign and all the variations god I wish u could've met my high school teacher , yall souls are of a kind
Hello from
Poland. I love your classes so far! The way you’re repeating everything and your attitude makes me learn more even through ADHd struggle
I like the fingerspelling images on the screen. it makes you actually think more about it when your signing along with it. when Celine was signing excuse with her pinky up I thought of a British person drinking tea.
I have been sitting at work watching these (slow day ) and it's really awesome that I can understand even the small asides/jokes, like when you said you thought she was happy when she came there after she tried to say she was happy when she went home. These videos have been incredibly easy to understand, and within just the span of a couple of hours, I am really picking everything up! Amazing work!
I'm really thankful for this channel 'cause I learn a lot and It feels like I can hear them talk (with those silence).
Oh hey, recent research indicates that as many as 1 in 10 people "hear voices" in their head -- and it isn’t necessarily an indication of psychosis.
You may be perfectly fine.
;-)
@@sign-language omygooood! I didn't expect to get a reply. 😂💗. Well, that's great to know! HAHAHAHAHA.
@@rogielynbagay8332 it's something called hyperphantasia, where you can not only hear voices, but actually imagine images or events, tastes, and tactile senses vividly! It was amazing to know I wasn't the only one that had this when I found out.
Hmmm... I'm wondering if hyperphantasia could be actively developed as a skill.
If so then we could have "The Hyperphantasia Diet!" -- in which you vividly imagine holding, biting into, tasting, and swallowing a big, juicy cheeseburger!
Woah -- I'm starting to feel a little hyperphantasiastical right now!
Thank you so much for these videos, please enable Closed Captioning for this particular lesson, so far I have learned so much by being able to see the signs and closed captions!
I'm so high that I put earphones on to learn this.
I always wonder why my sound is not working for the first 2 seconds
I'm wearing headphones too lmao
Everytime 😂
🤣🤣🤣
I do this every lunch and I know it
I see these videos are several years old, but I am really enjoying watching them. Thank you for posting them.
I appreciate your lessons! I have not been able to find any ASL classes where I am, so for the past 3 years I have been teaching myself through Instagram and RUclips. I found your lessons and they are AMAZING! Thank you so much for taking the time to include us who can’t get to a class! ❤️
If I may ask -- what city do you live in?
Is there a college or university in your city?
@Bill Vicars I’m a traveller up in Canada. We (my family and I; who are also learning ASL) go from town to town. There is a college near where we are staying now...
Got it. Thanks!I I'm always fascinated by the dynamics of why people can or can't make progress in learning sign language. Best wishes to you and your family. Happy travels.
Bill Vicars I just met somebody at a church I started going to who is Deaf! It was AMAZING being able to communicate with her! She’s going to help me find ways to learn more! Until then, I am on Lesson 6 tonight of your videos! Thank you so much!!
Good for you Mel! Looks like a win / win situation!
Thank you very much for making these lessons. I was unable to go back to my local college to keep learning ASL due to time. I will be donating soon.
lol when he asked " do you want to wash my car" i signed "NO" with the swiftness lol
I work in a shop that has several deaf families who bring an interpreter from their family to help them shop. Thanks to you I'm able to have my customers come in alone if they want to and feel included and fully informed when they're shopping at my store. Thank you So much for what you do! Its helped me connect with people and seeing that person smile when they realize they can converse with someone feels amazing.
That is awesome! Keep up the good work!
Best wishes to you in your studies!
Thanks Dr. Bill. I am learning so much from these videos and having so much fun and am so interest in learning more. My grandma and grandpa on my father's side were deaf and mute. My father and his sister were not. Amazing. They all learned ASL. I would have loved to converse with my grandmother, but didn't know how. She would get frustrated with me, when she tried to teach me. I only knew the alphabet. I wish she were still alive. Now we can talk in heaven! I love music, and sign along. Most times I have to be creative to express them. HOWEVER, I just wanted to say, I will buy something when I can afford it. I do appreciate what you do for us. I am a hearing person BTW. I will keep learning! God bless you!
The circle of life is an amazing process. Who knows, maybe someday you will have a Deaf grandchild or some other young person in your life and will be able to sign to them.
Excelente trabajo , Bill Vicars.
I love how the words: Class, Family and Divorce involve the first letter in the sign as well as the word Sorry.
Be aware that as time goes on some people (not me but I end up needing to teach what the community decides) are pushing to get rid of "initials" in ASL. For example another sign for divorce is the pulling apart of the "marriage" sign. I encourage "all" my students (including you virtual students) to stay flexible and learn the versions as they come in in various sources. The more you know -- the more flexible and powerful of a signer you can become.
Hello Amy!
In regard to your question, see:
www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/mislabeling-of-initialized-signs-as-signed-english.htm
Your second question was to the effect of:
Question:
How would I determine which initialized signs are "acceptable"?
Answer:
Invest a massive amount of time learning ASL in general and then invest even more time interacting with a wide spectrum of Deaf adult native ASL signers from your local area -- and take note of which signs they initialize and which signs they don't. Also invest the time becoming familiar with the reputation of and/or how invested in the Deaf community are each of these signing models -- then give more credence to the skilled, native, ASL signers who seem more reflective of the type of signing being done by the majority of other skilled, native signers. Eventually through that process you will be able to determine which initialized signs are acceptable and which are not.
Most beginning signers would really love a shortcut -- an easy algorithm (or set of rules) to instantly replace years of watching and engaging in conversations with skilled signers.
Asking how to determine which initialized signs are acceptable is much like asking a mechanic to respond to "How do I determine what is wrong with my car?"
Possible answers:
1. Become a mechanic.
2. Take the car to a mechanic.
3. Invest long hours doing internet searches, reading articles, hanging out in discussion boards, and comparing what you are learning to the clues your car has provided.
How does that apply to ASL?
If you want to know what signs can and/or shouldn't be initialized:
1. Become an expert at ASL
2. Ask an ASL teacher or tutor (then tip or pay them)
3. Invest the time necessary to research thousands of signs via studying, reading, looking up signs, hanging out in discussion groups, and seeking out opportunities to watch or engage in signed conversations with skilled signers.
================
It may help to think more in terms of "unnecessary" English linkage as being the issue.
Marking up your signing with more complex handshapes (when simpler shapes will do) adds unnecessary work and is therefore disliked by those who do a lot of signing.
Doing the sign RED with and "R" hand instead of an index finger doesn't add appreciably to the communication effectiveness of the sign since there are no conflicting homonyms. In other words the sign "RED" isn't competing with any other signs using that movement, orientation, and location.
However, doing NURSE with a modified-N hand is efficacious (good) because otherwise the sign would be ambiguous and easily confused with "doctor."
The reason why this is a hard concept for Hearing people is that to know when it is good and when it is not good to use an initialized sign you have to know the spectrum of existing signs.
Beginners can't make good decisions or choices related to when and when not to initialize a sign because beginners do not know which signs have competition (for the same location, orientation, and movement) and which signs don't.
That is why you are following the right path:
Find a decent sign that you see being used by lots of Deaf people and stick with that sign until you have compelling evidence otherwise.
Now just repeat that process 10,000 times.
Simple.
=================
How to use ASL University to learn sign language for free:
1. Visit Lifeprint.com and become familiar with the ASL University website.
2. Bookmark the official ASLU RUclips master playlist:
ruclips.net/p/PL6akqFwEeSpiLwRFA3ZvuOWMwPXwI7NqA
3. For quick reviews (to prevent memory extinction) bookmark the "Signs" channel playlist page:
ruclips.net/user/Lifeprint-signsplaylists
4. If you use a desktop or laptop computer you can look up signs using this page: www.lifeprint.com/search.htm
5. If you use a mobile device you can look up signs using this page:
www.lifeprint.com/search/index.htm
6. If you can’t find a sign after using the search options at Lifeprint.com then consider applying to join the Lifeprint-ASLU Facebook group and asking your question there. See:
facebook.com/groups/Lifeprint.ASLU/
7. Go through the ASLU Lessons for free:
www.lifeprint.com/asl101/lessons/lessons.htm
Bill, Thank you for your videos! I was recently diagnosed with bilateral meniers disease and now need to learn sign language. Your channel has helped me so much! Thank you for the fun instruction....it is WONDERFUL!
I'm so glad to have been of service.
Warm regards and best wishes to you.
My baby granddaughter caught cmv and it appears to have affected her hearing marginally. However, it may suddenly strike her in her early teens with total hearing loss. I am trying to learn asl so that if t were to happen, and I was still around, I could talk to her. I wish you all good fortune and hope that this meniere's disease strikes you only lightly. With Dr. Bill's excellent help, we'll all do well.
I'm happy to watching this American Sign language, Love from India.
God bless this youtube channel, and you Bill, I learned ASL in Highschool and have never wanted to lose touch on it but unfortunately i no longer have close friends that are deaf, hard of hearing or many people that actuallt Genuinely have the interests and commitment as well, praying that I can use this to help refresh and luckily i really have retained a lot i love ASL
This pandemic won't last forever and you can google: "Deaf Events near me" and then go meet local Deaf folks.
@@sign-language thank you so much i never even thought about that, I appreciate it so much
Were are you bro
Good very
Good night dear My bro
Dr. Bill I may not know you but I'm sure you are a teacher with a great personality. Your classes are brilliant. I'd like to think that the use of facial expression in ASL helps us (hearing person) discover a way to evolve our on personality.
Dr bill thank you for helping me learn sign language ! You really inspire me to to continue I promise I won’t give up learning! one day I hope to teach someone has you taught me (:
The secret to success is getting involved in the Deaf Community. When this pandemic thins out try googling "Deaf Events near me." and/or ASL Socials near me.
Then expect a transition period that requires a lot of patience, humility, and work. Then with enough persistence you can certainly succeed.
I love your humour! It's nice to have a good laugh once in a while :)
It feels like such a victory to understand a full sentence from Bill Vicars when it isn't specifically modeled! It feels like I'm kind of catching up when it comes to pacing
Everyone remember to like the video to bump this content and if you can donate to the best asl teacher ever! ❤️
thanks, i really enjoyed the back and forth engagement and repitition here.
thank you! I dont have any deaf friends (yet) so I never got the chance (or urgency) to learn. But something telling me I need to learn it and your videos makes me very happy. I wish I can influence my hearing friends to start to learn too
For some reason my cat always comes to me when I sign DOG. I think she I having a crisis.
You are amazing Bill Vicars!!!!
How to use ASL University to learn sign language for free:
1. Visit Lifeprint.com and become familiar with the ASL University website.
2. Bookmark the official ASLU RUclips master playlist:
ruclips.net/p/PL6akqFwEeSpiLwRFA3ZvuOWMwPXwI7NqA
3. For quick reviews (to prevent memory extinction) bookmark the "Signs" channel playlist page:
ruclips.net/user/Lifeprint-signsplaylists
4. If you use a desktop or laptop computer you can look up signs using this page: www.lifeprint.com/search.htm
5. If you use a mobile device you can look up signs using this page:
www.lifeprint.com/search/index.htm
6. If you can’t find a sign after using the search options at Lifeprint.com then consider applying to join the Lifeprint-ASLU Facebook group and asking your question there. See:
facebook.com/groups/Lifeprint.ASLU/
7. Go through the ASLU Lessons for free:
www.lifeprint.com/asl101/lessons/lessons.htm
Your comments, questions, or suggestions are always welcome.
To contact Dr. Bill Vicars, see: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/contact.htm
Ways to support the ASL University channel:
1. Click the “thumb up” (like) icon on videos at RUclips.com/billvicars
2. Click the “subscribe” button at RUclips.com/billvicars (if you haven't done so yet)
3. Click the “Share” link and share the videos.
4. Visit the “ASLU” bookstore at www.lifeprint.com/bookstore/bookstore.htm (feel free to suggest new products that you would like to see).
5. Buy some ASL University “official” clothing at: ASLU gear: teespring.com/stores/aslu
6. Subscribe to the ASLU subscription site: asl.tc
(For information see: lifeprint.com/asltc/ )
7. Donate via: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=64QMBRBXQSV6G
8. For other donation options, see: www.Lifeprint.com/donate.htm If you have any friends who might be in a position to do so you might want to consider inviting them to donate -- thus supporting Deaf children and the promotion of free sign language resources via Lifeprint.com
Hey Dr. Bill! Just wanted to leave a quick note saying that I really enjoy your videos and what you're doing here. I am a novice in ASL (clearly, I'm watching Lesson 4...) and I've only been practicing in front of my computer and in the mirror for about 3 - 4 weeks, but I already feel myself improving just going back through these videos! And even when I don't know a sign, or want to look it up in another page quick, it's almost always you I see in one of the first options of the search doing a little gif of the sign or video! You're everywhere, man!
I think that's truly special that you are taking the time to do each and every one of these videos, gifs, etc., and I think a lot of people may not truly understand what sort of time and dedication that must take. You clearly love the work that you do and are very good at doing it! I don't know much about the Deaf community, but I imagine you must be seen as a sort of pioneer for ASL, or will be in the future! I will definitely be donating, and I encourage all to donate if they can, because education like this is all that a lot of people will ever even have access to!
Tony,
Thank you. Your post means a lot to me because I really do work long and hard to create and provide ASL resources. In addition to this channel and the website Lifeprint.com -- I’ve been building up the signs repository at “The Signs channel” (one of my sub-channels, see: ruclips.net/user/Lifeprint-signsvideos ) to the point where it now has over 12,000 entries. I plan on producing more and more content (and working to improve the existing content) for as long as I live and have the health to do so.
Warm regards,
- Dr. Bill
Very interactive. I enjoyed the class
I've been watching a ton of these videos lately and I feel like I am starting to get it down somewhat. Still really hard to understand the signing but I found if I drop the speed down to .75 or .50 when I have trouble interpreting (especially for finger spelling) it really helps. Thanks so much for the great videos!
These videos are helpful
I have been singing for long time
But have forgot the day to day signs
Thank you for making it fun
You are an awesome teacher!!
I have taken 2 ASL classes just for fun, and because I want to learn a new language. These videos are a great review for me.
Great lesson. Thank you. I’ve been taking ASL classes and your videos help me to practice at home. And you’re very entertaining and make me laugh as well. Bravo!! ❤️
Thanks! I appreciate the feedback.
Be sure to:
* Click the “thumb up” (like) icon on videos at RUclips.com/billvicars
* Click the “subscribe” button at RUclips.com/billvicars (if you haven't done so yet)
* Click the “Share” link and share the videos.
I have been learning signing for fun and it was extremely difficult so I stoped but I wanted to try again and your videos help so much and make it very engaging thank you
I did "daughter" in sign, forgetting I have a cigarette in my hand, and burned my face.
Should I lawyer up?
(Seriously though,, sorry about that -- and I hope you feel fine now.)
It is not uncommon for ASL students to harm themselves. One of the most common is poking themselves in the eye. I recall one young lady who had recently clipped her nails and then signed "girl." Apparently her thumbnail had a jag an it sliced her chin as she did the sign. She literally bled.
@@sign-language
Oof!
Thank you for teaching all of us sign on RUclips. I don't really have any need to learn it except to make it easier to communicate when the time comes.
Thank you again!
It is my pleasure to teach.
I've been doing it a long time and have seen a lot of "stuff."
One time a student (with another wicked thumbnail) signed “mom” rather excitedly and punctured her chin.
At an ASL social I watched a rather animated college student basically hit himself in the forehead while referring to someone or something using the sign for “dumb” (the "fist" version).
After which he personally felt dumb. You could see the red mark and a bit of a bump in the middle of his forehead the rest of the evening.
So, be careful out there folks!
Safe signing!
Add the fact of being recorded in front of a live audience (while learning something new -- and having your mistakes recorded for later display to thousands of people. I'm sure it is not easy to relax in such situations. Every one of these student volunteers is a hero in my book.
I like Celine!!! She signs at my speed!!
I misread father as fatter and I fr thought I was gonna be insulted by my teacher lmaoo
I've been learning sign through your videos and have been taking the quizzes as well. I notice you have uploaded an updated/new versions of your videos. Will they still relate to the quizzes on lifeprint?
The curriculum at LP is constantly going through revisions and updates. The updates are very gradual thus most of the older quizzes are still of use and are generally still covered by the lessons.
Thanks, Bill!
thank you!
Dr. Vickers, have found Your tutorials So helpful. I first learned from an interpreter at church then took a class at a community college in the 80's. Then life got in the way. Could u turn more towards the camera so I could see more clearly the finger spelling. I love your teaching method and your sense of humor. I wish I was about 30 years younger and I could take ASL up again and be more proficient. It's too late now @ 87. Do you have any suggestions on how I could get involved with the deaf community. I don't know any deaf people and would like to have someone to practice with. Thank you.
After you've established a basic foundation of American Sign Language it is time for you to supplement your learning and education through direct interaction in the Deaf World.
Google "Deaf Events near me" and see what turns up. Start (or continue) watching Deaf Newscasts.
Do searches online for your state's "Association of the Deaf" and then go.
Seek out your state's RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) chapter (if you want to become an interpreter)
Search for "Deaf Church near me" (if you are into religion).
Check "meetup (dot) com" for any "ASL meetups" in your area -- or pay the fee and set up your own ASL meetup and see who shows up.
Hire a Deaf ASL private tutor. Just do a search for "ASL Tutor" online.
Hire a local Deaf ASL instructor and offer small-group ASL classes in your home or some other location.
Check Facebook for any Deaf hobby groups such as "Deaf Hiking" groups, etc. Search for the word Deaf and the name of your City in the Facebook search box.
Search for "ASL socials near me."
If you can't find any ASL socials near you -- set up your own "ASL Social" and invite a Deaf person to come. Be clear with that person that they are the "anchor" (main draw) for the social and as such you will pay for their coffee or meal. The cost of a meal is a tuition bargain considering the amount of sign language you will learn. Ask them to inform you ASAP if for some reason they can't show up to the social. Consider setting up an email news list for those who do show up to the social to let them know of any changes to the schedule, location, or other related information.
If you enjoy working with young people, consider volunteering. Contact any local well-recognized long-succeeding youth-focused organizations and provide them with your contact information and desire to become a mentor for any local Deaf youth who might appreciate or benefit from an additional caring adult in their life.
Check to see if there are any Deaf Education programs in your area and then apply to become a volunteer. Get fingerprinted and the whole bit. Do fundraisers for that program. Consider buying and donating a large screen monitor or projector or some other needed equipment to the program -- but ask first so you don't saddle them with an unwanted item. If you do donate money or equipment -- give with "no strings attached." Your money doesn't buy you anything other than warm fuzzies.
If you are amazing at fundraising and/or organizing (or if you just have a lot of grit and persistence) consider forming a local Deaf-centric team to support any local Deaf Summer Camps, Deaf Space Camps, or other events serving Deaf youth in your area.
These videos are so helpful!
Hi Dr Bill,
Thanks so much for your videos!! I have only watched one so far but plan on subscribing. I really liked your teaching format because I have been slowly learning for a year and the quiz form was a GREAT way to test my knowledge. Pushed me out of my comfort zone on the speed and I did it! 😀 I follow SignedWithHeart and she is the one who recommended you 😌 I am definitely going to look into purchasing the USB course. Thanks for what you do!
Thanks!
I love this so much!!!
Great work
I understand why audio isn't necessary, but it would be fun as a hearing person to hear their laughs because he is so humerus all of the time!
Actually, there are a few videos in my master playlist that have the classroom sounds. Sorry...I don't have a list of which ones do or don't but there are a few.
Master playlist: ruclips.net/p/PL6akqFwEeSpiLwRFA3ZvuOWMwPXwI7NqA
Bill Vicars I just watched Lesson 5 which had audio and it was really cool. I learned that the whole class behind the camera is signing as well because when you signed “Good” I heard everyones’ hands slap behind the camera. Haha. Very awesome videos, and you have the perfect personality to be a teacher of any subject, not just ASL. Very cool, dude!
Yes, indeed. I've been developing some awesome brain-surgery instructional videos -- but for some reason it has been a challenge to find a willing assistant on whom I can demonstrate the techniques.
Hey Dr. Bill! Just wanted to let you know that the link to Lifeprint in the description is broken, it's adding the explanation mark to the end!
Kevin, Hey thanks for the heads up! I appreciate it. As a result of your letting me know -- I fixed the link.
:)
Hi Dr. Bill, how do you distinguish Tooth Brush (the object) from Brush teeth (the action)?
You can use "context" to distinguish "toothbrush" from "brush my/your teeth." It simply isn't an issue in everyday life. You sign the sentence and the other person understands it. For example: YOU PUT TOOTHBRUSH? (In context: Did you pack a toothbrush?) The sentence works because one or both people in the conversation are going on a trip.
To distinguish "toothbrush" from "brush teeth" we generally just rely on context. If I already know you have a toothbrush and I sign to you:
YOU NEED BRUSH-TEETH!
It will be obvious that I mean the verb.
If I sign: "I NOT HAVE TOOTHBRUSH" then it will be obvious that I'm referring to the noun.
Also, the verb will tend to use a bigger movement. The noun will tend to be a smaller movement.
SUPER HELPFUL
If a left handed start signing you, is it possible for a right hand signer to understand what the lefty is comunicating you?
yes
@@sign-language nice,so they are both mutual-intelligent.
What is the difference between Need and Here (Version 2)?
HERE-[index-finger-version]
versus
NEED
The sign we commonly label as "need" can also be inflected to mean ought to, should, have to, must, etc. -- using more or less force and stronger or gentler facial expressions. The sign for "need" uses a "crooked" index finger (also known as an "X" hand. The sign need generally bends at the wrist but can involve some elbow movement.
The concept of "here" can be signed by using the formal sign consisting of palm up flat hands but also can be signed by simply pointing downward with a straight index finger. The movement is mainly in the elbow without much movement in the wrist
Pointing downward can create a variety of meanings depending on context. Such meanings can include: this, here, it-(when something is below the speaker), foot, and down.
See: ruclips.net/video/hfa0GQG-LYA/видео.html
Also see:
ruclips.net/video/Eo-vEE1gFxM/видео.html
@@sign-language Thank you so much. This is day four of me watching your videos and learning Sign, thank you.
Love your videos:)! I just had a question regarding the phrase: 'Person hurt your feel, who?' Is it mandatory to include the sign for 'person' here? Could we also just sign: 'Your feel hurt, who?'. Because we are just asking: 'who hurt your feelings?' correct? I'm just wondering, if the sign for 'who' already gives enough context for the actual question.
You ask: "Is it mandatory...?"
Absolutely! The ASL Police will show up at your door with a no-knock warrant if you use any variation in your signing other than what you see in in these online ASL videos.
Plus Deaf people won't invite you to parties.
Ha! Umm... forgive me for the above jesting. Couldn't resist.
Discussion:
If you sign YOUR FEELINGS HURT WHO? -- it creates a meaning of:
Who was hurt by your feelings?
You can change that by topicalizing the "your feelings hurt" part by adding a pause and a yes/no question. For example:
YOUR FEELINGS HURT? WHO?
That construction works but requires a lot of context, a bit of assumption, and skilled use of topicalization.
Contrary to what you may be told by some ASL teachers, this sentence works really well:
WHO HURT YOUR FEEL?
A few other approaches to consider:
PERSON HURT YOUR FEEL? WHO?
or
SEEM YOUR FEELING HURT. WHO CAUSE?
YOUR FEELING HURT? WHO INSULT-you?
It is a huge myth that WH-question signs (like WHO?) always have to go at the end of ASL sentences.
Yet the myth (the "lie") is so strong and pervasive that it is unwise to challenge it unless you are prepared for a debate.
For more on this topic see:
www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/induction-and-extrapolation.htm
@@sign-language xD! Got it! So it’s absolutely mandatory, I see… … hahaha… yea, maybe I went a bit overboard with the word ‚mandatory‘ hahaha ;P
Thx so much for your reply!!
Interesting, so I do see that it gets a bit trickier there. I guess for now, I will just memorize the way you did it with the ‚person…‘, but also keep in mind what other versions you noted down here.
And thx for putting up videos like these, I will, for sure, check out your website. It’s such great way for people like me to get started on ASL. I am actually from Germany (and very eager to learn ASL), so therefore, I’m kinda limited to online resources, though I would love to be able to actually attend real classes in person. I imagine it to be so much more fun and effective^^
Also, see:
www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/wh-rightward-movement-unnecessary-in-very-short-questions.htm
Part of the fun is trying to guess what she's saying during the reviews.
@8:33 something special happened here idk what it was but niiiice
Thank you Bill Vicars! These lessons are great and so needed for me at this time. I did sign up for you monthly thing that is $9 something per month. So Cool!...... Are these courses completely on line? Can I use them for certification to be an ASL interpreter?
Bobbi,
The ASL.tc courses to which you are referring will help you develop a strong foundation from which you could then move on to personal interaction and watching Deaf VLOGS bring your receptive skills up to conversational fluency.
To become a "certified" interpreter isn't a matter of "how many classes you have taken." It is a matter of passing a test.
If you want to become RID certified you generally will need to have completed a BA degree (in any field) AND pass rigorous skills and knowledge testing.
Again, ASL.tc provides an excellent foundation. To get to the level of being an interpreter though you are going to need in order to pass a certification exam -- plan on obtaining literally "thousands" of hours of exposure. If you haven't already -- start seeking Deaf friends to hang out with.
- Dr. V.
New version (yay!) but same really hard to read asl words!! I have to switch glasses every 10 seconds
Perhaps it is time for bifocals?
Or maybe watch the videos on a desktop computer with a large monitor. For what it is worth, I've been looking into how I can use a larger screen behind me for the English prompts.
Bill Vicars I think if you made the hands black on a white background it would be easier. I think there is research about this. (Not related to asl)
Bill Vicars I started watching on my phone because it was better than the monitor I had been watching on. But also I need new glasses.
I believe what you say about the black on a white background. There are always trade-offs and what pleases some people annoys others -- thus the goal ends up trying to find a combination that works for the most people. Unfortunately I often don't have the luxury of carefully picking my backgrounds. Often I get literally 10 minutes to set up my equipment (or less) -- the time between the previous instructor's use of a classroom and my class. I've had to throw away dozens of videos that "just didn't work out" for one reason or another. Oh well. I keep plugging away trying to provide value to society in whatever manner I can.
@@sign-language and we appreciate your efforts and work :)
I have a congenital thing that means I can't fully extend the pinky on my dominant hand. It's always a little bent. Would it be weirder to use my non-dominant hand for signs involving it, or to use my not-straight finger?
A number of people have asked me similar questions about signing with physical limitations. To check out the discussion, check out:
www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/signing-with-physical-limitations.htm
@@sign-language thanks, that was very helpful
@billvicars do you ever get frustrated with some people because you are deaf and sometime can’t understand you
I don't get frustrated very often since so much of my world has been purposefully selected to visual-centric. My day job consists of signing and they provide me an interpreter for meetings. Most of the people in my world are signers. My wife is Deaf. My kids sign. (One of them is Deaf/HH.) The more involved you are in the "Deaf World" the less frustrating it is to be Deaf. Instead being Deaf/HH simply becomes a type of culture.
Hey Dr. Bill! Thank you for these videos, I have already purchased your lessons in the past, but would be happy to donate, but I'm curious, why the remake of these lessons? They look like the same ones that you put out a few years ago... And you haven't aged a day! :-)
Some of the lessons were previously published in very low-resolution format. I was able to locate a number of the original files (the early versions of the Katelyn series) with the higher resolution (1080p).
Prior to finding the original files I decided to re-record the low-resolution lessons with new students. Then I found the original files. So now there are several versions of the lessons on this channel. I figure folks would rather me post them than delete them. Eventually I'm going to build a number of playlists from "easy" to hard and then occasionally slip in an earlier video as a form of "review" (to avoid memory extinction).
That makes sense. I'm going through the series all over again because I've sadly been away for too long. We all appreciate this so much and I hope you get all the support you need to keep going and more!
I’m not sure if it’s just me but I just tried to watch 3 of your videos but none of them have audio.
it's purposefully muted to not give a crutch to hearing learners
Why is there no sound
3:21 with the sentence, what was the last work or the sentence? Sorry.
I said, that I thought she was going to say she was happy when she comes to class.
So the last word on that sentence is "class."
The laughter is because she was trying to recall the sign for HOME to use after "I feel happy when I go to ... ______"
Thus my mind was hoping / expecting her to sign "class" but then she signed HOUSE (and I suggested to her that the sign she wanted was HOME.
Then later I state that I feel happy "now."
I’m having a bit of a trouble trying to make out what the sign says at 6:06
Never mind 😭 I’m just tired I caught on very fast 😭😂
geeze, I realllly need to practice finger spelling, im ridiculously slow at understanding and putting the words together
You might want to visit my fingespelling playlist:
ruclips.net/video/va1aAXpVr2w/видео.html
See below for additional tips:
How to use ASL University to learn sign language for free:
1. Visit Lifeprint.com and become familiar with the ASL University website.
2. Bookmark the official ASLU RUclips master playlist:
ruclips.net/p/PL6akqFwEeSpiLwRFA3ZvuOWMwPXwI7NqA
3. For quick reviews (to prevent memory extinction) bookmark the "Signs" channel playlist page:
ruclips.net/user/Lifeprint-signsplaylists or more specifically: ruclips.net/user/Lifeprint-signsplaylists?view=50&sort=dd&shelf_id=1
4. If you use a desktop or laptop computer you can look up signs using this page: www.lifeprint.com/search.htm
5. If you use a mobile device you can look up signs using this page:
www.lifeprint.com/search/index.htm
6. If you can’t find a sign after using the search options at Lifeprint.com then consider applying to join the Lifeprint-ASLU Facebook group and asking your question there. See:
facebook.com/groups/Lifeprint.ASLU/
7. Go through the ASLU Lessons for free:
www.lifeprint.com/asl101/lessons/lessons.htm
Your comments, questions, or suggestions are always welcome.
To contact Dr. Bill Vicars, see: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/contact.htm
If you like the free LIfeprint.com lessons you might enjoy the low-cost subscription version of the lessons. For information see: lifeprint.com/asltc/
Ways to support the ASL University channel:
* Click the “thumb up” (like) icon on videos at RUclips.com/billvicars
* Click the “subscribe” button at RUclips.com/billvicars (if you haven't done so yet)
* Click the “Share” link and share the videos.
* Buy some ASL University “official” clothing or ASLU gear: teespring.com/stores/aslu
* Donate via: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=64QMBRBXQSV6G
* For other donation options, see: www.Lifeprint.com/donate.htm If you have any friends who might be in a position to do so you might want to consider inviting them to donate -- thus supporting Deaf children and the promotion of free sign language resources via Lifeprint.com
I can't make out what Dr. Vicars signs right before he says "home".. It's like he's snapping his middle finger and thumb twice before making the sign for home. Was he signing "dog house"?
Tip: include a time code such as 0:00 when asking questions about specific signs in the videos. RUclips converts time codes to links that jump to that point in the video. That way people can more easily jump to the sign about which you have a question.
Review the sign DOG
Review and compare the signs HOME vs HOUSE
If you use a desktop or laptop computer you can look up signs using this page: www.lifeprint.com/search.htm
If you use a mobile device you can look up signs using this page:
www.lifeprint.com/search/index.htm
If you can’t find a sign after using the search options at Lifeprint.com then consider applying to join the Lifeprint-ASLU Facebook group and asking your question there. See:
facebook.com/groups/Lifeprint.ASLU/
Note: To get into the group you need to read the rules and answer the questions if you want the moderators to add you.
@@sign-language Hello Dr. Vicars. My apologies. I meant to say House. As I kept watching eventually you showed the sign for "dog" and so I was able to put those together and now I understand what you were signing at time stamp 11:30.
Much fun 😊
Because ASL is a language that relies a lot on facial expressions and not hiding how you feel how do people with ASL play games like poker?
We put on our poker face.
@@sign-language Thank you for responding! That makes sense lol.
5:14 I read that as FOOL XD
At 3:16 what did Bill sign?
@MochiMaster 9001
Hint: At around 3:10 I spelled the concept about which you are asking.
(The sign that touches near the lower cheek and then arcs up to touch again a bit higher and a bit further back on the cheek. Read my fingerspelling and you'll know what I signed.
Home!@@sign-language
33:22
I am confused about something. Which is more "proper" or "right"? 1) YOUR FATHER, SONS, HOW-MANY? or 2) YOUR FATHER, HOW-MANY, SONS?
While it is generally good to put WH-type questions at the end, sometimes it can make a sentence even more compact and clear to form a clause.
For example, you form a clause out of "HOW-MANY SONS?" -- at the end of the sentence.
So compare:
YOUR FATHER HAVE SON HOW-MANY?
vs
YOUR FATHER HOW-MANY SON?
If you try to do the first version without the HAVE sign -- it feels rather awkward because to make it work without the HAVE sign you would need to topicalize both FATHER and SON.
The second version works well though without the sign HAVE.
__________________
Different "experts" will give you somewhat conflicting advice on this so make sure to do your own observing of real life unscripted ASL conversations between skilled (native or near native-level) Deaf adult signers.
Also see:
www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/wh-rightward-movement-unnecessary-in-very-short-questions.htm
@@sign-language Thank you so much for that information!!! I want to take a live class with you. You're so clear and informative. and such a fun person!!
I like the funny face his put
I kept trying to turn up my volume.
Kim
S
This is enjoybale
I donated the little I should afford. all the best
Thank you! I am grateful! Such donations help pay the server fees.
Sometimes people don't realize there is an extensive website associated with these lessons (at www.Lifeprint.com ).
9:27
I KEPT READING TEACHER AS TEAKHER😭😭
@7:32 All I could just hunk of was “Fat Her”! 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
literal
At 7:20 First I thought *FAT* ..... *Her...?*
Me deaf
Thanks!