Thanks for this video. I have always wanted to learn Sign language and was able to learn the alphabet from a book when I was 9. Working with young children I learned a few signs for those who weren't always able to communicate verbally. I'm in my 40's now, and I am in my second section of ASL taught by an awesome professor who is Deaf. Unfortunately, because I don't have as much practice time as I'd like, my spelling (in general) isn't great, and I have ADHD I'm feeling a little stuck in my progress. Again thank you, and I appreciate the resources.
Hi Jill... as a learning signer for my church's worship team, I study the upcoming service songs for a few days ahead of time. At first I had my 'go-to' RUclips signers. But, since they of course don't do every song I need, I started looking for other signers. I started finding many people doing the same song, and discovered the many ways each would interpret. this has become an exciting step in learning for me. I'll see how this or that person has really captured the concept of a phrase. Last night the one man who comes on Wednesday night smiled a lot at me, and I could tell he was enjoying how I was doing the songs. lol, he could also tell when I wasn't sure of a song, but one thing I have found about the Deaf Community is, they are very patient and just happy to see a hearing person trying their best. I enjoy your videos. thank you!
This video has helped me a lot by helping me know to practice sign language each day, to get comfortable and communicate more easier and not seem so rusty. I just am starting to learn sign language from yesterday, and I only know how to do the letter in sign so I thought it was easy and could do it right away fast! It seems though it isn't that easy and I need more practice to be great. Thank you once again for the suggestions, and I will definitely get to work!
I am hard of hearing, but I didn't learn ASL until high school. I found that my expressive skills in ASL developed a lot faster than my receptive skills because I would sign to myself all the time. It was not until I took my first voice off class that I developed good receptive skills. Now I am in my last year of my A.S. interpreting program almost about to do my internship next semester
[Jill] Yes, expressive skills often develop faster then receptive (depending on the environment you learn in). Yay! Good luck with your schooling. Let us know when you graduate. That's exciting!
okay, I started learning sign when I was a child because I had hearing and speach issues, through the years my hearing got a bit better so I didnt really feel like I needed to learn much of it. I have several deaf friends and my fiances father is also deaf. my mother in law (to be) is an interpreter and from time to time I always run into people who need interpreters (or my my oldest friends who are hard of hearing). I also have problems hearing again, it's getting a bit worse but Im still able to hear okay to an extent. I figured I would start back up again and try learning as much as I can each day to sharpen my skills and try helping people in my area just in case they need it or I run into a few of my old friends. Most importantly, I've never met my fiance's father and I want to know enough to hold a decent conversation with him. Now I know enough to hold a decent conversation but sometimes some signs either escape me or I freeze up and I'm not a fast finger speller, how many words would you suggest I try learning each day for me to better be able to remember the signs? I'm open to all options honestly, and I feel my area deffinatly needs more people who know sign in it.
[Jenna] Practice, practice, and practice. It's okay if you forget a sign for a certain meaning you want to express or slow with fingerspelling. Just remember it is better to be clear with signing and fingerspelling than trying to be fast. One thing you could try is to make video journal(can be daily or whatever fit in your schedule) and record yourself talking about your day, experience, thoughts, etc. Then watch your recording and see where you did well and where you need some improvement. Over time, you will get better. :)
ASL Stew thank you so much Jenna, I've learned so much from you guys, your videos have helped me tons ❤ again, thank you both for helping me improve my signing
after watching "switched at birth" and "deaf west spring awakening" i became very intrigued in the language. i began to learn through covers of songs and the internet for simple phrases. i now use the language to communicate with the people closest in my life when i'm in a mental state where i can't speak because of anxiety and such
I still struggle with my receptive skills, so I often watch videos in sign language without any captions or sound and see how much I can understand and then I'll watch again with sound and/or captions and evaluate how I did and see what some of the signs I didn't understand were. I learned about five new signs just watching this video; and I did a pretty decent job my first time through only relying on the signing! I'm trying to watch at least one video every day and I'm constantly signing to myself, so I work in my expressive skills that way. My cousin is HOH and I started learning (about 5 years ago) to communicate with her, but we live about 6 hours apart, so we don't get to see each other nearly as often as we'd like. But, when we do, we're in our own world and it's fabulous! We also skype sometimes. I would probably be fluent by now, but I have a brain injury (from medical malpractice), so I lost a lot of my skills about 2 years ago and have had to re learn a lot. But I'm totally in love with ASL and determined to stick with it!
[Jill] Wow, it sounds like you are doing great with your practicing and learning! Watching the videos with and without sound/captions is great to learn. Hope all goes well! :)
If anyone would like to know of another youtuber to watch to help learn sign language, I highly recommend Bill Vicars. I've been learning because I'm hard of hearing and my hearing is getting worse, but I love learning sign language.
I'm 14 and a freshman in high school and I want to become an ASL interpreter when I grow up. I have been learning sign language since this February and I have become good at Sign Language. I plan on going to Gallaudet University for college. And I love this you tube channel. I just turn the volume off and watch you sign and it helps me because I understand!! Thank you!!!
Started learning a few weeks ago but signing speed and deaf politics is so intimidating and discouraging. I just like to learn a new language and open communication with cool people who happen to be deaf/HH, rather than have them do all the heavy lifting in communication. But, jeez... It's tough
I found your videos by mistake. Glad I found it. I started learning sign language about 20 years ago when a deaf guy started working at the same company I was working for. I began learning some work related sign to make communication easier. I found I loved the language and kept learning even after he quit. The internet was still fairly new but I found cd's put out by a man named Martin Sternberg. That is how I began learning. Later I found a book by a man named Lou Fant. The book was called "The American Sign Language Phrase Book. It also taught about deaf culture and some basic do's and dont's when in the deaf community. From him I began learning how to put basic ASL sentences together. I am in the same boat. I have no person to practice my sign with, both reading them and signing. I would love to learn more and be just as comfortable in signing as I am speaking. I'm glad I found your channel. I loved the question and answer vids a lot. Thank you for your videos.
I have a hard time with finger spelling. One thing that really helps is asl.ms. This is a web page that's free that gives random generated finger spelled words. They give you different levels to work through. It's nice and easy to use on pc or apple.
Shannon Hensley it doesn't catch those special fingerprint rules though, like spelling U-R or J-U. that's only in classrooms and other sites. lifeprint runs that fingerprint tester and offers full lessons.
Hello :-) This is the second that I have watched of yours and I love them. Just like the last video, this video was so inviting. I have been wanting to learn ASL for a very long time. I am currently living in South Korea so my chances of meeting someone in person to practice with are slim. However, I do not want this to be an excuse for me not to learn. In elementary school, we learned the alphabet which I still remember. Your videos have given me the motivation to take it seriously and go forth with learning. Thank you!!
[Jill] Wow, I'm so glad you enjoyed watching our videos! :) If you want to try and meet someone to practice with online you can check out our ASL Practice Pals on Facebook. facebook.com/groups/1740693782818921/ Good luck!
If you are learning ASL, I really recommend lifeprint.com. You can find almost every word in the dictionary on here with a few taps. He has lots of resources including RUclips videos and fingerspelling recognization.
Hello :) I am hearing I have been learning from a young age (about age 7 or so) I first started learning because my best friend and his mother are deaf. I wanted to be able to communicate with them without any barriers. And now it turns out that my goddaughter may be hard of hearing so we are teaching her as well as our godson who is high functioning autistic. I took sign language in high school because I fell in love with the language. I have even reached the point where if I have to I am able to interpret for my friend when he's talking with someone else. I want to be able to work with young deaf children. That is one of my major goals :-) it is hard mistakes are made but it is fun and worth it :-)
I will =] right now, I am working on my basic ECE degree. Then I plan to enroll in the ASL program at my community college. I have to go to university to be able to work in special education as my college offers no courses yet. Being low vision blind makes it a challenge but, I am willing to do whatever it takes to meet my goal!
In my experience, watching videos online is relatively ineffective, because there is no way to look up signs you don't recognize, which is usually most of them. When you're talking to someone, you can just ask, but with a video, it is impossible. The best you can do is to try to guess what it might have meant and look up the sign for that English word, but that usually doesn't work, because there are lots of different versions of each sign and it may not correspond to English in the first place. As for practicing with people who are more skilled than you, that's easier said than done! For obvious reasons, most of the people looking for practice partners online are beginners. It's like a pyramid, and most of the time you'll be talking to people who are less skilled than you.
[Jill] Yes, that can be a set back of watching videos, but you still can learn that way. Context can always help and if there are captions they might match up enough for you to get a sign. Also, if the person is "live" (like us) you can ask them through comments what a specific sign is. Yes, it might be harder to find a person who is higher level than you but I have seen many people on our Facebook page that are native Deaf or signers willing to work with people of lower signing levels. Just keep looking and asking. :)
my name is Jessica and I am hoh (Ménière's disease) but I have a friend who is deaf she was raised speaking and knows little asl so I always find it funny that I know more sign then her but she is the one that needs it more than I do.
My question is this. I am learning to sign. Sometimes when I am around Deaf people I try to follow along but I can't keep up with what they are talking about at full speed. I don't know how to close that gap. I see signs that I know but I can't seem to put it together when it goes so fast. I know it would be rude to ask them all to slow down for me but I want to know them better and understand. How do I close this gap where I can understand people signing at full speed? And most importantly what is the polite way to do any of this without offending anyone?
[Jenna] It really comes with practice over time. I would suggest you to tap a person in the group who is not actively signing and ask for clarification.
I agree with everything said here! The best way to learn is immersion, which is why I struggle with learning written languages because I have no one to actually chat with in it! By the way, the sign for Glide is a bit like if you're throwing a dart, but from mid chest level :)
Hi :-) When you say you have no one to chat with in written languages, is that because its hard to find people to chat with, or are there other reasons?
Hi! I've been learning ASL for two years. I was originally studying to be an interpreter, but ultimately that field wasn't for me, so I changed to being a film major. After changing universities as well, so far I've been too busy with work/moving/school to connect with the Deaf community I moved nearby (but I'm trying to change that hah). I really want to keep up my skills because I love the language so much and would love to work with Deaf people in the future. Thought my skills were gonna deteriorate because I wasn't signing 5-6 hours a day, 6 days a week anymore, but this video really broadened my options! Thank you :)
Thank you for the video! I am currently subscribed to you guys, CHS ASL, and Bill Vicars. I am wondering though if you have any recommendations for just general singing RUclipsrs to watch? Not ASL lessons, but just to work on receptive skills/exposure/familiarity with the culture and community? I was seeking out this type of channel when I found you guys, but unfortunately, I can't seem to stumble across anyone else and would really love to be more immersed in the language! Thank you!
[Jill] That's great! Those are great channels. :) You can check out Rogan Shannon (Deaf). ruclips.net/user/FlameMaverice Also, Awti (CODA) ruclips.net/user/awti If I can think of others I will come back and comment more.
I'm learning sign language by learning the lyrics to songs and making videos on this app called musically of me signing. I've met a lot of cool people that also do sign language on there and we sign together almost every day. I started learning about 7 months ago and I've already learned so much since I do it every day. I hope to start taking classes next year and eventually work towards becoming an interpreter or asl teacher in a college.
Hi! My name is Lyndsay and I'm hearing. I'm taking Intro to SIgn this semester. At first, it was just to fill a requirement (though I chose ASL over the spoken languages offered), but I've taken quite a liking to ASL! I plan on taking ASL 1 next semester. This video covers exactly what I'm concerned about. Especially in the month of break before the next semester, I'm worry about how I'm going to practice without a weekly partner meeting! I have a friend in the interpreting program, but I don't want to constantly bother her to help me practice. This video has given me helpful suggestions and I thank you! I'm also going to look into your Facebook page(: I really enjoy your channel and I look forward to future videos! Thanks!
How do I know my effort is working? or my effort is going to be the wrong effort in order to learn pure asl? I'm in school first level, but I struggle with being receptive, and somewhat expressive. I can understand some signs that you signed I learned in class, but that doesn't mean I know your sentence. My asl sentences are not asl format, and I'm still very slow trying to learn asl. 1. I'd like advice on how I can improve my speed, without always thinking about the word for its meaning to form a sentence. I want to learn fluent asl so much, but I feel my effort isn't proper. do you have more tips, or would you say, any effort is good effort?
[Jill] First I would say that you need to take it a little at at time. You are only first level in school so just work on a little bit at at time. Keep up with your school work and you will learn proper ASL in time. Speed will come with time as you become more natural with signing. If you take the classes and work hard, you will learn the right way. Don't worry.
Thank you, my last response on this post as to not take up your generous time, I do want to know what happens to a fluent ASL signer as far as signs and meaning goes, you are fluent, yes? I mean, how does or will the mind learn signs applying there meaning, did you eventually forget how you learned ASL meanings from English? My teacher, even though he uses English to help us, wants us to eventually seperate English from asl. Currently, I use English to understand ASL sign meanings, but does that English and ASL connection disappear overtime? My teacher also says that trying to think of the word could mess us up, although I'm not sure what he means, I do understand that Sign ASL is grammatically different, thathe wants us to try to grasp it's meaning without applying English. I don't know how to truly do this yet, as Im not great with guessing. Do you have advice for this skill? Thank you for your time and reply.
[Jill] Yes I would consider myself to be fluent (not native level though obviously). I would say like learning any other language, you have to think context instead of a just word for word. Eventually I do sometimes use a sign for a concept that I don't know the right English word for. I think it is always going to be hard for a person who has English as a first language to separate, but eventually you can start working towards that. Talk with your professor more and explain that you want him to explain that concept more to you.
i tried the link to find people to practice with on facebook and it had an error. i was wondering if you can check the link. i'm really needing someone to practice with
Sorry, our group is not functional any more. You can look to other Facebook groups and see if anyone is willing. It just became too much for us to handle. Good luck!
Hi Jill and Jenna! ASL Stew is my favorite youtube channel! I watch your videos every day after work. I'm learning ASL because I love the language and I love being able to communicate with everyone I meet. I'm getting up the nerve to go to a Deaf social this week. My ASL teacher suggested I check it out. Do you have any advice for when I go? I've never been to a Deaf event. I don't want to be rude or intrude upon Deaf space as a hearing person.
[Jenna] Best advice is to try to introduce yourself and try to make conversations. It is okay to not be perfect and mess up. Deaf people usually are understanding and will help you with feedback on improving your ASL skill. Another tip is to be sure to allow Deaf people to "lead" the events and communicate with them at appropriate time (like social time, not when they're discussing important issues for example). You will be fine. :)
after studying asl for years, I find that many of your signs are different than what I have learned. Can you clarify each sign you use at some point so we can memorize what you are saying? After I have seen it once and know what it means, it will be no problem.
[Jill] Well, there are regional signs. So people sign different things. It would be hard for me to tell everyone all the signs I use. If you ever have specific questions on a sign let me know.
Hey just one thing. I'm trying to learn Auslan and have had a lot of trouble finding resources of people to practice with. ASL and BSL, being more common, have a lot more resources. Do you have any suggestions for people learning a less common sign language?
[Jill] I would look on the internet for that. Often Facebook has groups for people learning a language. Maybe you could find an Auslan group. Good luck!
Hi! This is a off-topic but this fear suddenly dawned on me. I've got self harm scars up and down both arms. They're not fresh, but they're noticeable. Do you think my scars would have any role in my ability to land an interpreting job? Could it turn off people for wanting me to interpret for them? Thanks!
[Jill] No I don't think that would be a problem at all. It won't matter. If they bother YOU and make you lose your process, then you can cover them, but don't worry about other people.
Hey Jill/Jenna, I'm vice president of my ASL Club and we're looking for activities to do in-campus and off-campus. Currently we're thinking of going to a local police academy to educate them on how to handle someone who is Deaf, to avoid miscommunication, if they ever stop a Deaf person. Do you have any other ideas for our club to be involved?
[Jill] I would say to get in contact with your local Deaf community. Talk with them and let them lead the discussion about how you can better work with them and educate others about ASL and the Deaf community. Good luck!
How about a spellling bee? You make a list of words (secret) and pair people up. Two pairs compete against one another. Each member of the pair has to spell, say, 6 words to the other who writes them down. Score for correctness first and speed second, but maybe with a time limit so there is a bit of time pressure. Each team gets the same 12 words but in different order so they can't look at the other team's signing. Have a tournament!
How and were do ASL people learn new Oxford dictionary words of the year, like the word "Islamophobia or Vape" Do Deaf/ASL people feel offended, when they know someone, is just using them to only learn ASL, do the people in the ASL community discuss things like that, being the only person used as the token ASL person among a group of people who speaks.
[Jenna] I think you mean how Deaf people come up with new signs for new words like vape or Islamophobia. Please let me know if I am wrong. Deaf people usually make collective decision on new sign becoming a standard for new concepts. Words like Islamophobia usually require Deaf people of Islamic faith (or any background that fit the new concept in general) to provide culturally appropriate sign ideas. Over time the new sign will spread around. It is important to be respectful while learning ASL and make effort to get to know the Deaf person/people you are learning ASL from or practice using ASL.
When it comes to finding people to sigh with, Is their discrimination in the ASL community, like are their ASL people who only want to communicate with people of the same race, culture, gender, sex, what about people who had to learn ASL as a toddler vs someone who had to learn at 20, do ASL people discriminate against people with hearing implants because, with today advancement in technology, some may feel that the implants will destroy their community.
hi, i was wonder how your facebook page worked? i really want to learn asl but i don't have anyone to sign with, and i don't know if my mom would be okay with me talking to people i don't know face to face. (i'm 16) so i was wondering what you talk about, how often can you talk to people, and who do you talk to in the facebook group.
[Jill] Sure, you can join the group. Just request to be a member and then you will be approved. Then you can meet others to practice your singing. facebook.com/groups/1740693782818921/
Thanks for this video. I have always wanted to learn Sign language and was able to learn the alphabet from a book when I was 9. Working with young children I learned a few signs for those who weren't always able to communicate verbally. I'm in my 40's now, and I am in my second section of ASL taught by an awesome professor who is Deaf. Unfortunately, because I don't have as much practice time as I'd like, my spelling (in general) isn't great, and I have ADHD I'm feeling a little stuck in my progress. Again thank you, and I appreciate the resources.
wishing you and Jenna and happy and healthy Christmas.
[Jill] Thank you so much! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas as well. :)
ASL Stew thank you.
Hi Jill... as a learning signer for my church's worship team, I study the upcoming service songs for a few days ahead of time. At first I had my 'go-to' RUclips signers. But, since they of course don't do every song I need, I started looking for other signers. I started finding many people doing the same song, and discovered the many ways each would interpret. this has become an exciting step in learning for me. I'll see how this or that person has really captured the concept of a phrase. Last night the one man who comes on Wednesday night smiled a lot at me, and I could tell he was enjoying how I was doing the songs. lol, he could also tell when I wasn't sure of a song, but one thing I have found about the Deaf Community is, they are very patient and just happy to see a hearing person trying their best. I enjoy your videos. thank you!
[Jill] That is great you are doing a lot of research for improve your product.
This video has helped me a lot by helping me know to practice sign language each day, to get comfortable and communicate more easier and not seem so rusty. I just am starting to learn sign language from yesterday, and I only know how to do the letter in sign so I thought it was easy and could do it right away fast! It seems though it isn't that easy and I need more practice to be great. Thank you once again for the suggestions, and I will definitely get to work!
So glad the video can help. Good luck on learning! :)
I try to watch your videos without volume, that's how I practice my receptive skills
[Jill] Good idea. Happy we can be of help for you learning sign.
I am hard of hearing, but I didn't learn ASL until high school. I found that my expressive skills in ASL developed a lot faster than my receptive skills because I would sign to myself all the time. It was not until I took my first voice off class that I developed good receptive skills. Now I am in my last year of my A.S. interpreting program almost about to do my internship next semester
[Jill] Yes, expressive skills often develop faster then receptive (depending on the environment you learn in). Yay! Good luck with your schooling. Let us know when you graduate. That's exciting!
Your cat is so interested in your hands! 😄
okay, I started learning sign when I was a child because I had hearing and speach issues, through the years my hearing got a bit better so I didnt really feel like I needed to learn much of it. I have several deaf friends and my fiances father is also deaf. my mother in law (to be) is an interpreter and from time to time I always run into people who need interpreters (or my my oldest friends who are hard of hearing). I also have problems hearing again, it's getting a bit worse but Im still able to hear okay to an extent. I figured I would start back up again and try learning as much as I can each day to sharpen my skills and try helping people in my area just in case they need it or I run into a few of my old friends. Most importantly, I've never met my fiance's father and I want to know enough to hold a decent conversation with him. Now I know enough to hold a decent conversation but sometimes some signs either escape me or I freeze up and I'm not a fast finger speller, how many words would you suggest I try learning each day for me to better be able to remember the signs? I'm open to all options honestly, and I feel my area deffinatly needs more people who know sign in it.
[Jenna] Practice, practice, and practice. It's okay if you forget a sign for a certain meaning you want to express or slow with fingerspelling. Just remember it is better to be clear with signing and fingerspelling than trying to be fast. One thing you could try is to make video journal(can be daily or whatever fit in your schedule) and record yourself talking about your day, experience, thoughts, etc. Then watch your recording and see where you did well and where you need some improvement. Over time, you will get better. :)
ASL Stew
thank you so much Jenna, I've learned so much from you guys, your videos have helped me tons ❤
again, thank you both for helping me improve my signing
I've been teaching myself ASL because my mom is deaf in one ear. She is losing her hearing in her good ear, so we've been learning.
[Jill] That's great you are learning together. :)
after watching "switched at birth" and "deaf west spring awakening" i became very intrigued in the language. i began to learn through covers of songs and the internet for simple phrases. i now use the language to communicate with the people closest in my life when i'm in a mental state where i can't speak because of anxiety and such
[Jill] Very interesting. I haven't heard of sign language being used that way.
I LOVE SWITCHED AT BIRTH that’s why i’m learning
I LOVE SWITCHED AT BIRTH that’s why i’m learning
I still struggle with my receptive skills, so I often watch videos in sign language without any captions or sound and see how much I can understand and then I'll watch again with sound and/or captions and evaluate how I did and see what some of the signs I didn't understand were. I learned about five new signs just watching this video; and I did a pretty decent job my first time through only relying on the signing! I'm trying to watch at least one video every day and I'm constantly signing to myself, so I work in my expressive skills that way. My cousin is HOH and I started learning (about 5 years ago) to communicate with her, but we live about 6 hours apart, so we don't get to see each other nearly as often as we'd like. But, when we do, we're in our own world and it's fabulous! We also skype sometimes. I would probably be fluent by now, but I have a brain injury (from medical malpractice), so I lost a lot of my skills about 2 years ago and have had to re learn a lot. But I'm totally in love with ASL and determined to stick with it!
[Jill] Wow, it sounds like you are doing great with your practicing and learning! Watching the videos with and without sound/captions is great to learn. Hope all goes well! :)
I watch people signing songs. I like that way.
[Jill] Yes, many people have said they learn that way.
If anyone would like to know of another youtuber to watch to help learn sign language, I highly recommend Bill Vicars. I've been learning because I'm hard of hearing and my hearing is getting worse, but I love learning sign language.
[Jill] Bill Vicars is a great resource!
I'm 14 and a freshman in high school and I want to become an ASL interpreter when I grow up. I have been learning sign language since this February and I have become good at Sign Language. I plan on going to Gallaudet University for college. And I love this you tube channel. I just turn the volume off and watch you sign and it helps me because I understand!! Thank you!!!
[Jill] That's great! Good luck on getting into Gallaudet. Keep up the good work! :)
Started learning a few weeks ago but signing speed and deaf politics is so intimidating and discouraging. I just like to learn a new language and open communication with cool people who happen to be deaf/HH, rather than have them do all the heavy lifting in communication.
But, jeez... It's tough
I found your videos by mistake. Glad I found it. I started learning sign language about 20 years ago when a deaf guy started working at the same company I was working for. I began learning some work related sign to make communication easier. I found I loved the language and kept learning even after he quit. The internet was still fairly new but I found cd's put out by a man named Martin Sternberg. That is how I began learning. Later I found a book by a man named Lou Fant. The book was called "The American Sign Language Phrase Book. It also taught about deaf culture and some basic do's and dont's when in the deaf community. From him I began learning how to put basic ASL sentences together. I am in the same boat. I have no person to practice my sign with, both reading them and signing. I would love to learn more and be just as comfortable in signing as I am speaking. I'm glad I found your channel. I loved the question and answer vids a lot. Thank you for your videos.
[Jill] So glad you are enjoying the videos. That's great that you want to continue learning sign language!
I have a hard time with finger spelling. One thing that really helps is asl.ms. This is a web page that's free that gives random generated finger spelled words. They give you different levels to work through. It's nice and easy to use on pc or apple.
[Jill] Yes that is a good website if you can't watch a real person.
Shannon Hensley it doesn't catch those special fingerprint rules though, like spelling U-R or J-U. that's only in classrooms and other sites. lifeprint runs that fingerprint tester and offers full lessons.
Hello :-) This is the second that I have watched of yours and I love them. Just like the last video, this video was so inviting. I have been wanting to learn ASL for a very long time. I am currently living in South Korea so my chances of meeting someone in person to practice with are slim. However, I do not want this to be an excuse for me not to learn. In elementary school, we learned the alphabet which I still remember. Your videos have given me the motivation to take it seriously and go forth with learning. Thank you!!
[Jill] Wow, I'm so glad you enjoyed watching our videos! :) If you want to try and meet someone to practice with online you can check out our ASL Practice Pals on Facebook. facebook.com/groups/1740693782818921/ Good luck!
Thank you!!
Love this video! So glad you guys have this channel!
[Jill] Thank you!
If you are learning ASL, I really recommend lifeprint.com. You can find almost every word in the dictionary on here with a few taps. He has lots of resources including RUclips videos and fingerspelling recognization.
Hello :) I am hearing I have been learning from a young age (about age 7 or so) I first started learning because my best friend and his mother are deaf. I wanted to be able to communicate with them without any barriers. And now it turns out that my goddaughter may be hard of hearing so we are teaching her as well as our godson who is high functioning autistic. I took sign language in high school because I fell in love with the language. I have even reached the point where if I have to I am able to interpret for my friend when he's talking with someone else. I want to be able to work with young deaf children. That is one of my major goals :-) it is hard mistakes are made but it is fun and worth it :-)
[Jill] Wow, you have been learning for a long time. I hope all goes well with working with Deaf children one day. Let us know how it goes. :)
I will =] right now, I am working on my basic ECE degree. Then I plan to enroll in the ASL program at my community college. I have to go to university to be able to work in special education as my college offers no courses yet. Being low vision blind makes it a challenge but, I am willing to do whatever it takes to meet my goal!
In my experience, watching videos online is relatively ineffective, because there is no way to look up signs you don't recognize, which is usually most of them. When you're talking to someone, you can just ask, but with a video, it is impossible. The best you can do is to try to guess what it might have meant and look up the sign for that English word, but that usually doesn't work, because there are lots of different versions of each sign and it may not correspond to English in the first place.
As for practicing with people who are more skilled than you, that's easier said than done! For obvious reasons, most of the people looking for practice partners online are beginners. It's like a pyramid, and most of the time you'll be talking to people who are less skilled than you.
[Jill] Yes, that can be a set back of watching videos, but you still can learn that way. Context can always help and if there are captions they might match up enough for you to get a sign. Also, if the person is "live" (like us) you can ask them through comments what a specific sign is. Yes, it might be harder to find a person who is higher level than you but I have seen many people on our Facebook page that are native Deaf or signers willing to work with people of lower signing levels. Just keep looking and asking. :)
my name is Jessica and I am hoh (Ménière's disease) but I have a friend who is deaf she was raised speaking and knows little asl so I always find it funny that I know more sign then her but she is the one that needs it more than I do.
p. s. we are the same age 21
[Jill] Well everyone has different needs when it come to communication. What you learned growing up may not always match what your needs actually are.
[Jill] Cool :)
My question is this. I am learning to sign. Sometimes when I am around Deaf people I try to follow along but I can't keep up with what they are talking about at full speed. I don't know how to close that gap. I see signs that I know but I can't seem to put it together when it goes so fast. I know it would be rude to ask them all to slow down for me but I want to know them better and understand. How do I close this gap where I can understand people signing at full speed? And most importantly what is the polite way to do any of this without offending anyone?
[Jenna] It really comes with practice over time. I would suggest you to tap a person in the group who is not actively signing and ask for clarification.
I agree with everything said here! The best way to learn is immersion, which is why I struggle with learning written languages because I have no one to actually chat with in it!
By the way, the sign for Glide is a bit like if you're throwing a dart, but from mid chest level :)
[Jill] Thanks Rogan for the Glide sign. I know Jenna has shown me before but I forgot. :)
Hi :-) When you say you have no one to chat with in written languages, is that because its hard to find people to chat with, or are there other reasons?
Lawgiver777 mainly that, yes. Also because I'm at a VERY basic level right now, so I'm still not comfortable enough to attempt it.
Rogan Shannon May I ask what written languages you're wanting to learn?
Right now, mainly French and Spanish. I already took two years of Spanish in high school, but I've forgotten most of it :P
Hi! I've been learning ASL for two years. I was originally studying to be an interpreter, but ultimately that field wasn't for me, so I changed to being a film major. After changing universities as well, so far I've been too busy with work/moving/school to connect with the Deaf community I moved nearby (but I'm trying to change that hah). I really want to keep up my skills because I love the language so much and would love to work with Deaf people in the future. Thought my skills were gonna deteriorate because I wasn't signing 5-6 hours a day, 6 days a week anymore, but this video really broadened my options! Thank you :)
[Jill] So glad we could help. :)
Can I ask why you decided that interpreting wasn't a good field for you?
The group link didn't work on fb. Says 'was deleted or set to private'
Thank you for the video! I am currently subscribed to you guys, CHS ASL, and Bill Vicars. I am wondering though if you have any recommendations for just general singing RUclipsrs to watch? Not ASL lessons, but just to work on receptive skills/exposure/familiarity with the culture and community? I was seeking out this type of channel when I found you guys, but unfortunately, I can't seem to stumble across anyone else and would really love to be more immersed in the language! Thank you!
[Jill] That's great! Those are great channels. :) You can check out Rogan Shannon (Deaf). ruclips.net/user/FlameMaverice Also, Awti (CODA) ruclips.net/user/awti If I can think of others I will come back and comment more.
Also, ruclips.net/channel/UC_i63jO1Mp4TAjJh9gMAscA (ASL Nook is good)
Thank you so much!
thank you for the pointers! This was really helpful to me :)
[Jill] So glad it was helpful.
I'm learning sign language by learning the lyrics to songs and making videos on this app called musically of me signing. I've met a lot of cool people that also do sign language on there and we sign together almost every day. I started learning about 7 months ago and I've already learned so much since I do it every day. I hope to start taking classes next year and eventually work towards becoming an interpreter or asl teacher in a college.
[Jill] I haven't gotten into the musically app but if you are learning well and meeting others that way, then that's great! Good luck with school. :)
Very helpful, thank you!
Thanks for the vedio. I am hearing, i love sign language.
[Jill] So glad you enjoyed the video.
Your signing is beautiful!!! Thank you for such informative and entertaining videos. :)
[Jill] Thank you so much.
Is the practice group still there? I’m not finding it.
Hi! My name is Lyndsay and I'm hearing. I'm taking Intro to SIgn this semester. At first, it was just to fill a requirement (though I chose ASL over the spoken languages offered), but I've taken quite a liking to ASL! I plan on taking ASL 1 next semester.
This video covers exactly what I'm concerned about. Especially in the month of break before the next semester, I'm worry about how I'm going to practice without a weekly partner meeting! I have a friend in the interpreting program, but I don't want to constantly bother her to help me practice. This video has given me helpful suggestions and I thank you! I'm also going to look into your Facebook page(:
I really enjoy your channel and I look forward to future videos!
Thanks!
[Jill] So glad you enjoyed the video and got some ideas. Good luck! :)
How do I know my effort is working? or my effort is going to be the wrong effort in order to learn pure asl? I'm in school first level, but I struggle with being receptive, and somewhat expressive. I can understand some signs that you signed I learned in class, but that doesn't mean I know your sentence. My asl sentences are not asl format, and I'm still very slow trying to learn asl.
1. I'd like advice on how I can improve my speed, without always thinking about the word for its meaning to form a sentence.
I want to learn fluent asl so much, but I feel my effort isn't proper. do you have more tips, or would you say, any effort is good effort?
[Jill] First I would say that you need to take it a little at at time. You are only first level in school so just work on a little bit at at time. Keep up with your school work and you will learn proper ASL in time. Speed will come with time as you become more natural with signing. If you take the classes and work hard, you will learn the right way. Don't worry.
Thank you, my last response on this post as to not take up your generous time, I do want to know what happens to a fluent ASL signer as far as signs and meaning goes, you are fluent, yes?
I mean, how does or will the mind learn signs applying there meaning, did you eventually forget how you learned ASL meanings from English? My teacher, even though he uses English to help us, wants us to eventually seperate English from asl. Currently, I use English to understand ASL sign meanings, but does that English and ASL connection disappear overtime? My teacher also says that trying to think of the word could mess us up, although I'm not sure what he means, I do understand that Sign ASL is grammatically different, thathe wants us to try to grasp it's meaning without applying English. I don't know how to truly do this yet, as Im not great with guessing. Do you have advice for this skill? Thank you for your time and reply.
[Jill] Yes I would consider myself to be fluent (not native level though obviously). I would say like learning any other language, you have to think context instead of a just word for word. Eventually I do sometimes use a sign for a concept that I don't know the right English word for. I think it is always going to be hard for a person who has English as a first language to separate, but eventually you can start working towards that. Talk with your professor more and explain that you want him to explain that concept more to you.
i tried the link to find people to practice with on facebook and it had an error. i was wondering if you can check the link. i'm really needing someone to practice with
Sorry, our group is not functional any more. You can look to other Facebook groups and see if anyone is willing. It just became too much for us to handle. Good luck!
oh ok, no worries. will do. i love your videos. bless
Practice pals link doesn't work
[Jill] Yes, that has been closed.
Done
Yay!
This is so Me
[Jill] Well I hope you find a way to keep signing... and eventually find a person to work with. :)
yea
Hi Jill and Jenna! ASL Stew is my favorite youtube channel! I watch your videos every day after work. I'm learning ASL because I love the language and I love being able to communicate with everyone I meet.
I'm getting up the nerve to go to a Deaf social this week. My ASL teacher suggested I check it out. Do you have any advice for when I go? I've never been to a Deaf event. I don't want to be rude or intrude upon Deaf space as a hearing person.
[Jenna] Best advice is to try to introduce yourself and try to make conversations. It is okay to not be perfect and mess up. Deaf people usually are understanding and will help you with feedback on improving your ASL skill. Another tip is to be sure to allow Deaf people to "lead" the events and communicate with them at appropriate time (like social time, not when they're discussing important issues for example). You will be fine. :)
after studying asl for years, I find that many of your signs are different than what I have learned. Can you clarify each sign you use at some point so we can memorize what you are saying? After I have seen it once and know what it means, it will be no problem.
[Jill] Well, there are regional signs. So people sign different things. It would be hard for me to tell everyone all the signs I use. If you ever have specific questions on a sign let me know.
Hey just one thing. I'm trying to learn Auslan and have had a lot of trouble finding resources of people to practice with. ASL and BSL, being more common, have a lot more resources. Do you have any suggestions for people learning a less common sign language?
[Jill] I would look on the internet for that. Often Facebook has groups for people learning a language. Maybe you could find an Auslan group. Good luck!
Hi! This is a off-topic but this fear suddenly dawned on me. I've got self harm scars up and down both arms. They're not fresh, but they're noticeable. Do you think my scars would have any role in my ability to land an interpreting job? Could it turn off people for wanting me to interpret for them? Thanks!
[Jill] No I don't think that would be a problem at all. It won't matter. If they bother YOU and make you lose your process, then you can cover them, but don't worry about other people.
Hey Jill/Jenna, I'm vice president of my ASL Club and we're looking for activities to do in-campus and off-campus. Currently we're thinking of going to a local police academy to educate them on how to handle someone who is Deaf, to avoid miscommunication, if they ever stop a Deaf person. Do you have any other ideas for our club to be involved?
It's not easy to come up with other ideas but maybe with your experience you can help us our...
[Jill] I would say to get in contact with your local Deaf community. Talk with them and let them lead the discussion about how you can better work with them and educate others about ASL and the Deaf community. Good luck!
How about a spellling bee? You make a list of words (secret) and pair people up. Two pairs compete against one another. Each member of the pair has to spell, say, 6 words to the other who writes them down. Score for correctness first and speed second, but maybe with a time limit so there is a bit of time pressure. Each team gets the same 12 words but in different order so they can't look at the other team's signing. Have a tournament!
How and were do ASL people learn new Oxford dictionary words of the year, like the word "Islamophobia or Vape" Do Deaf/ASL people feel offended, when they know someone, is just using them to only learn ASL, do the people in the ASL community discuss things like that, being the only person used as the token ASL person among a group of people who speaks.
[Jenna] I think you mean how Deaf people come up with new signs for new words like vape or Islamophobia. Please let me know if I am wrong. Deaf people usually make collective decision on new sign becoming a standard for new concepts. Words like Islamophobia usually require Deaf people of Islamic faith (or any background that fit the new concept in general) to provide culturally appropriate sign ideas. Over time the new sign will spread around.
It is important to be respectful while learning ASL and make effort to get to know the Deaf person/people you are learning ASL from or practice using ASL.
I was part of your guys' Facebook page. And I was getting so much help, but you guys kicked me out, and I was really never sure why. :(
[Jill] Please (PM) message us about this on ASL Stew Facebook page.
When it comes to finding people to sigh with, Is their discrimination in the ASL community, like are their ASL people who only want to communicate with people of the same race, culture, gender, sex, what about people who had to learn ASL as a toddler vs someone who had to learn at 20, do ASL people discriminate against people with hearing implants because, with today advancement in technology, some may feel that the implants will destroy their community.
[Jenna] Unfortunately, discrimination does exist in the Deaf community just like any other groups.
hi, i was wonder how your facebook page worked? i really want to learn asl but i don't have anyone to sign with, and i don't know if my mom would be okay with me talking to people i don't know face to face. (i'm 16) so i was wondering what you talk about, how often can you talk to people, and who do you talk to in the facebook group.
[Jill] Sure, you can join the group. Just request to be a member and then you will be approved. Then you can meet others to practice your singing. facebook.com/groups/1740693782818921/