Your Future looks Accessible!
As summer officially kicks off, I’ve had time to reflect after a busy spring in which our studio was booked with accessible shoots; from ASL sign language translation videos to audio descriptive museum tours. I’ve been thinking about how much ASL has become a part of my life and today I’d like to share 18 basic signs that I use (and you can use too).
We filmed these in-studio with the help of our Deaf Interpreter (DI), Mia.
ASL GIF Collection
Hello | See you later
While “hello” is a self-explanatory wave, I wanted to share “See you later,” because it’s pretty fun to do!
What’s your name? | Nice to meet you
Mia does the shortened, “your name?” here; by raising her eyebrows, she implies the question “what is” … pretty cool shortcut! “Nice to meet you” is another favorite of mine and fun fact the sign for “Nice” and the sign for “Clean” are the same–context clues provide the clear meaning (you probably wouldn’t say “clean to meet you!”).
Yes | No
Notice how Mia’s head also moves with the signs here. “Yes” and “No” are probably the most obvious signs to pick up. For “Yes,” she nods her head–and her hand also. For “No,” she shakes her head and the sign snaps shut!
Thanks | How are you?
Again, notice how she raises her eyebrows to show that she is asking a question.
Sorry | Please
Facial expressions are crucial to conveying proper tone. Sincere expressions are pivotal to clearly communicating your feelings, opinions, and goals.
Cool | Awesome
Similar to English, there are a lot of ways to express enthusiasm in ASL. These are just two of them!
I see | I understand
“I see” in this context is to display active engagement in a conversation–the English equivalent will vary by context but you can think of it as, “oh, I see,” “ahhh, gotcha,” “mmmm (interested)” or “oh interesting.” I understand is a perfect sign that to me… looks like you’re pointing to a little lightbulb above your head!
Sign Language | ASL
“ASL” is literally the letters A – S – L, short for American Sign Language. “Sign language” doesn’t necessarily mean American sign language (though it’s likely).
Interpreter | Friend
I may get a little flack in the office for being a dweeb and pairing these two together, but my cheesy little note here is that I associate “Interpreter” and “Friend” a lot as many of the interpreters I’ve met here at ICS have become friends.
Facial Expressions
Notice how important facial expressions are to proper communication! See how many signs in ASL are very similar to gestures English speakers make everyday! By adding these signs to support your verbal communication, you can actually clarify your meaning to all audiences–even those at a far distance. And you never know, you may actually make a new friend in the wild who recognizes your ASL!
History of ASL
American Sign Language is a fascinating language to learn–originating in the 19th century, it emerged as a joint effort between Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. Gallaudet traveled to Europe (ending up in France) to study deaf pedagogy. If you are interested in learning more history, I highly recommend checking out this video of a lecture on the history of ASL.
And More!
But hey, maybe you’re already an ASL expert and just came here to grab some gifs to share (please do, by the way… you can copy and paste them).
Maybe you teach a class? Help us share access to ASL across the US on our *handy* (get it?! 😉 ) sign language directory!
