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My students always ask for a cheat sheet, so here it is. I can't show you pictures (our scanner and I are not friends), so I've described each sign in words. Words are a clumsy way to learn a language made of movement, so please take a real class if you want to go further. But a few signs and a smile go a long way with the Deaf family down the street. These are for right-handed people. If you're a lefty, just flip everything.
FIRST, SOME MANNERS
- To get a Deaf person's attention, wave your hand where they can see it, tap them lightly on the shoulder, or flick the lights once. Don't grab.
- Look at us when you talk, not at the interpreter.
- Don't shout or overdo your mouth. Talk normally. Paper and pencil are fine too. We do it all the time.
- If you don't understand, say so. We'd much rather repeat something than have you nod and smile.
TWELVE SIGNS TO START WITH
| Sign | How to make it |
| HELLO | Flat hand, fingers together, fingertips near your forehead. Move it out and away, like a friendly salute. |
| THANK YOU | Flat hand, fingertips touching your chin. Move your hand forward and down toward the person you're thanking. |
| PLEASE | Flat hand on your chest. Rub it in a small circle. |
| SORRY | Make a fist and rub it in a circle on your chest. Your face should look sorry too! |
| YES | Make a fist and bend it up and down at the wrist, like a head nodding. |
| NO | Hold your first two fingers out and snap them down to your thumb, like a little mouth closing. |
| NAME | On both hands, hold your first two fingers out together, straight. Cross them and tap the fingers of your right hand on the fingers of your left hand twice. |
| DEAF | Touch your pointer finger to your cheek near your ear, then near the corner of your mouth. (Some people go mouth first, then ear. Both are fine.) |
| MORE | On both hands, bring your fingertips together to meet your thumb. Tap the two hands together at the fingertips a couple of times. Babies learn this one fast! |
| EAT | Bring your fingertips together to your thumb and tap them to your lips, like putting food in your mouth. |
| MILK | Open and squeeze your fist a couple of times, like milking a cow. Theo's first sign, at nine months. |
| I LOVE YOU | Hold up your hand, palm out, with your thumb, pointer finger and pinky straight up and your middle two fingers folded down. It combines the letters I, L and Y. You'll see it at every Deaf event. |
HOMEWORK
Learn the fingerspelling alphabet so you can spell your own name. Most libraries have an ASL book with the alphabet in it, and a community college class will have you spelling in a week. Then come say hi to us in Rochester. Maya will grade your signing. She is a tough grader.
[email protected]
Last updated September 10, 1999 · Back to Eight Hands Talking
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