ASL

The signs are divided into twelve groups of ten nouns. Each individual noun sign has its own video lesson where students can learn and practice handshapes and hand positions. Each group of ten signs has its own review and testing where students can demonstrate signing and recognition skills. As the course progresses, mid review is added which includes testing for three (3) groups at once. At the end, students are tested on ALL one hundred and twenty (120) signs learned throughout the course.

This course is designed to INCLUDE complete beginners without any prior knowledge of ASL. Previous ASL skills are welcome but NOT required.

Students will be able to understand and recognize all of the one hundred and twenty (120) signs.

Students will have a larger vocabulary of signs to use when interacting with the Deaf community.

Students will feel more confident as they continue improving their ASL skills.

QUESTIONS:

What is the main focus of this course?

This course focuses on learning frequently used noun signs in American Sign Language. Students will learn one hundred and twenty (120) of the most commonly used noun signs in ASL.

Do I need to have prior knowledge or experience with ASL before taking this class?

No. This course is designed to include complete beginners without any prior knowledge of ASL. All necessary signs are taught step by step in the course.

Will this course test me on what is taught?

Yes. This course contains multiple review and testing sections where students have the opportunity to demonstrate their ASL signing and recognition skills.

My name is Michael. When I was three years old, my younger brother became sick with spinal meningitis. In the process, my brother became deaf with an almost complete hearing loss. This difficult situation provided a unique opportunity for my family and I to become fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). My brother was not sent away to a deaf or hard of hearing school. He grew up with us, his hearing family, and we were active in the deaf community.

As a police officer and federal investigator, I often used ASL to communicate with and interpret for witnesses, victims, and perpetrators. I decided to create ASL courses because it’s a useful and practical skill to have. Like learning any language, it opens your mind and creates the ability to communicate with a whole new group of people.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Students will learn to sign and understand one hundred and twenty (120) noun signs in american sign language.
Students will learn each noun sign individually to ensure correct handshape, hand position, and lots of practice.

Students will be tested on their ability to sign and understand all noun signs taught throughout the course.
Students will have breaks during the course where they can decipher inspirational quotes created with asl letters.

Students will learn to sign and understand one hundred and twenty (120) noun signs in american sign language.
Students will learn each noun sign individually to ensure correct handshape, hand position, and lots of practice.
Students will be tested on their ability to sign and understand all noun signs taught throughout the course.
Students will have breaks during the course where they can decipher inspirational quotes created with asl letters.

Syllabus

Introduction

Course Introduction

Group 1 Nouns

Explore - Group 1 Nouns

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Designed for complete beginners, it provides a strong foundation in essential noun signs, which are fundamental for basic communication

Includes review and testing sections, allowing learners to demonstrate and reinforce their signing and recognition skills, which is crucial for language acquisition

Breaks down the signs into manageable groups and tests them individually, which helps learners build confidence and retain information more effectively

Focuses specifically on noun signs, which may limit its scope for learners seeking a more comprehensive introduction to ASL grammar and sentence structure

Teaches 120 signs, which may not be sufficient for learners aiming for fluency or in-depth conversational skills in ASL

Includes inspirational quotes using ASL letters, which may not be relevant to all learners and could be distracting for some

Reviews summary

Essential asl noun vocabulary for beginners

According to learners, this course is perfect for complete beginners wanting to learn essential American Sign Language noun vocabulary. Students praise the clear videos and step-by-step breakdown for learning individual signs, finding the course structure accessible and the pace manageable. The inclusion of review and testing sections is seen as effective for reinforcing learning and checking understanding. While it provides a solid foundation of 120 key nouns, some reviewers note a significant limitation: the course focuses almost exclusively on individual words and does not cover how to use signs in sentences or conversation, making it less suitable for those seeking practical communication skills beyond vocabulary memorization. The testing format, while helpful, can become monotonous. Overall, it's seen as an excellent starting point for building ASL noun vocabulary.

Review and test sections reinforce learning.

"I loved the review and testing sections; they really helped reinforce what I learned."

"The testing was useful... Overall, a great starting point."

"The structure with learning, review, and testing works effectively."

"The tests help with recall."

Teaches 120 essential noun signs clearly.

"A solid foundation for learning ASL nouns. The list of 120 signs is practical."

"Learning 120 essential nouns is a great way to build vocabulary quickly."

"Good course covering essential nouns... a valuable resource for vocabulary building."

"Solid introduction to ASL nouns. Good for expanding vocabulary."

Ideal starting point for new ASL learners.

"This course was amazing! It's perfect for complete beginners like me."

"Excellent beginner course! Michael explains everything clearly."

"As someone with zero prior ASL experience, I found it very accessible."

"This course is a gem for beginners! Exactly what I needed to start my ASL journey."

Testing becomes monotonous for some learners.

"...although sometimes I wished for more variation in the test format."

"...repeating the same test format could get a bit monotonous towards the end."

Focuses on words, not sentence usage.

"However, I felt there wasn't enough context on how these signs are used in actual conversation. It's just a list of words."

"If you're looking for conversational ASL, this isn't it. If you just want to learn a list of nouns, it's adequate."

"As noted by others, more contextual examples of signs in sentences would make it even better..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in ASL | 120 Essential Noun Signs | American Sign Language with these activities:

Practice Fingerspelling

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Improve your fingerspelling recognition and production speed to enhance your ability to understand and use ASL effectively.

Browse courses on Fingerspelling

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Review the ASL alphabet chart.
Practice fingerspelling common words.
Use an online fingerspelling practice tool.

Create Flashcards for Review

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Reinforce your memory of the 120 essential noun signs by creating flashcards for review.

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Write the English word on one side of the flashcard.
Draw or find an image of the corresponding sign on the other side.
Review the flashcards regularly.

Review 'The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language'

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Expand your ASL vocabulary and deepen your understanding of sign variations and regional differences.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Browse the dictionary for related signs.
Compare different sign variations.
Note any regional differences in signs.

Four other activities

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Create a Video of Yourself Signing

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Reinforce your learning by creating a video demonstrating your ability to sign the 120 essential nouns.

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Choose 10-15 nouns from the course.
Practice signing each noun clearly.
Record a video of yourself signing.
Review the video and identify areas for improvement.

Practice with a Study Partner

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Improve your signing and comprehension skills by practicing with a study partner.

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Find a study partner who is also learning ASL.
Take turns signing and interpreting the 120 nouns.
Provide each other with feedback.

Review 'American Sign Language: A Comprehensive Dictionary'

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Gain a deeper understanding of the nuances and variations within American Sign Language.

View American Sign Language Dictionary, Third Edition on Amazon

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Explore the dictionary for related signs and variations.
Research the historical context of specific signs.
Compare regional variations of signs.

Volunteer at a Deaf Community Event

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Immerse yourself in the Deaf community and practice your ASL skills in a real-world setting.

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Find a local Deaf community event or organization.
Volunteer your time to assist with the event.
Communicate with Deaf individuals using ASL.
Reflect on your experience and identify areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete ASL | 120 Essential Noun Signs | American Sign Language will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sign Language Interpreter

A sign language interpreter facilitates communication between deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals and hearing individuals. This role requires a strong understanding of American Sign Language, and this course, focused on 120 essential noun signs, helps build that foundation. Specifically, the ability to recognize and produce a wide range of frequently used nouns will greatly enhance an interpreter's ability to accurately convey information. The course's emphasis on handshapes and hand positions, along with testing on signing and recognition skills, are crucial for effective sign language interpretation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sign Language Interpreter

Deaf Studies Instructor

A deaf studies instructor teaches courses about deaf culture, history, and language. This course, with its focus on 120 common noun signs in ASL, is useful to build a broad vocabulary that a deaf studies instructor may require. The course's emphasis on learning correct handshapes and positions, combined with testing on both signing and recognition skills, are helpful for instructors looking to improve their ASL skills. A deaf studies instructor should have excellent ASL skills to convey information accurately to their students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Deaf Studies Instructor

Special Education Teacher

A special education teacher works with students who have a variety of learning needs, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. This course, focused on fundamental ASL noun vocabulary, is useful for a teacher who wants to communicate more effectively with their students. The course's training in signing common nouns such as 'school', 'computer', and 'homework' may prove helpful to create a learning environment that supports all learners. Furthermore, the course's review and testing sections are great practice for a teacher who wishes to improve their ASL capabilities.

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Community Outreach Coordinator

A community outreach coordinator works to connect individuals with resources and services, and they often engage with diverse populations including members of the Deaf community. This course on 120 fundamental noun signs in American Sign Language helps a coordinator build a practical ASL vocabulary. The ability to sign common nouns like 'community,' 'communication,' and 'information' helps outreach coordinators communicate effectively with the Deaf community, which this course may develop through testing and practice. This course also provides the vocabulary to better engage with this community through outreach programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Outreach Coordinator

Recreational Therapist

A recreational therapist designs and implements activities to improve the physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being of individuals with disabilities. This course on 120 common noun signs in ASL may be useful for a recreational therapist when working with deaf or hard-of-hearing clients. The vocabulary of the course, which includes common nouns like 'game,' 'group,' and 'activity,' may help a recreational therapist to create a more inclusive and engaging environment for their clients. Furthermore, the course's testing and review sections may be helpful for therapists to improve their overall signing skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Recreational Therapist

Social Worker

A social worker provides support and resources to individuals and families in need, and they often work with diverse populations, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. This course introduces 120 essential noun signs in American Sign Language, which may prove useful for social workers in building a basic ASL vocabulary. The ability to sign and understand common nouns like 'family', 'community', and 'communication' may help a social worker communicate more directly with clients who use ASL. The course's testing and review sections allow for a social worker to develop a strong foundation in ASL.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Speech-Language Pathologist

A speech language pathologist works to diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders. Familiarity with ASL, specifically this course's focus on 120 essential noun signs, may be helpful when working with children or adults who are deaf or hard of hearing. The course's attention to detail in handshapes and hand positions, along with testing on signing and recognition, may be a great way to build a strong foundation in signing. This helps a speech language pathologist better understand and support their clients.

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Human Resources Specialist

A human resources specialist is responsible for managing employee relations, including hiring and accommodations. A human resources specialist who completes this course on 120 common ASL noun signs may find this useful when interacting with deaf or hard-of-hearing employees. The ability to communicate common nouns like 'job,' 'interview,' and 'communication' can facilitate smoother and more inclusive interactions for a human resources specialist. The course is a good starting point for HR professionals looking to gain ASL skills.

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Customer Service Representative

A customer service representative interacts with clients to resolve issues and answer questions. This course, which focuses on 120 essential ASL noun signs, may be useful for those who want to better serve deaf or hard-of-hearing customers. The ability to use and understand common nouns like 'information', 'question', and 'answer', as taught in the course, helps customer service representatives communicate more effectively with their clients. The course's focus on handshapes and hand positions ensures correct signing.

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Librarian

A librarian manages and organizes library resources and assists library patrons. This course may be useful for librarians who interact with deaf or hard-of-hearing patrons, where knowing 120 essential ASL nouns is beneficial. The ability to communicate common nouns such as 'book', 'computer', and 'information' may allow a librarian to assist patrons more effectively. The course may provide a needed foundation by teaching common handshapes and positions, tested in review sections.

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Guidance Counselor

A guidance counselor advises students on academic and personal matters. This course, focused on learning 120 common ASL noun signs, may be beneficial for guidance counselors who work with deaf or hard-of-hearing students. The ability to use and understand common nouns such as 'college', 'homework', and 'decision' allows a guidance counselor to better support their students. The course, with its focus on correct handshape and hand positions, may help a counselor gain confidence in signing.

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Law Enforcement Officer

A law enforcement officer works to maintain order and enforce laws. This course, focused on 120 common noun signs in ASL, may be useful for officers who interact with members of the Deaf community. The ability to sign and understand common nouns like 'law,' 'duty,' and 'information' aids in communication during investigations or other interactions. The course's testing sections allow officers to build a solid foundation for improved communication with the deaf community.

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Writer

A writer creates written content for a variety of purposes. This course, focusing on 120 common noun signs in American Sign Language, may be useful for a writer who wishes to engage with the Deaf community or create content relating to this culture. The ability to understand the basic vocabulary of a language may prove useful for creating more accurate and inclusive content. The course provides a solid introduction to ASL vocabulary, focusing on handshapes and positions.

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Research Assistant

A research assistant supports research projects across various fields. This course may be helpful for research assistants who work on studies involving the Deaf community. The course introduces 120 essential ASL noun signs, which may prove useful when interacting with research participants or analyzing data. The ability to understand common nouns like 'analysis', 'information', and 'communication' helps a research assistant contribute to more inclusive research practices. This course can be a good starting point in ASL literacy.

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Administrative Assistant

An administrative assistant provides support to an organization by handling a variety of tasks. This course, which teaches 120 essential noun signs in American Sign Language, may be useful for administrative assistants who wish to interact with deaf or hard-of-hearing colleagues or clients. The ability to sign and understand common nouns such as 'message', 'computer', and 'information' helps ensure a more inclusive and efficient workplace. The course's focus on handshapes and positions may build a foundation for further language skills.

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120 Essential Noun Signs | American Sign Language

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Essential asl noun vocabulary for beginners

Activities

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