ASL

Each question is taught in a separate video and the 120 questions are divided into groups of ten. First, you’ll learn question signs and ASL pronouns. Next, we’ll explore YES/NO and WH questions including the correct facial expressions. After that, you’ll learn how to fingerspell first names to be used when signing the rest of the questions in the course.

EACH ASL question has its own video lesson where the question is broken down into individual signs. You will learn correct handshape, hand position, and hand motion for each sign. The signs are then put together with lots of practice communicating the complete questions.

AFTER each group of 10 questions, we have a mini-review. After 3 groups of 10 questions (30 questions) there is a test. All review and testing sections include two separate parts: 1) signing, and 2) understanding. Throughout the course, you’ll also be shown how to re-use fundamental sentence structures with alternate vocabulary, names, and pronouns.

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

Students will learn to sign all ASL pronouns, the ASL alphabet, and how to fingerspell first names.

Students will learn handshape, hand position, and hand motion for each individual sign.

Students will learn basic sentence structures which can be used over and over in unique contexts.

Students will guarantee improvement with lots of practice, review lessons, and testing sections.

Students will be tested on their signing and understanding ability for all 120 questions in the course.

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

Students will know how to correctly sign and understand YES/NO and WH questions in ASL.

Students will be able to use vocabulary and sentence structures to create their own ASL questions.

Students will be more confident signing and understanding complete questions with the Deaf community.

This course focuses on learning many basic but essential questions in American Sign Language. After taking this course, students will be able to use pronouns, fingerspelled names, and vocabulary signs combined with essential sentence structures to create their own ASL questions.

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 serve the Deaf community. 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 how to sign and understand one hundred and twenty (120) basic questions in asl.
Students will learn to sign all asl pronouns, the asl alphabet, and how to fingerspell first names.
Students will learn correct handshape, hand position, and hand motion for each individual sign.

Students will learn basic sentence structures which can be used over and over in unique contexts.
Students will guarantee improvement with lots of practice, review lessons, and testing sections.
Students will be tested on their signing and understanding ability for all 120 questions in the course.

Students will learn how to sign and understand one hundred and twenty (120) basic questions in asl.
Students will learn to sign all asl pronouns, the asl alphabet, and how to fingerspell first names.
Students will learn correct handshape, hand position, and hand motion for each individual sign.
Students will learn basic sentence structures which can be used over and over in unique contexts.
Students will guarantee improvement with lots of practice, review lessons, and testing sections.
Students will be tested on their signing and understanding ability for all 120 questions in the course.

Syllabus

Introduction

Course Introduction

Question Signs

ASL Info - Two Question Types

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Includes instruction on handshape, hand position, and hand motion, which are fundamental for clear communication

Teaches basic sentence structures that can be adapted and reused, enabling learners to create their own questions

Offers practice, review, and testing sections, which reinforces learning and builds confidence in signing and understanding

Covers fingerspelling, which is essential for spelling names and other words without established signs

Focuses on learning questions, which are essential for initiating and maintaining conversations

Requires learners to understand ASL concepts such as sentence flexibility and reuse of sentence structures

Reviews summary

Asl: essential basic questions for beginners

According to learners, this course is an excellent starting point for complete beginners wanting to learn American Sign Language. Students appreciate the clear, step-by-step instruction focusing on essential basic questions and fingerspelling names and pronouns. The course structure, which includes videos breaking down individual signs and ample practice and testing sections, is frequently mentioned as a strong positive, helping to reinforce learning. While some note the scope is limited to the foundational questions and alphabet, reviewers widely agree it provides a solid foundation for further ASL study and practical communication. The focus is practical and aimed at building confidence for interacting with the Deaf community.

Covers basics but not extensive vocabulary/grammar.

"This course is a great start, but I know I'll need more vocabulary and grammar later."

"Don't expect to be fluent; it's focused specifically on the questions and alphabet."

"Provides a foundation, but will need additional resources for broader ASL skills."

Includes reviews and tests for reinforcement.

"The practice sections after each group of questions were very helpful."

"Tests really made sure I was retaining the information and signing correctly."

"Appreciated the review videos before the tests to solidify learning."

Signs are broken down step by step.

"The videos clearly show the handshape, position, and movement for each sign."

"Instructor breaks down each sign well and makes it easy to understand."

"Easy to follow the step-by-step explanation of signs and their context."

Practical focus on 120 essential questions.

"Learning basic questions is so practical for immediate use."

"The 120 questions covered are really useful for everyday communication."

"I liked that it centered around questions I'd actually use."

Perfect first step into American Sign Language.

"I had absolutely no prior ASL knowledge, but this course made it easy to start."

"This is truly designed for beginners and explains everything simply for newcomers."

"Felt comfortable learning the basics from scratch."

"A perfect introduction for newcomers to ASL."

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 | First 120 Basic Questions | American Sign Language with these activities:

Practice Fingerspelling

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Improve fingerspelling recognition and production skills to facilitate understanding and signing names and unfamiliar words.

Browse courses on Fingerspelling

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Review the ASL alphabet chart.
Practice fingerspelling your name and common words.
Watch videos of others fingerspelling and try to understand them.

Review 'Signing Made Easy'

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Supplement course material with a comprehensive ASL textbook to reinforce vocabulary and grammar concepts.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to the topics covered in the course.
Complete the exercises and activities in the book.
Use the book as a reference for looking up new signs and grammar rules.

Review 'The American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary'

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Deepen understanding of ASL handshapes, a core component of accurate signing, by studying a dedicated handshape dictionary.

View The American Sign Language Handshape Flash... on Amazon

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Browse the dictionary to familiarize yourself with common handshapes.
Look up signs from the course to see their corresponding handshape descriptions.
Practice forming the handshapes accurately.

Four other activities

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Create Flashcards for ASL Questions

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Reinforce learning by creating flashcards with ASL signs on one side and the English translation on the other.

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Create a flashcard for each of the 120 questions.
Include a drawing or image of the sign on one side.
Write the English translation on the other side.
Use the flashcards to practice signing and understanding the questions.

Practice ASL Questions with a Partner

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Improve fluency and comprehension by practicing the ASL questions with a partner.

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Find a partner who is also learning ASL.
Take turns signing the questions and answering them.
Provide feedback to each other on signing accuracy and comprehension.

Create a Video of Yourself Signing the Questions

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Assess and improve signing skills by recording a video of yourself signing the 120 questions.

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Record yourself signing each of the 120 questions.
Review the video and identify areas for improvement.
Re-record the video until you are satisfied with your signing.
Share the video with a native signer for feedback. (Optional)

Volunteer at a Deaf Community Event

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

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Find a local Deaf community event or organization.
Volunteer your time to help with the event.
Use your ASL skills to communicate with Deaf individuals.
Observe and learn from native signers.

Career center

Learners who complete ASL | First 120 Basic Questions | 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 fluency in American Sign Language, and this course provides a strong foundation in basic ASL questions, including sentence structure, pronouns, and fingerspelling, which are all necessary for clear interpretation. The course's emphasis on understanding and signing 120 questions helps build the necessary skills for real-world interactions as a Sign Language Interpreter. Furthermore, the practice, reviews, and tests ensures competency in ASL. A Sign Language Interpreter should take particular note of the course's focus on commonly used questions that they might encounter frequently.

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Deaf Education Teacher

A Deaf Education Teacher works with deaf or hard-of-hearing students to teach various subjects using sign language. This course helps build a foundation in American Sign Language, specifically in the use of pronouns, basic sentence structures, and fingerspelling, that are needed for daily questions and interactions in a classroom setting. The course's focus on practical, everyday questions is useful for student interaction. A Deaf Education Teacher should take this course to learn these skills and be able to communicate more effectively with their students, especially at the beginner level. The course's review and testing sections ensure that the teacher practices and understands ASL thoroughly.

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Community Outreach Coordinator

A Community Outreach Coordinator working with the deaf and hard-of-hearing population needs to communicate effectively with the community they serve. This course is an introduction to ASL, teaching the pronouns, syntax, and fingerspelling necessary to ask and understand many basic questions, which are essential to community interactions. The course's 120 questions can help build a foundation in ASL, making community outreach more inclusive. The focus on practical, everyday questions makes this course a good starting point. A Community Outreach Coordinator should take this course because it specifically addresses the ASL needed for a variety of daily interactions.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker who works with the deaf or hard of hearing needs to communicate effectively with their clients. This course introduces American Sign Language (ASL) and the basic structures necessary to build a conversation. The course covers pronouns, basic questions, and fingerspelling, giving a Social Worker the ability to ask questions and understand ASL used by the community. This course focuses on practical, everyday questions which can be extremely useful for a Social Worker. Someone in this role would benefit from how the course breaks signs down to hand motion, handshape, and hand position.

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Accessibility Specialist

An Accessibility Specialist works to make environments inclusive for people with disabilities including those who use sign language. This course, which is an introduction to American Sign Language, can help an Accessibility Specialist understand the communication needs of the deaf or hard of hearing, including their use of pronouns and sentence structure. The course provides a foundation in ASL by teaching 120 common questions. An Accessibility Specialist should take this course to become more aware about language and communication, which can help when suggesting accessibility changes or solutions. The learning of handshapes, hand positions, and hand motions can help facilitate a deeper understanding of ASL.

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Recreational Therapist

A Recreational Therapist provides activities and support to improve well-being which can involve working with deaf or hard-of-hearing clients. This course in basic sign language helps recreational therapists use ASL to create activities, ask questions, and understand the needs of these clients. Learning sign language pronouns, sentence structure, and numbers will provide them with better communication abilities. A Recreational Therapist may find the 120 questions in this course a good starting point for basic communication. The focus on practical, everyday questions can be useful for the everyday interactions of a Recreational Therapist.

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Patient Liaison

A Patient Liaison supports patients and addresses their needs, which can sometimes involve communicating with deaf or hard-of-hearing patients. This course in basic American Sign Language may be useful because it introduces the pronouns and sentence structure necessary to interact with these patients. The course's emphasis on practical questions helps the Patient Liaison build a foundation in ASL. The course focus on the basics of ASL, including the handshapes, hand positions, and hand motions, may improve communication with patients. This course may provide an important starting point.

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Guidance Counselor

A Guidance Counselor who works with students might encounter those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. This course may be useful by providing basic American Sign Language skills. The course teaches the use of pronouns, basic question structures, and fingerspelling which can be useful in communicating with a student. The course's focus on 120 common questions may help a Guidance Counselor ask and understand student concerns. The review and testing within the course help to ensure that these skills are retained. A Guidance Counselor should recognize that the skills taught in this course may support inclusion.

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Human Resources Specialist

A Human Resources Specialist could benefit from knowing basic American Sign Language to better assist deaf or hard-of-hearing employees. This course teaches the foundations of the ASL alphabet and the basic question structures which can help a Human Resources Specialist ask questions and understand answers. While this course only covers 120 questions, it is still useful for building necessary skills. This course may help a Human Resources Specialist create a more inclusive workplace. The emphasis on sentence structures, as well as learning pronouns and fingerspelling, are all essential for basic communication.

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Customer Service Representative

A Customer Service Representative may assist customers who are deaf or hard of hearing, and this course may be useful by teaching basic American Sign Language. The course covers the foundations including pronouns and sentence structure needed for basic interactions and focuses on 120 questions. While the course may not cover all possible interactions, the basic skills are useful and the review, practice, and tests help to ensure these skills are retained. The focus on common questions are especially useful for a Customer Service Representative. This course may be especially helpful for a beginner.

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Paralegal

A paralegal may work on cases involving deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, therefore this course may be helpful as an introduction to American Sign Language. The course focuses on building basic question skills including sentence structure, pronouns, and fingerspelling. This may be useful for communication. The course's emphasis on practical questions may help a Paralegal in their day-to-day tasks. The review and testing portions of the course may be particularly helpful to ensure skills are retained. A paralegal should take note of the basic ASL that can be learned from the course.

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Translator

While this course focuses on the fundamentals of American Sign Language, a Translator can still benefit from its structured approach to learning basic questions. The course emphasizes grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure, all of which are important for a translator. The detailed breakdown of how to sign specific questions and the inclusion of practice, review and testing sections provide valuable insights into language learning and comprehension. This course can may provide the basis of language acquisition. A Translator may be especially interested in the ways that pronouns, fingerspelling, and sentence structure are used.

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Librarian

A Librarian may encounter patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. This course may be useful by providing them with basic American Sign Language skills. While this course focuses on common ASL questions, it is still useful for understanding ASL sentence structure and grammar. This can be helpful to a librarian. The course also teaches the alphabet and how to fingerspell which may improve communication. The hands-on nature of the course that includes signing practice, reviews, and tests may further their learning. A Librarian can appreciate the course's structured style.

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Writer

A writer, particularly one who creates characters or worlds with deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, may find this course an interesting way to gain insights into ASL communication. This course offers a look into basic ASL syntax and the use of pronouns which may improve the authenticity of a writer's work. The course teaches common questions and sentence structures which may inspire creative thinking. While the focus is not on writing itself, the course may offer cultural understanding and inspiration. Learning handshapes and motions may give a writer a better understanding of ASL. A writer with interest in deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals may find this course useful.

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Office Assistant

An Office Assistant may sometimes encounter clients or visitors who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, therefore this course may provide a helpful introduction to American Sign Language. Although this course is focused on asking basic questions, it may still help an Office Assistant support these individuals by improving their communication skills. The course teaches structure, grammar, and how to fingerspell, which may facilitate communication. An Office Assistant may find the course's basic approach an easy way to begin learning ASL. The review and testing parts the course can help ensure ASL skills are retained. An Office Assistant may especially appreciate learning about pronouns.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in ASL | First 120 Basic Questions | American Sign Language.

The American Sign Language Handshape Flash Cards

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This dictionary focuses on handshapes, a fundamental element of ASL. It provides detailed illustrations and explanations of various handshapes used in ASL signs. valuable reference for understanding the nuances of ASL and improving sign accuracy. It is especially helpful for visual learners who benefit from clear diagrams and examples.

The American Sign Language Handshape Flash Cards...

Cards

Putting Knowledge to Work

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Provides a comprehensive introduction to ASL, covering basic vocabulary, grammar, and cultural information. It user-friendly resource for beginners, offering clear explanations and illustrations. This book serves as a valuable supplement to the course, providing additional context and practice opportunities. It is particularly useful for learners who prefer a structured, textbook-style approach to language acquisition.

Putting Knowledge to Work

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Putting Knowledge to Work

Kindle Edition

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First 120 Basic Questions | American Sign Language

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Asl: essential basic questions for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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