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American Sign Language (ASL) 101 & ISL

4.3 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 108 ratings
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Deaf Instructor

No matter your background or origin, these lessons will help you to express yourself more like a Deaf person who signs naturally and fluently. To this end, this course will teach about Facial Expression, Use of Space, Hand Shapes, Deaf Grammars, Poetic Signs and of course, Deaf culture. Watch at your own pace and enjoy like you would a latte in a coffee shop. I'm available to chat- just message.

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No matter your background or origin, these lessons will help you to express yourself more like a Deaf person who signs naturally and fluently. To this end, this course will teach about Facial Expression, Use of Space, Hand Shapes, Deaf Grammars, Poetic Signs and of course, Deaf culture. Watch at your own pace and enjoy like you would a latte in a coffee shop. I'm available to chat- just message.

I was born profoundly deaf. My world is completely visual. I have spent a lot of time in the US- my brother, who is also deaf, lives there and my wife is American. I have been asked to deliver speeches and lectures in the ASL community as often as I have visited the US. This has granted me the privilege of having a rich experience in Deaf Language. You could say ASL is the language of my heart since it is my means of communication with all my closest loved ones and the vehicle for me to win the heart of the woman I love.

I was invited to work as translator in Sign Language. I have been trained at translation facilities using ASL in the US. I have learned how to teach through my nearly six years of translating from English text into a conceptual Sign Language that can be naturally understood by deaf. In this way, I understand my student's desire to learn accurately. If you need a window into the deaf mind, I am the right person to give you the insight.

Please note: This is an introduction to every visual sign language on a global scale. It is not sign language specific.

Important: Check the content and understand-ability of the course immediately upon purchase as there is only a one month window for refund due to dissatisfaction. Thank you.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Practice: sign quiz
  • Basics of asl
  • The principles of asl
  • Camera angles
  • Deaf sentence structure concepts & deaf grammar
  • Mouth morphemes
  • Asl collocation
  • Analyzing the use of classifiers as lexical signs
  • Layering mouth morphemes and classifiers
  • Asl dictionary with real examples
  • Deaf experience
  • Asl classifiers
  • Improve interpreting skills
  • Deaf manner and culture
  • Descriptive signing
  • Asl thesaurus
  • Sign concepts
  • Tips and tricks
  • Setting the scene
  • Concept challenges
  • Indian sign language (isl)
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Undefined
Introduction - Part 1
Introduction - Part 2
First Signs
Read more

Go back to the basics and discuss ASL grammar from the perspective of a deaf person.

Try to visual your entire story and layer background information before adding minor details to prevent digressing in the story. Structure your story like a native speaker.

Learn to conceptualize verbs instead of giving a literal translation.

Convert ideas into signs rather than transliterating English verbs into signs.

Use less signs and convey a more accurate idea!

Tip: Practice in front of a mirror

The numbers 6-9 are difficult to remember for most people. You can try using this memory aid: The pinky is the smallest finger and represents the smallest number. Your fingers get larger as they get closer to the thumb. The bigger the finger, the bigger the number!

Some people are very quick fingerspellers. How can you catch what they spell? Here are a few ideas. It's important to know the context surrounding the word. For example: I go the store to buy some fruit. I purchased "apple". So you caught the spelling "apple", right? So knowing the context helps you determine the word. You give it a try.

Alphabet Stories (or ABC Stories) are one style of traditional sign language storytelling methods used by Deaf to pass information, culture and history from one generation to the next. Since ASL has no written form, it is important to maintain the rich culture of this community through storytelling. ABC stories are a particularly challenging and fun exercise you can try to practice using classifiers properly.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores Deaf culture, which provides learners with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the community and its unique perspectives
Covers ASL grammar from the perspective of a deaf person, which offers valuable insights into the nuances of the language
Includes Indian Sign Language (ISL), which broadens the scope of the course beyond just American Sign Language
Teaches about facial expressions, use of space, and hand shapes, which are essential components of fluent and natural signing
States that it is an introduction to every visual sign language on a global scale, and is not sign language specific
Includes a section on camera angles, which is useful for learners who plan to create videos or participate in online conversations

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Reviews summary

Authentic deaf perspective, scope confusion

According to learners, this course offers a unique and invaluable perspective on visual language and Deaf culture, delivered by a profoundly deaf instructor. Students praise the focus on conceptual understanding and cultural insights, finding it helpful for thinking like a native signer rather than just translating. However, there is significant confusion regarding the course's scope, with many signing up for ASL 101 but finding the description states it's not language-specific, which some find misleading. Reviews also suggest a lack of explicit vocabulary instruction and occasional pacing issues, indicating it may work best as a supplementary resource to traditional vocabulary learning.
Teaches thinking visually in sign
"Excellent dive into the *why* behind signing, not just the *what*."
"The conceptual approach is a game changer once you get it."
"Helpful for understanding deaf grammar principles. It shifted my thinking."
Provides authentic cultural insight
"The instructor's insight as a deaf person is invaluable."
"Loved learning about Deaf culture. Felt very authentic."
"Really appreciate the instructor's perspective. It makes the course feel genuine."
Some sections feel unevenly paced
"Pacing was okay, some parts felt rushed, others slow."
"Needs clearer structure and maybe more practice exercises."
"I sometimes got lost with the flow, felt a bit disorganized."
Limited explicit vocabulary included
"Wish there was more explicit vocabulary practice."
"There are sections with 'no vocabulary'. I expected standard vocabulary building."
"Feels more like a grammar/culture course than a vocabulary builder. Need other resources for signs."
Unclear which sign language is taught
"The description says it's not language-specific but it's titled ASL/ISL? Confusing."
"I expected ASL vocabulary lessons... The title feels misleading."
"Completely confused by the 'not sign language specific' claim. I signed up for ASL 101."
"Still confused about what language this course teaches. Is it ASL? ISL? Something else? The description is contradictory."

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 American Sign Language (ASL) 101 & ISL with these activities:
Review Basic Fingerspelling
Refresh your knowledge of the ASL alphabet to improve your receptive and expressive fingerspelling skills, which are crucial for understanding and communicating in ASL.
Browse courses on Fingerspelling
Show steps
  • Watch videos demonstrating the ASL alphabet.
  • Practice fingerspelling common words and names.
  • Quiz yourself on recognizing fingerspelled words.
Review 'A Basic Course in American Sign Language'
Use a standard textbook to add more depth to the course. This will help you better understand the grammatical and cultural aspects of ASL.
View Learning American Sign Language DVD to... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters that correspond to the course's topics.
  • Complete the exercises in the book.
  • Compare the book's explanations with the course's lessons.
Review 'The Joy of Signing'
Supplement your learning with a well-regarded introductory text to ASL. This will help reinforce the concepts taught in the course.
View The Joy of Signing: A Dictionary of American... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters corresponding to the course syllabus.
  • Practice the signs illustrated in the book.
  • Use the book as a reference when reviewing course materials.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice with a Study Group
Participate in peer practice sessions to improve your receptive and expressive signing skills through interactive communication.
Show steps
  • Find a study partner or group.
  • Practice signing conversations with each other.
  • Provide constructive feedback on each other's signing.
Practice ASL Sentence Structure
Perform repetitive exercises to reinforce your understanding of ASL sentence structure, which differs significantly from English grammar.
Show steps
  • Translate simple English sentences into ASL.
  • Create ASL sentences based on given topics or scenarios.
  • Record yourself signing and review for grammatical accuracy.
Create a Short ASL Story
Create a short video of yourself signing a simple story in ASL to practice your expressive skills and storytelling abilities.
Show steps
  • Write a short story in English.
  • Translate the story into ASL, focusing on conceptual accuracy.
  • Record yourself signing the story.
  • Review the video and refine your signing.
Compile an ASL Resource List
Gather online resources, dictionaries, and video tutorials to create a personalized compilation of ASL learning materials.
Show steps
  • Search for online ASL dictionaries and resources.
  • Compile a list of useful websites and video tutorials.
  • Organize the resources by topic or skill level.

Career center

Learners who complete American Sign Language (ASL) 101 & ISL 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 deep understanding of sign language, including its grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances. This course is particularly relevant, as it emphasizes ASL principles, Deaf grammar, and the use of classifiers. The focus on conceptualizing ideas into signs, rather than transliterating English, directly translates to the work an interpreter does. The course's coverage of Deaf culture also enhances the cultural sensitivity needed for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sign Language Interpreter
Language Access Coordinator
A language access coordinator works to ensure that communication is accessible to individuals who do not speak the majority language, which includes those who use sign language as their primary mode of communication. The coordinator helps to develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure equal access to services and information for this community. The course provides insight into the culture of the Deaf community and the nuances of its language, making the language access coordinator more effective in their role. The course instruction, provided from a Deaf perspective, adds to the coordinator's ability to understand how to make accommodations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Language Access Coordinator
Accessibility Consultant
An accessibility consultant works to make environments, products, and services more accessible to people with disabilities. A consultant will benefit from taking this course to learn more about the Deaf community's unique visual language and culture. This course provides insight into visual communication, the importance of facial expressions, and other aspects of sign language. The course's emphasis on Deaf grammar and conceptualization can help a consultant better understand accessibility issues. The course gives specific instruction on the Deaf experience, Deaf culture and Deaf grammar.
See salaries and explore the career path for Accessibility Consultant
Cultural Liaison
A cultural liaison serves as a bridge between different cultural groups, fostering understanding and communication. This role benefits greatly from a strong understanding of Deaf culture and sign language. This course helps a cultural liaison by building a foundation in ASL, Deaf culture, and communication styles. It teaches the basics of sign, as well as grammar and practical communication. The instructor's Deaf perspective provides additional value to this person.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Liaison
Instructional Designer
An instructional designer uses learning theories and technology to create courses and training materials. An instructional designer will benefit from this course if they plan to create educational materials related to ASL or Deaf culture. This course introduces various teaching approaches related to sign. It also presents concepts from a Deaf perspective, which helps an instructional designer develop more effective and culturally sensitive material. The course's focus on visual concepts and communication is very useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer
Deaf Studies Teacher
A Deaf studies teacher educates students about the culture, history, and language of the Deaf community. The role involves imparting knowledge about various aspects of ASL and Deaf culture. This course may be useful, because it covers a wide range of essential topics including Deaf sentence structure, mouth morphemes, classifiers, and the Deaf experience, all of which are vital topics to teach. Furthermore, the course instruction is presented from a Deaf perspective, which provides an authentic viewpoint.
See salaries and explore the career path for Deaf Studies Teacher
Educational Materials Developer
An educational materials developer designs and produces resources for teaching and learning. This course helps those seeking such a role by introducing them to the unique challenges of visual language and Deaf culture. The course's focus on conceptualizing ideas into signs and the Deaf perspective on grammar could aid in the creation of sign language-related materials. The insights from a Deaf instructor adds to the value of this course in preparation for the role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Materials Developer
Community Outreach Worker
A community outreach worker connects with people in the community to provide access to resources and information. This role requires an understanding of diverse cultures and communication styles. This course helps by introducing learners to the basics of ASL, Deaf culture, and the challenges of visual communication. This training is beneficial to anyone seeking to better communicate and collaborate with the Deaf community, making this course a valuable addition to one's knowledge base. The course covers basic ASL, Deaf culture and Deaf grammar.
See salaries and explore the career path for Community Outreach Worker
Translator
A translator converts text from one language to another. While this course focuses on ASL, a visual language, the translator will learn about conceptual translation rather than literal translation. The course also covers aspects of translation with a focus on a non-written language. This experience may benefit a translator working with varied languages. The course covers vocabulary, grammar and various other areas which a translator will find valuable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Translator
Special Education Teacher
A special education teacher works with students who have a range of learning differences, which may include students who are deaf or hard of hearing. This position requires a well-rounded skill set. While this course will not provide all the necessary training, it does help a teacher better understand Deaf culture, and it provides an introduction to ASL. Moreover, a teacher in special education may encounter students who have a visual approach to learning. The lessons about visual communication will be helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Special Education Teacher
Social Worker
A social worker serves vulnerable populations, which may include the Deaf community. An understanding of ASL and Deaf culture enhances communication and cultural competency. This course may be useful, because it introduces ASL basics, Deaf grammar, and culture from a Deaf point of view. The course enhances a social worker's ability to communicate effectively with Deaf clients and better address their particular needs. This course provides a foundation in Deaf culture and sign language, and its limitations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker
Public Relations Specialist
A public relations specialist manages communication between an organization and the public, which includes a diverse range of communities. By taking this course, the public relations specialist will gain a basic understanding of ASL, Deaf culture, and the unique communication styles of the Deaf community. This understanding may help one engage more effectively with Deaf individuals and organizations and to create more accessible and inclusive communications. The course is valuable to those seeking to better understand and serve the Deaf community.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist
Video Editor
A video editor manipulates and arranges video footage to create content. An editor working on videos featuring sign language can improve their editing by gaining firsthand knowledge of sign language, its grammar, and the importance of facial expressions. The course's lessons on camera angles and visual communication are useful to a video editor, especially one who works with signed material. Moreover, a better understanding of Deaf culture will improve the sensitivity of a video editor.
See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor
Human Resources Specialist
A human resources specialist manages employee relations and ensures a diverse and inclusive workforce. By taking this course, an HR specialist will gain an understanding of Deaf culture and communication, which aids in accommodation, training and accessibility. This course helps build a foundation for communication with deaf or hard-of-hearing employees. This course covers basic ASL, Deaf culture and Deaf grammar.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Specialist
Museum Educator
A museum educator develops and delivers educational programs for museum visitors. This role requires a strong understanding of diverse audiences. Those who take this course may gain an understanding of Deaf culture and basic ASL, which will allow them to engage with more diverse audiences. The course may enable a museum educator to communicate more effectively in a visual style of learning and instruction. The course's instruction from a Deaf perspective is valuable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Educator

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 American Sign Language (ASL) 101 & ISL.
Cover image
Learning American Sign Language: Beginning &...
Save
Widely used textbook for introductory ASL courses, known for its focus on grammar and cultural context. It provides a structured approach to learning ASL, with exercises and activities to reinforce understanding. It is particularly helpful for students who want a deeper understanding of ASL linguistics and Deaf culture. This book is valuable as a reference and for additional reading to expand on course topics.
Learning American Sign Language DVD to accompany...
DVD-ROM
$$$
Cover image
The Joy of Signing
Save
Comprehensive guide to American Sign Language, covering basic vocabulary, grammar, and cultural information. It is particularly useful for beginners as it provides clear explanations and illustrations of signs. While not a substitute for direct instruction, it serves as a valuable reference tool for reinforcing concepts learned in the course. It is commonly used as a textbook in introductory ASL courses.
The Joy of Signing: A Dictionary of American Signs,...
Hardcover
$$
The Joy of Signing: The Illustrated Guide for...
Hardcover
$$
The Joy of Signing Puzzle Book
Paperback
$
By Lottie L Riekehof The Joy of Signing: The New...
Unknown Binding
$$$
The Joy of Signing Third Edition: A Dictionary of...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Rating
4.3 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
14 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Deaf Instructor
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores Deaf culture, which provides learners with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the community and its unique perspectives
Covers ASL grammar from the perspective of a deaf person, which offers valuable insights into the nuances of the language
Includes Indian Sign Language (ISL), which broadens the scope of the course beyond just American Sign Language
Teaches about facial expressions, use of space, and hand shapes, which are essential components of fluent and natural signing
States that it is an introduction to every visual sign language on a global scale, and is not sign language specific
Includes a section on camera angles, which is useful for learners who plan to create videos or participate in online conversations
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