In February my Language Learning Partner and I conquered the more grammatical and morphological components of American Sign Language (ASL) while continuing to expand my vocabulary and overall confidence signing, a phase that was particularly meaningful because I began to move from simple memorization of signs into a deeper understanding of how ASL functions as a complete language with its own structures and rules.
One of these key concepts I learned was how to refer to a list or rank items using hand listing. This technique allows a signer to communicate multiple ideas or categories in an organized, formulaic manner that enhances comprehension for the viewer. I practiced all three forms: general, generalized, and individualized and, through constant repetition and guided practice with my Language Learning Partner I became more confident using my non-dominant hand as a reference point while assigning meaning to each finger on my dominant hand.
In addition to listing techniques, I also learned how to negate signs through the use of a variety of strategies. These included manual techniques, such as incorporating explicit negation signs like “NOT” in front of the sign intended to be negated. I also explored non-manual techniques, which involve facial expressions, head movements, and body language to convey negation. For example, shaking the head. Another method I practiced involved the reversal of [palm] orientation, which reverses a sign’s meaning to its opposite depending on the context. For example the difference between the sign “GOOD” and “BAD” is differentiated only by the reversal of the signer's palm.
Lastly, I learned about the core parameters of signing, comparable to the fundamental units that comprise spoken languages like English, morphemes. These parameters include handshape, location, palm orientation, movement, and non-manual signs/markers. Understanding these elements helped me recognize that even small changes in one parameter can completely alter the meaning of a sign, as is the case in spoken languages as well. My Language Learning Partner and I specifically discussed these parameters in the context of William Stokoe’s research, which revolutionized the study of ASL by demonstrating that it is a fully developed and linguistically valid language with its own phonological structure. This was a particularly important realization for me, as it reinforced the fact that ASL is not just a collection of gestures, but a rich and systematic form of communication.
In learning these concepts, I used a mixed strategy that combined visual repetition, interactive practice, and real-time feedback from my Language Learning Partner. Watching demonstrations and videos my Language Learning Partner provided me, practicing in front of a mirror, and role-playing allowed me to actively apply what I was learning rather than passively observing it. This approach helped reinforce my memory and improved my ability to produce signs more naturally. Looking ahead, I hope to continue building fluency in ASL by increasing both my receptive and expressive skills. I want to become more comfortable understanding longer signed conversations and responding with greater accuracy and confidence. I also aim to expand my vocabulary further so that I can communicate a wider range of ideas and topics and, through consistent effort and exposure, I hope to develop a stronger, more intuitive grasp of the language.
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