The vibrant sign language that graces the borders of our world, ASL, invites us into a captivating realm of silent communication. With its expressive hand shapes, fluid movements, and distinct facial expressions, it bridges the gaps between cultures and empowers deaf individuals to connect with the hearing world. Whether you’re embarking on a transformative journey into the world of sign language or simply seeking to expand your horizons, the basics of signing on the border in ASL offer an accessible gateway into this extraordinary language.
First and foremost, the “border” in ASL refers to the imaginary line that encloses the signing space in front of the signer. This space serves as the canvas upon which the language unfolds, with the signer’s dominant hand embodying the primary tool of expression. The movements of the dominant hand, combined with specific hand shapes and palm orientations, convey a wide range of concepts and ideas. Simultaneously, the non-dominant hand often plays a supporting role, providing additional context or grammatical information.
To begin your signing journey, start by familiarizing yourself with the basic handshapes and their corresponding letters. The American Manual Alphabet, with its distinct finger positions and orientations, forms the foundation of ASL. Once you’ve mastered the alphabet, you can progress to simple signs, such as those for common nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Remember, practice is key, and with consistent effort, you’ll gradually develop fluency and confidence in your signing ability. By immersing yourself in the world of ASL, you not only gain a valuable communication skill but also open doors to a vibrant culture rich in history and expression.
Fingerplacement Basics
Fingerspelling in American Sign Language (ASL) involves placing your fingers in specific positions to represent the letters of the alphabet. To master fingerspelling, it’s crucial to understand the basic finger placement. Here are the essential handshapes you need to know:
Thumbs Up
Extend your thumb and tuck your other fingers into your palm. The thumb represents the letters A, F, and N.
Index Finger Extended
Extend your index finger and curl your other fingers into your palm. The index finger represents the letters B, G, and P.
Middle Finger Extended
Extend your middle finger and curl your other fingers into your palm. The middle finger represents the letters C, H, and Q.
Ring Finger Extended
Extend your ring finger and curl your other fingers into your palm. The ring finger represents the letters D, I, and R.
Pinky Finger Extended
Extend your pinky finger and curl your other fingers into your palm. The pinky finger represents the letters E, J, and S.
|
Finger Position |
|
|---|---|
|
Thumbs Up |
A, F, N |
|
Index Finger Extended |
B, G, P |
|
Middle Finger Extended |
C, H, Q |
|
Ring Finger Extended |
D, I, R |
|
Pinky Finger Extended |
E, J, S |
Numbers 1-5
1. To sign "one" in ASL, make a fist with your dominant hand and hold it in front of your chest. Keep your fingers together and bend your thumb inward.
2. To sign "two," extend your index and middle fingers of your dominant hand, forming a peace sign. Hold your hand in front of your chest, parallel to the ground.
3. To sign "three," there are two ways to do it:
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Method 1: Extend your thumb, index finger, and middle finger of your dominant hand, and hold them together. Bend your other fingers inward. Place your hand in front of your chest, with your fingers pointing upward.
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Method 2: Extend your index, middle, and ring fingers of your dominant hand, forming a trident shape. Hold your hand in front of your chest, with your fingers pointing upward.
4. To sign "four," extend your little finger, ring finger, and middle finger of your dominant hand, and hold them together. Bend your thumb and index finger inward. Hold your hand in front of your chest, with your fingers pointing upward.
5. To sign "five," extend all five fingers of your dominant hand and hold them together. Hold your hand in front of your chest, with your fingers pointing upward.
Weather Signs
Weather signs are a way to communicate about the weather without using words. They are often used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing, but they can also be used by anyone who wants to learn more about sign language.
There are many different weather signs, and each one has its own meaning. Some of the most common weather signs include:
- Sun: A circle with rays coming out of it.
- Moon: A crescent or full circle.
- Clouds: A series of curved lines.
- Rain: A series of vertical lines.
- Snow: A series of short, horizontal lines.
- Wind: A series of wavy lines.
Weather signs can be used to communicate about the current weather conditions, or they can be used to predict the weather forecast. For example, if you see a sign for rain, you can expect it to rain soon. If you see a sign for wind, you can expect it to be windy soon.
Number 6
The sign for “number 6” is made by holding your hand up with your index finger and thumb extended, and then forming a hook with your other three fingers. The hook should be facing towards your body.
The sign for “number 6” can be used to represent the number 6, or it can be used to represent the sixth letter of the alphabet, “F”.
Here is a table of the different ways to sign the number 6:
| Number | Sign |
|---|---|
| 6 | Index finger and thumb extended, other three fingers hooked towards body |
| F | Index finger and thumb extended, other three fingers hooked towards body |
Food and Drink Signs
When signing for food and drink, it is important to specify the type of food or drink you want. For example, if you want a cheeseburger, you would sign “cheese” and then “burger”. Here are some common food and drink signs:
Bread
To sign “bread”, make a fist with one hand and hold it next to your chest, palm facing your body. Then, tap the back of your fist with the other hand.
Cake
To sign “cake”, make a fist with one hand and hold it up to your mouth, like you are taking a bite. Then, tap the back of your fist with the other hand.
Chicken
To sign “chicken”, make a fist with one hand and hold it up to your shoulder, like you are holding a drumstick. Then, flap your other hand up and down.
Coffee
To sign “coffee”, make a fist with one hand and hold it up to your mouth, like you are drinking from a cup. Then, tap the back of your fist with the other hand.
Drink
To sign “drink”, make a fist with one hand and hold it up to your mouth, like you are drinking from a cup. Then, make a sipping motion with your other hand.
Food
To sign “food”, make a fist with one hand and hold it up to your mouth, like you are eating. Then, make a chewing motion with your other hand.
Hamburger
To sign “hamburger”, make a fist with one hand and hold it up to your mouth, like you are eating a hamburger. Then, make a patty shape with your other hand and place it on top of your fist.
People and Places Signs
Borders
A border is a line that separates one country from another. Borders can be marked by natural features, such as rivers or mountains, or by man-made structures, such as walls or fences. To sign the word “border” in ASL, place your dominant hand flat against your cheek, with your fingers pointing forward. Then, move your hand down along your cheek, as if you were tracing a line.
Boundary
A boundary is a line that separates one area from another. Boundaries can be physical, such as a fence or a wall, or they can be imaginary, such as the boundary between two states. To sign the word “boundary” in ASL, place your dominant hand flat against your chest, with your fingers pointing forward. Then, move your hand out to the side, as if you were tracing a line.
Checkpoint
A checkpoint is a place where people and vehicles are stopped and checked for identification or contraband. Checkpoints can be located at borders, airports, or other strategic locations. To sign the word “checkpoint” in ASL, place your dominant hand flat against your chest, with your fingers pointing forward. Then, move your hand up to your shoulder, as if you were raising a barrier.
Country
A country is a political entity that has its own government and territory. Countries can be large or small, and they can be located anywhere in the world. To sign the word “country” in ASL, place your dominant hand flat against your chest, with your fingers pointing forward. Then, move your hand out to the side, as if you were tracing the outline of a country.
Flag
A flag is a piece of cloth that represents a country or other group. Flags can be flown on buildings, ships, or other objects. To sign the word “flag” in ASL, place your dominant hand flat against your chest, with your fingers pointing forward. Then, move your hand out to the side, as if you were waving a flag.
Government
A government is the group of people who are responsible for making and enforcing laws in a country. Governments can be local, state, or national. To sign the word “government” in ASL, place your dominant hand flat against your forehead, with your fingers pointing forward. Then, move your hand down along your face, as if you were tracing the outline of a building.
Immigration
Immigration is the process of moving to a new country. People may immigrate for a variety of reasons, such as to find work, to be with family, or to escape danger. To sign the word “immigration” in ASL, place your dominant hand flat against your chest, with your fingers pointing forward. Then, move your hand up to your forehead, as if you were thinking about something.
How to Sign “On the Border” in ASL
To sign “on the border” in American Sign Language (ASL), you will need to use both hands. Start by making a fist with your dominant hand and placing it in front of your body, with the thumb side facing up. Then, take your non-dominant hand and place it palm-down on top of your dominant hand. Finally, move your non-dominant hand back and forth across the border of your dominant hand, as if you are tracing a line.
People Also Ask
What is the sign for “border” in ASL?
The sign for “border” in ASL is made by placing the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand together to form a straight line. Then, move your hand back and forth across your non-dominant hand, as if you are tracing a line.
How do you sign “on” in ASL?
To sign “on” in ASL, start by making a fist with your dominant hand. Then, place your thumb on top of your non-dominant hand, with your fingers extended. Finally, move your dominant hand up and down, as if you are turning a key.
