American Sign Language Basic Class Series 2

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual-spatial language used predominantly by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities in the United States and Canada.

The Center for Hearing and Communication will provide 8-weeks of American Sign Language instruction one-hour weekly on Thursdays beginning April 4, 2026 until May 21, 2026.

Lessons will include, but are not limited to:

Instruction on ASL Alphabet & Numbers
· Learning Fingerspelling (A-Z)
· Numbers and how to use them in context

Everyday Vocabulary
· Greetings: hello, goodbye, please, thank you, etc.
· Family signs: mother, father, brother, sister, etc.
· Basic verbs: eat, drink, go, want, like, etc.
· Colors, emotions, weather, and more
Conversational Practice
· Practicing short dialogues with classmates
· Introducing yourself
· Asking and answering simple questions
Deaf Culture Education
· Understanding cultural norms in the Deaf community
· Learning about the importance of facial expressions and body language
· Etiquette when communicating with Deaf individuals
Games, Videos, and Interactive Tools
· Activities like sign bingo, storytelling, or role-playing
Homework/Practice Assignments
· Fingerspelling quizzes
· Vocabulary drills

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual-spatial language used predominantly by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities in the United States and Canada. It is a complete and natural language with its own unique grammar and syntax, separate from spoken English. ASL is not a universal language; different countries and regions have their own sign languages.

Black American Sign Language (BASL) is a dialect of American Sign Language (ASL) that developed within historically segregated African American Deaf communities. It features unique characteristics in handshape, placement, movement, and facial expression, reflecting both the influence of older Southern dialects of ASL and the experiences of the Black Deaf community.

Black ASL Project - Gallaudet University

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