ASL 1 - American Sign Language (Basic Conversation)

Approximately 10 percent of the population of North America has some degree of hearing loss (and, for many of these people, ASL is the language of choice), it is likely that students will encounter someone whose language is ASL. ASL is a complete and complex language with its own grammatical rules and syntax, which are not based on, nor derived from, any spoken or written language. It is one of the many sign languages used around the world. ASL, like the majority of world languages, has no written form. It is an integral part of North American Deaf culture and community. Individuals who are deaf have traditionally been seen by non-deaf people as members of a disabled group. However, Deaf culture values deafness not as a disability but rather as a characteristic of a community’s cohesive cultural identity. A key feature of this cohesive culture is its language, ASL. Since the work of the linguist William Stokoe in 1960, ASL has been recognized as a complex rule-governed visual language. Deaf culture, like all cultures, is based on a community of people who use the same language to communicate, and ASL reflects the values and norms for interaction within that cultural language group. Hearing students can broaden their experience and relationships by learning ASL as a second language. In using ASL to create and convey meaning, students can discover new ways to express their individuality. Communicating in authentic situations in another language also enhances students’ critical-thinking and risk-taking skills and self-confidence

Course FAQs

What are my technology needs?

You will need hands or at least one hand. You also need patience, the ability to practice in a mirror (so you can work on expressions), and a desire to expand your brain. You will login to Google Classroom and utilize this platform for work submission. You will also need to be proficient in the use of Google Drive as well as WeVideo (a video making platform). You will need to be able to record yourself signing various assignments.

What are the prerequisites I need in order to take this class?

None.

Why should I take this course/What are the benefits?

ASL education offers students opportunities to develop language and interpersonal skills, increase their understanding of their own and other cultures, and expand their career options. The study of ASL supports many careers and professions. In medicine, dentistry, the hospitality industry, education, and other career areas, the ability to communicate easily with Deaf adults and children is a great asset. It is becoming increasingly important for organizations that provide services to the Deaf community to have employees who are proficient in ASL. The study of ASL not only develops the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to understand and communicate effectively in ASL but also expands students’ knowledge of language learning in general. 

What standards do you cover?

Proficiency Stage 1 (Approximates ACTFL Novice-Low): Students communicate using memorized or rehearsed words and phrases. Students at Proficiency Stage 1 can understand phrases, words, everyday expressions and simple statements on familiar topics. Students communicate using memorized/rehearsed phrases, sentences and questions. Students rely on contextual and visual cues. Through language study, they will begin to compare the language and culture studied with their own (see “Suggested Areas of Focus: Connecting Culture to Second Language Instruction”).

Interpretive Mode: Listening (Corresponds to ASL Receptive Skills) Students can comprehend verbal or signed language from authentic and other sources (e.g., TV, radio, video, digital or live presentations). 

SL.PS1.IL.01 Demonstrate understanding of some words /signs, (phrases, everyday expressions and simple statements on a limited range of familiar topics in everyday situations). 

Supporting Functions: Recognize vocabulary related to familiar topics, Understand a short series of simple directions

Interpretive Mode: Reading (ASL Literary materials exist in video and digital forms) Students can comprehend print and digital materials from a variety of authentic and other sources. (e.g. websites, newspapers, letters, notes, applications, menus). 

SL.PS1.IR.01 Identify some common words, symbols, phrases and cognates from familiar material. 

Supporting Functions: Know letters or symbols of the target language, Combine symbols to form words, Understand common cognates, borrowed and high-frequency words and expressions from familiar material, Use contextual and visual cues.

Interpersonal Mode: Speaking (Corresponds to ASL Expressive Skills) Students can understand and respond to what others say/sign. 

SL.PS1.IS.01 Use memorized words/ signs, phrases and expressions in everyday situations 

Supporting Functions: Provide basic personal information, Answer predictable questions with memorized responses, Use common greetings and farewells.

Presentational Mode: Writing Students can write ideas and information for an audience. 

SL.PS1.PW.01 Write symbols/characters, basic high frequency words and memorized phrases. 

Supporting functions: Make lists of familiar objects and vocabulary, Spell familiar words using the target language alphabet, Express simple ideas in short memorized phrases.

Presentational Mode: Speaking Students can speak to an audience about basic ideas and information. 

SL.PS1.PS.01 Present basic information using common words, phrases and everyday expressions. 

Supporting Functions: Present basic material in an organized manner Use vocabulary sufficient to get meaning across Rely on gestures or visuals to present ideas.

Course grades are usually broken down as follows