Have you ever wanted to learn a new language? American Sign Language (ASL) is a beautiful and expressive language that opens up a whole new world of communication. One of the first things you’ll want to learn is how to count! Knowing your numbers in ASL is a foundational skill that makes learning the rest of the language much easier.
Counting in a new language can feel daunting, but don’t worry! ASL numbers are relatively simple and fun to learn. Plus, knowing them allows you to participate in simple conversations, play games, and even order your favorite treat at a deaf-friendly coffee shop. Let’s dive into the world of counting and see how it’s done!
Mastering the Basics
Let’s start with the numbers 1 through 5. For 1, simply extend your index finger. For 2, extend your index and middle finger. Three, extend your index, middle, and ring finger. Four, extend all fingers except your thumb. Finally, for 5, extend all five fingers, keeping your palm facing forward. Practice these until they become second nature!
Now, for the numbers 6 through 9, things get a little more interesting! Start with the number 6: touch your thumb to your pinky finger, extending the other fingers. Seven: touch your thumb to your ring finger. Eight: touch your thumb to your middle finger. Nine: touch your thumb to your index finger. Keep your palm facing forward for these.
The number 10 is signed by shaking a ‘thumbs up’ sign. To sign 11, shake your index finger. Twelve, shake your index and middle finger together. These numbers break the established pattern but are very useful to know. Learning these basic numbers will build a strong foundation for more complex counting in ASL.
To practice, try counting everyday objects around you: fingers, pencils, books, etc. You can also find helpful videos online that demonstrate the signs clearly. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; that’s part of the learning process! The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become with your ASL counting skills.
Learning ASL is a rewarding journey that not only enhances your communication skills but also broadens your understanding of different cultures. Mastering counting is a fantastic first step on this exciting adventure. Take some time each day to practice, and before you know it, you’ll be counting like a pro! Consider sharing this knowledge with your friends and family and embark on this linguistic journey together!