AquaBlue

Can you list all (or most) of the sign words which are fingerspelled?

For example, this is my short list:

• Avocado
• Atom
• ATM
• Asparagus
• Artichoke
• Apricot
• Aluminum
• Alphabet (ABC)
• Allspice
• Algae
• Alfalfa
• Alabama (AL)
• Air Condition (AC)
• Affirm
• Adverb (ADV)
• Acid

Post your own list. Thanks!

Deafness

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Chase

Aqua,

I don't have a list. When I come to a word I don't know the sign for (or can't recall it), I fingerspell it.

A surefire method to build a list is to go to ASLPro.com, click on their dictionary, then click through the words in each list, A to Z. If there isn't a sign for the word, the demonstration signer will finger spell it on-screen.

You will not only have the opportunity to review signs, but you will also be able to build a list of words that so far do not have a sign (at least in ASLPro files).

AquaBlue

It's funny you said that Chase. I am doing that as I write.

I just wanted (want) some help from the members here. Thanks!

AquaBlue

I discovered some more sign words:

• BAGEL
• BANK
• BARBECUE GRILL (BBQ GRILL)
• BARLEY
• BASIL
• BAY
• BEET
• BLEACH
• BOOMERANG
• BOWEL MOVEMENT (BM)
• BRA
• BRASS
• BROCCOLI
• BRONTOSARUS
• BRONZE
• BUS
• BY

Reba

Bra and bowel movement have signs.

"By" usually isn't spelled or used in ASL, except in a title or frozen text.

Reba

I'm surprised to see "affirm" on the list. Depending on its use, there are at least three signs for that word.

Kalista

Broccoli has sign that vegetable.

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AquaBlue

Hmm. I gathered these signs from the aslpro site. You can check it if you want. They fingerspell each word I posted. Look at the site and see for yourself.

deafbajagal

With all due respect, aslpro isn't "the" authority of what gloss words have signs or what is fingerspelled...just because it's on there doesn't mean it's right or wrong. Also, you have to remember there are regional signs that may differ than what the person(s) chose to put on the website.

AquaBlue

So now what? This regional thing is giving me a headache.

deafbajagal

Sort of like accents...for example, a sign for one gloss word may be different in many parts of the United States - there's not always "one" sign for every gloss word. So, that's why it's so important to interact with as many d/Deaf people as possible to learn the language, etc.

AquaBlue

Tell me about it. The biggest issue for me is not being able to find/meet ANY deaf person- much less a gathering. What to do??

Ooh well. Nobody said that there wouldn't be bumps on the road into the Deaf culture. Now if only I can meet one (just one) deaf person in Miami then I'll have it made in the shade...

...but that poor individual will be swamp by my continuous presence. Tons of learning still yet to master. Poor deaf fellow/fella.

AquaBlue

deafbajagal: When you view the signs on the ASL Pro site, do you find that most are regional- from one specific area of the United States? Also, how much of the signs are generally accepted by all regions?

Thanks!

Anij

I wouldn't get "married" to any specific way ... I tend to fingerspell a lot - but that's because of the context I'm usually in (educational setting)

That being said ... you'll regionally find groups the fingerspell something that is signed, or have a sign for something that is fingerspelled (I always fingerspell BATTERY & EMAIL, even though there's at least 2 regional signs for each here)

I think the most important thing ( since you said you don't have a lot/ any contact with Deaf/hoh ASLers is to realise that it's important to be open to different ways of doing things.

It happens in English too ... in North America depending where you are, you'll put your groceries in a shopping cart, buggy, wagon, trolley or any number of other names for an identical object ... likewise "coke" in some places (in english) is any carbonated liquid, while in other places it's a specific product.

Don't get stressed about it - Just like any health living language, you'll find variations ... it's actually IMHO a reassuring thing !!! ( albeit frustrating to students!)

AquaBlue

So basically I'll learn what to sign/fingerspell once I start associating with my local deaf community. Right?

AquaBlue

I'll overkill my learning and learn all regionally signs as best I can. Then I would adjust my signing to the region I am in.

deafbajagal

A few of the signs are regional, in my opinion. For the most part, the signs are ok. It's not a bad website or anything. Occassionally I would be like, what the hell was that?! It would be interesting to do research and find out where the folks who posted the site are from...and WHO are involved. I literally have deaf friends all over the US - and for the most part I can understand them just fine. The regioanl signs might differ - but not enough to deter me from understanding the context. Now my friends from London who sign in BSL...whew...THAT'S a different story...their sign language is different from ASL...so we usually end up IM'ing each other. .

Again, this is just my personal opinion...others may have a different opinion about the website...hope my response helps clear things up for you.

Anij

Yup! and don't feel like you have to try to memorize every regional variation - you'll see what gets used ... From time to time I still use "USA: versions of signs here (in Canada) they just slip out ... it really no big deal - don't get stressed about it !!

IF you have a particular sign that is likely to be highly regionalised just ask here and someone "local" might be able to answer

GL

Reba

The regional differences aren't enough to get you messed up. If you learn enough of the "text book" signs, then local deafies can clue you in on the regional signs.

In fact, during silent dinners and other get togethers, one of the fun things to do is compare regional signs.