VOCAB LIST "GETTING STARTED": dates

TODAY:
The meaning of this sign depends on what the other person asked.
For example, if the other person asks you what time is the meeting?  If you respond "NOW+NOW" it would mean "right now" or currently.
If someone asks you what day the party is, you can respond by signing "NOW + NOW" to mean "today."
Thus sometimes the double "NOW" can interpreted to mean "today."
 

MONDAY:

TUESDAY:

The sign for "Tuesday" circles a "T" handshape in the air.

WEDNESDAY:

The sign for "Wednesday" circles a "W" handshape in the air.

THURSDAY:

The sign for "Thursday" circles an "H."  (The "H" often tends to be pointing somewhat upward, almost like a backward "U.")

FRIDAY:

The sign for "Friday" circles an "F" hand in the air.
This sign can also be done with the palm facing outward.

Friday:

SATURDAY:

The sign for "Saturday" circles an "S."
Note: The orientation can be palm forward, or "palm up" (the hand is still in a fist shape, but if it were open the palm would be facing up).  Most native signers tend to do it "palm up" because it is easier on the wrist.


SUNDAY:

Hold your hands up about head high and then move your right hand in a clockwise circle and your left hand in a counterclockwise circle as if you were washing a window with both hands:

 

HOUR:

The sign for "hour" represents the movement of the "minute hand" of a clock going around one-time. Assuming you are right handed: The right hand is the "minute" hand. The left hand is the face of the clock.  

MINUTE:

The sign for "minute" also can be used to mean "second" (depending on context).

The sign minute is generally done on the palm.  You "tick" the right "index finger" handshape forward as if it were the minute hand on a clock.  Although the finger does move, the  movement is from the wrist, not the finger. Note: This sign can also mean "moment," or "a second."

MONTH:

The sign for "month" is made by pointing upward with the index finger of your non-dominant hand. If you are right handed, the palm of the left hand should face right. The palm of the right hand should face back.  Trace the right index finger from the top to the bottom of the left index finger. 

WEEK: 

WEEKEND: (week + end)

YESTERDAY:

 

VOCAB LIST "GETTING STARTED": telling time

TIME:

The sign for "time" in ASL points to the wrist at the location where people used to wear watches, (before cell phones). Just tap your wrist twice.  If you want to know "What time is it?" then do this same sign but with furrowed eyebrows.
 

Numbers:

VOCAB LIST "GETTING STARTED": to say goodbye

GOODBYE:

SEE YOU LATER:

VOCAB LIST "GETTING STARTED": To ask and tell how someone is

this is the sign for "how."  To sign "how are you?" simply point to the person after you say "how." (so essentially it's "how you?"

To respond, simply say "good," or "bad," or the letters O.K.


THANK YOU:



PLEASE:
                

SORRY:

Use a "sorry" facial expression and draw a circle on your chest with your right A or S hand.

YOU'RE WELCOME:

The sign WELCOME has several meanings and interpretations.  For example, it also means: "hire" and "invite."

This sign is in a state of "flux" (changing opinion) in the Deaf Community.
You will meet some people who say it is an okay response to "thank you."
Quite a few ASL teachers will tell you it is NOT appropriate to use this sign as a response to "THANK YOU."

The sign "WELCOME / hire / invite" is done by holding the flat hand palm up out away from your body (off to the right a bit) and then bringing the hand in toward your torso.

WELCOME / hire / invite:

My recommendation is that you use this sign to mean things like:

"Welcome, come on into my home."
"I hired him."
"I invited her.
 

I recommend that you do NOT use this sign as a response to "Thank you."

So, what should you do if someone tells you "thank you?"

I recommend that you reply with one of these:

TRUE/SURE
FINE
NOTHING-TO-IT
HAPPY HELP-you
THUMB-UP
ANY TIME
NO PROBLEM