Welcome to ASL Basics 5, a key lesson that focuses on improving clarity, asking questions, and structuring sentences using the Topic-Comment format. This unit also introduces you to expressions of politeness, requests, and basic interactions involving clarification. These elements are essential for effective communication in American Sign Language.
This lesson will help you navigate misunderstandings, ask for repetition or meaning, and express basic greetings tied to different times of day.
🎯 Learning Goals for ASL Basics 5
- Construct sentences using the Topic-Comment structure
- Ask for clarification using appropriate vocabulary and non-manual signals
- Use signs such as PLEASE, THANK YOU, SORRY, EXCUSE ME appropriately
- Distinguish when to use WH- questions versus yes/no questions
- Apply politeness and repair strategies in real-time communication
📹 ASL Basics 5 Video Summary
In the ASL Basics 5 video, you’ll learn:
- Topic-Comment sentence structure (e.g., ICE CREAM, I LIKE)
- How to ask for clarification or repetition (e.g., “MEANING WHAT?” or “I DON’T UNDERSTAND”)
- Politeness signs including PLEASE, THANK YOU, SORRY, and EXCUSE ME
- Greetings based on time of day: GOOD MORNING, GOOD AFTERNOON, GOOD EVENING
- Common clarification questions such as:
- “WHAT MEAN [sign]?”
- “SIGN FOR [word] WHAT?”
- “I DON’T KNOW THE SIGN [word]”
🧠 Vocabulary Breakdown
Politeness & Interaction
- PLEASE – flat hand circles on chest
- THANK YOU – flat hand from chin outward
- SORRY – A hand circles on chest
- EXCUSE ME – fingertips brush across palm
- WELCOME – flat hand toward body with friendly expression
Clarification and Questions
- I UNDERSTAND – index finger flicks up near temple
- I DON’T UNDERSTAND – same motion with head shake
- WHAT MEAN [sign]? – WH expression + MEAN sign (V on palm)
- SIGN FOR [word] WHAT? – topic-comment with WH-question
- I DON’T KNOW – flat hand from forehead outward
- MEANING – V hand taps palm repeatedly
Greetings and Farewells
- GOOD MORNING – GOOD + arm lifted like rising sun
- GOOD AFTERNOON – flat arms, one taps the other
- GOOD EVENING – flat arms with downward tap
- SEE YOU LATER – SEE + LATER sign
- TAKE CARE – K hands bounce together
- BYE – open hand wave
- WHATSUP – middle fingers touch chest and flick outward
🧩 ASL Grammar: Topic-Comment Structure
In ASL, the Topic-Comment structure is used to highlight what the sentence is about first (the topic), followed by what’s being said about it (the comment).
Example:
- ICE CREAM, I LIKE – eyebrows raised during topic
- TEACHER, I DON’T UNDERSTAND
This structure helps make meaning clear without relying on English word order.
Use raised eyebrows when signing the topic, followed by a neutral or expressive comment.
✋ Cultural Context: Repair and Respect in Deaf Communication
Asking for clarification is not just accepted in Deaf culture—it’s expected. Rather than pretending to understand, students are encouraged to pause, clarify, and confirm meaning. This creates better communication and shows respect for the language and the community.
ASL learners often say:
- AGAIN, PLEASE
- SIGN FOR [X] WHAT?
- I DON’T UNDERSTAND, MEANING WHAT?
These phrases show engagement, not failure.
🔁 Practice Activities
Practice 1: Topic-Comment Sentences
- ICE CREAM, I LIKE
- SCHOOL, I DON’T LIKE
- CLASSIFIER, I DON’T UNDERSTAND
Focus on facial expressions and raised eyebrows for the topic.
Practice 2: Clarification Questions
- WHAT MEAN [sign]?
- SIGN FOR [word] WHAT?
- AGAIN PLEASE
Use these in mock dialogues or mirror work.
Practice 3: Politeness Phrases
- PLEASE, SLOWER
- THANK YOU FOR HELP
- SORRY, I DON’T KNOW
Practice with different facial expressions to convey sincerity.
Practice 4: Time-Based Greetings
Sign:
- GOOD MORNING
- GOOD AFTERNOON
- GOOD EVENING
- SEE YOU LATER
- BYE
Use these phrases to start and end class sessions or daily routines.
💡 Tips for ASL Learners
- When in doubt, ask: “SIGN FOR [word] WHAT?”
- Use the Topic-Comment structure even in simple sentences
- Practice repair strategies daily—make them second nature
- Watch native signers and mimic their use of facial expressions during clarification
🌍 Extended Learning: Real-World Use Cases
The concepts from this unit help in:
- Clarifying classroom misunderstandings
- Navigating social events
- Engaging respectfully in Deaf spaces
Being able to ask for clarification or express that you didn’t understand fosters genuine interaction and deeper learning.
Advanced learners can start to:
- Watch ASL stories and pause when they don’t understand
- Use clarification phrases to ask about classifiers or idioms
- Join Deaf events and practice Topic-Comment structures in informal conversation
📘 Vocabulary Drill
Choose 5 signs per day and create full sentences using the Topic-Comment format:
- TEACHER, I DON’T UNDERSTAND
- WATER, I WANT
- PLEASE, SLOWER
- CLASS, I LIKE
- GOOD EVENING
Add clarifiers like:
- SIGN FOR [word] WHAT?
- WHAT MEAN [sign]?
📖 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I always use Topic-Comment structure?
A: Most ASL sentences follow this format. It’s a great default for learners.
Q: Is it okay to ask for clarification often?
A: Yes. It shows you’re trying to communicate accurately.
Q: How do I know if I’m using the right facial expression?
A: Watch videos of native signers and practice in front of a mirror. Your face must match the grammar.
📣 Next Steps: Apply and Connect
After completing ASL Basics 5:
- Record a Topic-Comment sentence (e.g., ICE CREAM, I LIKE)
- Post a clarification question in the discussion forum
- Respond to peers who post questions with a suggested sign
Then move on to:
Keep practicing and remember: asking for clarification is a strength—not a weakness!
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