Definition: The number eleven.
Sign for 11 in ASL
Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.
If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.
Practice Activities:
Begin practicing the sign for 11 in ASL by first positioning your dominant hand in a loose fist. Immediately flick your index finger upward twice, using a gentle snapping motion. Repeat this slowly several times, gradually speeding up to reinforce muscle memory.
Next, incorporate the sign for 11 in ASL into a counting exercise. Count numbers 1 to 15 slowly, clearly emphasizing the transition between 10, the sign for 11 in ASL, and 12. This will help you practice recognizing and producing this number in sequence smoothly. After mastering the count in ascending order, try counting downward from 15 to 1, once again reinforcing the sign’s accuracy and confidence can grow.
Practice further by using the sign for 11 in ASL in simple arithmetic flashcard activities. Create flashcards that involve basic addition or subtraction equations, including the number 11 in various calculations. Show the answers visually and simultaneously sign the number to build fluency and quick recognition in context. This exercise supports numerical literacy, reinforces memory, and adds practical application to your practice.
For interactive partner activities, pair up with a fellow learner and challenge each other with signing number sequences. Take turns signing short numeric sequences that include the sign for 11 in ASL, while the partner must accurately interpret and vocalize what was signed. Swap roles regularly to practice both receptive and expressive skills.
Finally, try storytelling prompts incorporating the sign for 11 in ASL. Share brief sentences or short personal narratives that include this number, such as, My cousin is 11 years old, or I read 11 chapters last night. Storytelling encourages learners to practice using the sign naturally in conversation, increasing comfort and ease in real-world scenarios.
Cultural Context:
Understanding the sign for 11 in ASL offers insight into the cultural fabric of Deaf communities. ASL numbers, including the sign for 11 in ASL, hold cultural importance in daily conversations, storytelling, and shared experiences.
In Deaf culture, numbers are more than counting—they express rhythm, emphasis, and identity. Learning the sign for 11 in ASL connects you deeper with Deaf traditions and enriches your interactive abilities.
Often, the sign for 11 in ASL is taught early in ASL education, laying foundational knowledge for advanced communication. Engaging with foundational signs boosts your confidence and fluency in everyday dialogues and interactions.
In social settings within Deaf communities, clearly illustrating numerals—like the sign for 11 in ASL—facilitates accurate communication, ensuring everyone shares the exact details of events, times, and schedules. Clear numerical signs help maintain social cohesion and accuracy. ⏰
In storytelling contexts, numbers become expressive tools. You might see the sign for 11 in ASL used creatively in poetry, jokes, or visual storytelling, highlighting its artistic and cultural versatility.
Learning numerical signs also demonstrates respect and appreciation for Deaf culture. By mastering basic numerals, such as the sign for 11 in ASL, you acknowledge the linguistic richness and uniqueness of ASL.
Numbers like the sign for 11 in ASL carry meaning beyond mere quantity. They link community members culturally, establishing connections based on shared linguistic experiences and nurturing social bonds.
In educational contexts, accurate number signing—including the sign for 11 in ASL—is critical for clear instruction, testing, and assessment. Teachers depend heavily on students’ mastery of numerical signs for effective classroom communication.
In addition, ASL learners benefit culturally by internalizing correct numerical signs from the outset, including the sign for 11 in ASL. Early correct usage prevents communication misunderstandings and enriches learner competence.
Culturally, Deaf community members may share numerical signs unique to their region or experiences, enhancing the cultural texture around numerals like the sign for 11 in ASL. Regional variations highlight the language’s adaptability and local cultural diversity.
In official communication contexts, mastering accurate numbers, such as the sign for 11 in ASL, ensures clarity and professionalism—key components respected deeply within Deaf culture and professional circles.
The sign for 11 in ASL is more than a simple numeral symbol—it’s a culturally rich element interwoven in the fabric of Deaf communication, interaction, artistic
Extended Definition:
The sign for 11 in ASL is one of the foundational numerical signs in American Sign Language. Mastering numbers in sign language is an essential step towards fluency and effective communication. Learning the sign for 11 in ASL helps in making clear connections when expressing numbers beyond the basic digits.
Performing the sign for 11 in ASL involves using just one hand. Hold your dominant hand in a loosely clenched fist, palm facing inward. Quickly flick your index finger upward twice, mimicking the action of counting off digits one after another. This finger-flicking gesture naturally follows the numerical progression from single-digit signs to double-digit signs.
Many learners find the sign for 11 in ASL easy to remember because it closely resembles the numeric digit 1, repeated twice. Visual learners especially enjoy practicing this sign as the physical action aligns intuitively with the concept of the number itself. Regular practice further solidifies its place in memory and improves the clarity of your signing.
In conversational ASL, clearly signing numbers like the sign for 11 in ASL demonstrates confidence and attentiveness to detail. When discussing ages, times, schedules, or even addresses, accurate numerical signing smooths communication and enhances understanding between signers. Numbers appear frequently in everyday interactions, making this sign crucial for both beginners and experienced ASL users alike.
Parents and educators introducing ASL signs to children notice the sign for 11 in ASL is simple enough for younger learners. Children quickly grasp the concept and enjoy the action-oriented nature of this numerical sign. Additionally, teaching numeric signs early in education ensures stronger foundational skills that help children thrive with more complex signs down the road.
Learning the context and proper usage of numbers like the sign for 11 in ASL allows signers to move on to more advanced concepts, such as larger numbers, sequences, or mathematical terms. As numerical fluency grows, learners expand their conversational capabilities, becoming more comfortable engaging in deeper dialogues with others who communicate using ASL.
Many resources today—such as videos, apps, and ASL dictionaries—make learning the sign for 11 in ASL easier and more accessible. These resources help learners view clear examples from various angles, enhancing understanding of hand shape and finger movements involved. Utilizing visual aids regularly reinforces understanding and prepares signers for real-life situations.
Regular practice with a partner is another excellent strategy for perfecting the sign for 11 in ASL. Practicing numbers together
Synonyms: eleven, number 11, number eleven, the number 11, the number eleven
Educational resources: Find related learning materials in our course bank!
Want more? Check out some of our popular learning activities on the homepage!
Need to look up a sign? Use our highly rated dictionary: https://aslinteractive.com/best-asl-dictionary/
Follow us on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aslinteractive. More social media links at the bottom of this page!
Long-tail Keywords: what is the sign for 11 in ASL, how do you sign 11 in ASL, ASL sign for the number 11
Categories: Numbers – Basics, Numbers 11-20, cardinal numbers
tags: Numbers 11-20, Numbers, Math, Language Learning, Education
Parameters
*Handshape*:
The sign for 11 in ASL uses the dominant hand in a fist shape with the index finger extended upward. Position your palm toward your body, then flick your index finger upward twice in quick succession. The repeated upward flick clearly distinguishes the sign for 11 in ASL from similar number signs, effectively emphasizing the numeric meaning and ensuring accurate comprehension of the number during conversations.
*Palm Orientation*:
The palm faces inward toward the signer when performing the sign for 11 in ASL. Start with your dominant hand shaped in an “S” fist, palm side facing you, and then quickly flick the index finger up twice, emphasizing the repeated motion. Throughout the sign for 11 in ASL, the palm remains consistently oriented toward your body, positioned comfortably at chest height to clearly convey the numerical value.
*Location*:
The sign for 11 in ASL is performed at chest-level, directly in front of your body. Position your dominant hand raised to about shoulder height, palm facing inward, fingers gently closed into a fist. The sign for 11 in ASL involves flicking your index finger upward twice quickly while keeping other fingers tightly tucked. ✋ Ensure the movement remains relaxed yet distinct, clearly visible to observers.
*Movement*:
To make the sign for 11 in ASL, start with your dominant hand in a closed fist with the palm facing towards you. Extend your index finger upward, then quickly flick it upward twice in succession. The motion is concise and rapid .
When you perform the sign for 11 in ASL, keep your wrist stationary and ensure the flicking movement comes solely from the finger’s knuckle joint, clearly distinguishing this number from similar signs.
*Non-Manual Signals*:
When you perform the sign for 11 in ASL, maintain a relaxed and neutral facial expression . Slightly raise your eyebrows and keep your mouth gently closed as you repeat the finger flicking motion. The sign for 11 in ASL is typically expressed calmly, without exaggerated movements, to clearly distinguish it from similar numerical signs and ensure effective communication.
*Prosody, Dominant/Non-Dominant Hand*:
Using your dominant hand, form a fist facing inward, then flick your index finger upward twice swiftly to perform the sign for 11 in ASL. Maintain a relaxed wrist and keep the palm oriented toward your body. Your non-dominant hand is inactive during the sign for 11 in ASL; it remains comfortably by your side or resting naturally, ensuring clarity and visibility of the dominant hand’s movement. ✌️
Tips for Beginners:
When practicing the sign for 11 in ASL, first get comfortable positioning your dominant hand in a loose fist with your palm facing toward your body. With controlled repetition, extend your index finger upward twice, using smooth and deliberate movements. Imagine flicking lightly, as this helps convey clarity in your signing.
A common pitfall beginners face with the sign for 11 in ASL is performing the motion too quickly or flicking outward instead of upward. Slow down initially and focus on making sure that your finger movement is clearly directed upwards. Consistency ensures that people will quickly recognize and understand your signing.
Observing native or fluent ASL signers demonstrate the sign for 11 in ASL can greatly enhance your accuracy. Practice in front of a mirror, or better yet, record yourself on video to pinpoint areas for improvement. Comparing your execution with proficient signers can help you identify subtle mistakes and correct them early in your practice.
Avoid holding your hand too rigidly or tightly when practicing the sign for 11 in ASL. This can cause fatigue or stiffness, reducing fluidity. Keep your hand relaxed to maintain endurance during conversations. ✋
Use the sign for 11 in ASL within real-life contexts, such as stating your age or mentioning a time or date in conversations. Engaging in practical scenarios will solidify your understanding of how the sign is naturally incorporated into ASL discourse. You’ll gain confidence in your ability to use this number sign effectively in everyday exchanges.
Frequent repetition remains key when learning the sign for 11 in ASL. Short, regular practice sessions of just several minutes daily are significantly more effective than sporadic, lengthy practice periods. Enjoy your journey toward fluency in ASL with consistent, patient practice, and positive motivation.
Connections to Other topics:
The sign for 11 in ASL connects directly to numerical concepts expressed throughout American Sign Language. Similar to other numerical signs, the sign for 11 in ASL ties closely to counting methods, demonstrating how numbers beyond ten shift into specific finger flicking motions. Learning this sign further enables signers to naturally progress into larger numeric signs, fostering understanding of numeric sequences and arithmetic expressions in ASL context.
Additionally, the sign for 11 in ASL is foundational when indicating clock time or expressing quantity in conversation. Time-telling relies heavily on fluency in number signs, and mastering handshapes like the sign for 11 in ASL allows seamless communication of appointments or daily schedules. The easy transition from single digit numbers to the teen numbers like 11 helps learners gain competence in more complex numeric usages such as telling ages, addresses, or phone numbers.
Mastering the sign for 11 in ASL directly aids in understanding derived numerical signs, especially in forming compound signs for higher numbers and specific numeric categories. For example, signs for days like 11-DAY use the numeric sign coupled with a movement toward the nondominant arm to indicate duration or scheduling. Similarly, calendar concepts often use these teen-number signs as building blocks for larger signs indicating weeks, months, or years, providing clear markers of timeframes.
Connections between the sign for 11 in ASL and math-related educational topics promote a robust grasp of numerical expressions embedded within American Sign Language storytelling or teaching. Fluent numeric signing enriches communication in educational contexts, from mathematics classes to discussions regarding dates or deadlines. All these connections illustrate how deeply integrated and versatile numeric signs can be within various contexts of ASL learning and practical applications.
Summary:
The sign for 11 in ASL occupies an essential space within the numeral system of American Sign Language, demonstrating the distinctiveness and beauty of non-verbal communication in numbers. When producing the sign for 11 in ASL, the signer extends the dominant hand into a fist facing upward, palm turned inward. The index finger then flicks upwards off the thumb twice in quick succession.
The motion of flicking upward is commonly used to indicate the number 11 through 15, distinguishing these numerals clearly from single-digit numbers and maintaining visual clarity within numerical communication. Moreover, this action of repetition for numbers from 11 through 15 helps visually delineate it from other handshapes and movements. This rhythmic movement ensures these numbers stand out in signing, demonstrating ASL’s careful attention to both aesthetics and clarity.
From a grammatical perspective, the sign for 11 in ASL behaves similarly to other numeric signs, integrating naturally within sentence structures to express precise count or order. Like all numeric signs, it can function as a quantitative modifier following a noun, or independently when listing or counting items. The sign integrates seamlessly into fingerspelled words and numeric sequences, underscoring numerical literacy’s significance within ASL learning and communication.
Culturally, mastering numerical signs such as the sign for 11 in ASL represents a foundational milestone in ASL studies, indicating a learner’s progression beyond basic vocabulary toward advanced concepts. Awareness and fluency in numeric signs reflect the learner’s commitment to engage deeply and respectfully with Deaf culture, signaling openness to broader interactions and connections. Numeric signs communicate nuances of quantity, mathematics, time, age, and dates, becoming integral to effective communication within Deaf and signing communities.
Related to the sign for 11 in ASL are the numeric signs from 12 through 15, each involving similar upward finger movements but employing different digits for differentiation. These numeric signs collectively create a subset within ASL sign language numerals, highlighting linguistic consistency and unity in signs relying upon sequential repetition. Understanding this subset helps learners develop comprehensive numerical fluency, crucial in casual conversations, business interactions, education, and formalized communication.
In applied linguistics, educators frequently emphasize consistent practice and visual discrimination when instructing learners about similar numerical signs, including the sign for 11 in ASL. Teachers adapt innovative instructional methods, employing repetitive visual exercises and memory activities to enhance retention. These instructional practices underscore not only ASL fluency but also deeper cognitive processing and manual dexterity in expressive communication.
Furthermore, understanding numerical signing expands linguistic insights related to non-verbal numerical representation, comparison, and functional differentiation from spoken language systems. The sign for 11 in ASL provides linguists with insights into how signed languages encode syntactic and semantic nuances using visual-tactile grammar. Numerals within signed languages challenge common assumptions found within spoken language studies, inviting linguists to consider linguistic universals through signed forms as well.
Within Deaf and ASL-using communities, numerals become critical elements of shared discourse around identity, age, and heritage. The sign for 11 in ASL reminds us how numeric concepts, broadly used across cultures and languages, become personally and communally meaningful within Deaf culture. Numbers often mark momentous life milestones, such as age identification, anniversaries, significant dates, or historical occurrences relevant to Deaf community narratives.
The visual comprehension involved in numeric signing, particularly in capturing numbers like the sign for 11 in ASL at speed, underscores visual literacy and cognitive processing competencies possessed by fluent sign language users. Researchers frequently explore the cognitive capacity associated with rapid numerical representation, recognition, switching, and recall among ASL users, contributing significantly toward cognitive linguistics and neuroscience discoveries. Numeral signs intricately represent connections between rapid cognitive identification of visually similar signs, memory retrieval, and physical signing accuracy.
In numerically dense contexts—such as mathematics, finance, measurements, clock readings, or calendars—the sign for 11 in ASL exemplifies numeric symbols’ power and prominence within signed language communication. Numeric precision remains critical within Deaf education contexts too, where students must clearly understand numerical assignments, financial responsibility, directions, or scientific measurements communicated visually. Economic literacy and effective mathematical communication fully depend upon accurate recognition and expression of numeric signs like 11.
Historical perspectives also point toward numerical signs’ mutable nature and evolution over decades. Regional dialects and individual signing variations highlight slight differences in producing the sign for 11 in ASL. Studying numeric signing patterns comparatively across regions enhances understanding of linguistic variation within ASL, just as dialect studies enrich spoken language understanding.
Educators use sign language numerals extensively within early ASL education, demonstrating their critical role in providing young learners early exposure and fluency in numeric concepts. These numerals, including the sign for 11 in ASL, foster numeric literacy as an intensive cognitive task integrated fundamentally within signed language use and acquisition. Early exposure to numeric signing enhances spatial and visual cognition in Deaf children, aiding their cognitive development in mathematics and spatial reasoning.
Additionally
Want more? Check out some of our popular learning activities!
ASL Interactive Resources
ASLInteractive YouTube Channel
Follow us on tiktok: @aslinteractive.com
Follow us on Instagram: aslinteractive
Facebook page: aslinteractive
Facebook group: aslinteractive
LInkedIn: ASL Interactive LLC
Twitter: @ASL_interactive
*Some information on this page is AI-generated. AI can make mistakes. Please check the information.

Responses