How to learn numbers in American Sign Language

American Sign Language is a way to communicate with those who cannot hear. It truly is a unique language that has a lot of different "grammar" techniques that are difficult to master. With plenty of practice, ASL can be a great tool for communication. This article discusses how to learn how to count in American Sign Language.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• your fingers
• this article
• an open mind

1. Keep in mind that as you learn to count from 1 to 10 in American Sign Language, you will have to learn the signs exactly as they are supposed to be signed, otherwise, the numerical signs that you are trying to communicate with can be easily confused with other signs that represent other words. Review the picture above to get a good idea about correct hand and finger placement, and let's begin.

2. Choose one hand to sign with, usually your dominant hand. This is the hand that you will always use to sign letters and numbers in Sign Language.

3. The numbers one through ten, when formed in ASL are not always done with the palm facing out, as in the picture above. The diagram shows correct finger placement, but not necessarily palm direction. The number one is simple; made with your your index finger up, palm facing you, and the back of your hand facing the other person. The number two is similar; you add the addition of your second (middle) finger. Signing the number three is always done with your index and middle finger and your thumb, again, with your palm facing you.

4. The number four is signed by holding up four fingers, while keeping your thumb against the palm of your hand, again, palm facing yourself, and the back of the hand facing towards the person you are communicating with. The same goes for signing the number five, except you sign with an open hand, revealing all five fingers.

5. Now things change slightly. Instead of your palm facing you, it will now face the person you are communicating with for numbers six through nine. The number six is signed by holding up your middle three fingers. The number seven is signed by touching your ring finger to your thumb. Signing number eight is accomplished by touching your middle finger to your thumb. Number nine is signed by touching your index finger to your thumb.

6. To sign the number ten in American Sign Language, you will close your fist and make a "thumbs up" sign, and wiggle your hand slightly at the wrist. Learning to sign numbers using ASL is a bit tricky, but with practice you'll get better and better at it. Keep practicing!

Resources

• Excellent Web Site for Learning ASL
• Life Print Sign Language Classes
• Hear More
• Signing Online
• Tiny Fingers
• Course Advisor

[dgrantdoherty]

on 3/13/2009 thanks 5 *s and a reccomend

[cybilfrost]

on 3/13/2009 I know many words in sign language, but not the numbers. Good article! 5*

[moonlitcrystal]

on 3/12/2009 Very useful! And here I thought it was just holding up the number of fingers for 1-10 :)

[moonlitcrystal]

on 3/12/2009 Very useful! And here I thought it was just holding up the number of fingers for 1-10 :)

[coachniquenya]

on 3/12/2009 I learned both my numbers and alphabet in elementary school because I went to a school for the gifted, deaf and partially sighted. It was a great learning experience. Thanks for the refresher. 5*