Deaf Culture: Introductions

Deaf Culture: Introductions

How can we properly introduce ourselves using ASL?

Open Ended

In ASL what is the difference between the signs 15 & 55?

How to get a Deaf person's attention:

• Tap lightly on the shoulder

• Wave your hand at their eye level

• Flash the lights on and off

• Stomp on the floor 

• Tap on the surface of the table   

Eye Contact

What is the purpose of eye contact?

•shows that you are listening.

•shows Respect.

•shows that you are participating in the conversation

Not having eye contact shows:

• shows boredom or disinterest in the conversation.

•Breaking eye-contact can be compared to - Covering your ears to block out what someone is saying to you.

Maintaining eye contact does not mean staring. If you must look away, make the hold on/one minute sign first.

Signing space –

place where majority

of signs are formed

Pointing ( Deixis)



It is not considered rude or impolite

it is a logical feature used in a non spoken language.

You point to speak about people or object.

If a person or object is not visible, point to an empty space and continue signing.

Personal Pronouns

signed using your index finger

I am, Me

you, you are

He / She / It

We / Us

They

Possessive Pronouns

Signed with a flat hand

MINE

OUR

HIS / HERS / ITS (1X) THEIRS (2X)

YOURS

Pronouns Reflexive

Signed with an "A" handshape

MYSELF

YOURSELF

THEMSELVES

OURSELVES

Poll

Possive pronouns use which hand shape?

• A

• Flat hand

• Index ( 1)

• Number 3

Poll

YOU is signed using which hand shape

• A

• Flat hand

• Index

• 3

Poll

OURSELVES is signed using which hand shape

• A

• Flat hand

• Index

• 3