ASL Flashcards: Communication Basics

Dexis: Pointing using the index finger to indicate specific references.
Eye Contact: Important for communication; signifies attention, but do not stare. If necessary to look away, signal with "hold on."
Closing Signal: Essential to complete sentences in ASL; sentences without them are deemed incomplete.
One Word Responses: There are no true one-word answers in ASL; all responses require additional context.
Introduction: When introducing, always include both first and last names.
Names in Fingerspelling: No need to sign the last name; simply pause before continuing.
Attracting Attention: Use waving, tapping, or an intermediary to gain attention.
Voices: Always sign when a deaf individual is present to ensure full inclusion.
Question Maker Face: Specific facial expressions, like scrunching the face and furrowing brows, indicate a question.
Talking While Signing: Do not mix spoken English and ASL; silent communication may occur for the benefit of hearing individuals present.

Eye Gaze: Maintains reference to the subject or object being discussed.
Deaf Children and Parents: Only 10% of deaf individuals have deaf parents, while 90% have hearing parents.
History of ASL in Schools: The use of sign language has faced suppression throughout history.
ASL vs. English: ASL should not be translated word-for-word from English; it relies on visual cues.
Grammar and Syntax Differences: ASL incorporates the meanings of small words within signs inherently.
Non-Manual Signals (NMS): Include facial expressions and body language to convey nuanced meanings.

Deaf Culture: Encompasses unique values, social norms, and a storytelling tradition within the deaf community.
Coda: Refers to Children of Deaf Adults, preserving ASL as their primary language.
Community Support: Deaf cultural networks provide mutual support and share common goals.
Deaf World: Represents the cultural environment and behavioral norms among the Deaf community.
Friendship Patterns: Lifelong bonds establish a deep sense of belonging, often initiated through shared experiences in educational settings.

Classifiers: Hand shapes that detail the concept within a sign, offering visual representation of characteristics.
Listing and Ordering Technique: Involves forming a physical list using the non-dominant hand, while signing information with the dominant hand.
Time Signs: Should be placed at the beginning or end of sentences, clarifying temporal context.
Initialization: Integrates a finger-spelled letter into the sign to create meanings linked to the root sign.

Manual Education: Focuses on sign language as the primary instructional method.
Oral Education: Emphasizes developing spoken communication skills and lip-reading.
Mainstreaming: Deaf students may attend local public schools with interpreter support.

Variations: Signs exhibit slight differences based on regional or cultural contexts.
Iconic Signs: Some ASL signs appear similar in English; these are naturally understood across languages.
Age Spot: Sign age by placing a number sign at a specified face location before moving it away from the chin.

Truth about Name Signs: False claim that individuals with the same name share the same name sign.
Deaf people's Writing Style: Contrary to belief, they do not typically write in gloss.
Facial Expressions in Questions: True that raised eyebrows indicate an upcoming question.

Equal Access: Legal requirements enforce equal access to information and services for all individuals, reinforcing the importance of working within inclusive frameworks.
Deaf Population: The highest concentration of deaf individuals is found in larger cities, particularly Rochester, NY.

Getting Attention: Avoid inappropriate ways to secure attention, such as grasping someone’s hand.
Cultural Norms: Contrary to misconceptions, it is not rude to point in deaf culture; maintaining eye contact is crucial for effective communication.