u/the-asl-shop

Several of you were curious about lexicalized fingerspelling, so I thought I’d share another mini lesson that explains one small part of it.

This video shows why signs like FLOUR, JURY, BURN, and OVEN don’t always look exactly like “textbook” fingerspelling. These changes aren’t random; they’re part of how the language naturally flows.

This is just one small piece of lexicalized fingerspelling, but I hope it helps answer some of the questions that came up.

As always, if anything is unclear or you’re curious about another topic, let me know. I love seeing your questions because they often inspire the next lesson!

One of the biggest differences in ASL is that your face is part of the grammar. For yes/no questions, you raise your eyebrows for the entire question, not just one word. That’s what tells the other person you’re asking a question.

Transcript in the comments for anyone interested.

Transcript: Now, it's time for...

A mini lesson

Today, I will teach you negations.

Before I go into detail,

I want you to keep in mind that ASL structure,

word order and grammar can fluctuate within sentences.

Typically, the negation is at the end.

I’ll give you an example!

“I do not have children.”

Remember, the negation will be at the end.

So, let me show you in ASL.

CHILDREN I HAVE, NONE

(Side note: Shake your head at the end to indicate negation.)

Did you see how I started with the topic, CHILDREN?

Then, the comment.

And ended with the negation.

Here's another example.

BARBIE MOVIE I WATCH, NOT-YET

(Side note: Shake your head at the end to indicate negation.)

Last one!

HOMEWORK (I) DON'T-UNDERSTAND

Did you see how I added non-manual markers during the negation?

I didn't sign "DON'T."

Watch this again!

HOMEWORK (I) DON'T-UNDERSTAND

(Side note: Shake your head at the end to indicate negation.)

Those are a few examples.

As a new signer who is learning,

it's important to develop a SOLID foundation.

Then later, you will know how to modify

the language's order structure and rules.

I hope this helps!

Transcript:

Today is Friday, Fingerspelling Friday!

I will spell 4 words related to making pizza!

You ready?

Regular Pace

Now, again but slower.

Slower Pace

Comment your answers below!

Thank you again for all the suggestions on what you would find most helpful here. Several of you mentioned grammar, syntax, and sentence structure, so I thought I’d share an older mini-lesson on negations.

Transcript in the comments for anyone interested.

Transcript: Hi everyone! I’m Stephanie.

I’ve been enjoying the conversations here and wanted to introduce myself.

I’m Deaf, earned my master’s degree in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University, and have spent my career teaching ASL and Deaf culture. Over the years, I’ve worked with universities, organizations, schools, and communities across the country.

I founded The ASL Shop because I believe the best way to learn ASL is to use it. Too many people want to learn but don’t have enough opportunities to practice, build confidence, and connect with others. That’s why we built a Deaf-led learning community where people can learn, practice, and grow together.

Today, more than 175k learners are exploring ASL and Deaf culture through The ASL Shop.

As we’re getting settled here on Reddit, I’d love to hear from you.

What would be most helpful?

• ASL vocabulary?
 • Deaf culture?
 • Everyday conversations?
 • Common mistakes new signers make?
 • Questions about Deaf life?

Or something else entirely?

Looking forward to learning more about this community and connecting with you all. 

Transcript: What’s happening right now?
The Stanley Cup Playoffs start today!
I’ll show you some hockey-related signs!
HOCKEY
REFEREE
PLAYER
ICE-SKATE
GOALIE
ICE
PENALTY
WIN
LOSE (first variation)
LOSE (second variation)
FIGHT

VD: Sammy, a white woman, is standing outdoors in front of a hockey net set up in a driveway. Behind her is a garage door. She is wearing a green sweatshirt with bold text that reads “Minnesota WILD,” along with the team’s logo. Her hair is styled in a short, softly wavy bob. At the beginning of the reel, she is holding a hockey stick, and the rest of the reel continues without the hockey stick.

📌 Transcript:
RUN
This has many meanings in English.
As well as many different ASL signs.
Today, I'll teach you this!
RUN (jog)
I enjoy exercising,
however, I absolutely hate running.
RUN (escape)
The criminal is on the run! 
RUN (function)
Today, my car is running fine.
RUN (manage)
Do you see that woman?
She's now in charge of running the office!
RUN (fluid)
When I'm sick,
I get fed up with having a runny nose.
RUN (rip/tear)
My tights have a run in them!
See how many different signs there are for "run"?
Always look for the context!

📌 VD: Stephanie, a white woman, stands against a busy, blurred background where a kitchen countertop is visible on her right and two doors on her left. She is wearing a short-sleeve burnt red corduroy jumpsuit. Her hair is styled down with a middle part, and she accessorizes with a subtle bar necklace. The setting features a wooden floor with a rug on the right.