Foundations of American Sign Language and Deaf Culture

Learning sign language is a powerful way to foster inclusion and connect with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This structured text-based guide introduces you to the core principles of American Sign Language (ASL) through clear, descriptive explanations and written practice. By studying this course, you will understand how to form signs, use proper facial grammar, and build a foundational vocabulary for everyday conversations. What you'll learn: - Learn the ASL manual alphabet and numbers to confidently fingerspell words and names. - Understand the five parameters of a sign, including handshape, location, movement, and orientation. - Build a foundational vocabulary of common signs, including contemporary terms for modern technology and daily life. - Apply basic grammatical rules, such as topic-comment structure and non-manual markers. - Explore Deaf culture, history, and modern etiquette to ensure respectful and inclusive communication. - Practice translating written English concepts into ASL syntax through structured exercises. The course begins with essential terminology and the historical context of ASL, moving systematically through fingerspelling, core vocabulary, and conversational grammar patterns. This course is designed specifically for absolute beginners with no prior experience in sign language. Start your journey toward meaningful, barrier-free communication today.