Introduction to conversationally relevant signs, fingerspelling, grammatical sign principles, and background, cultural, and linguistic information related to deaf people and sign language. The Direct Experience Method is used to help students learn to sign by experiencing the use of signs directly. Some emphasis is on nonmanual communication (visual training, gestures and mime are used to help develop a comfort level for using face, hands and body for communication purposes). Approximately 400 signs are introduced.

3 Class Hours

Review of ASL. Expressive and receptive fingerspelling as well as recall of vocabulary. Sign vocabulary is further organized around basic conversational topics and questions. Sign grammatical principles are expanded and practiced. Approximately 300 signs are introduced.

3 Class Hours; Prerequisite: ASL 120 American Sign Language I.

Additional and expanded topics for conversation are introduced with the associated vocabulary. Variations of signed messages by incorporating different sign principles and mime. More emphasis on conversational fluency in sign. The student will be able to generate increasingly more complex signing structures. Approximately 300 additional signs are introduced.

3 Class Hours; Prerequisite: ASL 220 American Sign Language II.