If you've been on the journey of learning ASL, mastering individual signs is just the tip of the iceberg. Today, we're diving deeper into the world of ASL, focusing on the often-overlooked but crucial aspect of ASL word order and sentence structures. This is where your ability to engage in meaningful conversations truly takes shape. Let's elevate your ASL skills to the next level!

The Significance of Sentence Practice in ASL

Learning individual signs is a crucial first step in your ASL journey, but it's just that—a first step. To communicate effectively and fluently in ASL, you need to understand how to arrange those signs into coherent sentences. This involves mastering the ASL word order and understanding the different types of sentences you can form.

ASL Word Order: More Than Just Topic-Comment

One of the most common misconceptions I encounter is the belief that ASL doesn't use Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) sentences. Let's debunk that myth right now: ASL is a rich and complex language with multiple ways to express the same idea, much like English. Many ASL teachers focus on teaching the Topic-Comment sentence structure, not because it's the only way to form a sentence, but because it's a new concept for English-speaking students. However, the most commonly used sentence structure in ASL is actually SVO, just like in English.

The real problem is that so many students only know one way to sign a sentence. For instance, both "CHILDREN I HAVE" and "I HAVE CHILDREN" are correct and communicate the same meaning, but they use different sentence structures. Learning flexibility in ASL word order helps you have richer and more nuanced communication.

Let's look at some other common sentence structures in ASL:

1. Rhetoricals: In ASL, rhetorical questions are used much more than in English. For example, the sentence "I LIKE DOG WHY? FRIENDLY" means "I like dogs because they are friendly."

2. Conditional Sentences: These are sentences that include a condition and a result. In ASL, the condition usually comes first, followed by the result. For example, "YOU STUDY, WILL PASS" translates to "If you study, you will pass."

3. Negations: In ASL, negations often come at the end of the sentence. For example, "I LIKE NOT" means "I don't like that."

4. Questions: In ASL, yes/no questions are usually formed by raising your eyebrows and tilting your head forward, without changing the word order. For example, "YOU COME" with raised eyebrows means "Are you coming?"

5. OSV Structure: Sometimes, ASL uses an Object-Subject-Verb structure for emphasis. For example, "APPLES I EAT" puts emphasis on the object, apples.

The Role of Non-Manual Markers

In ASL, facial expressions and other non-manual markers play a very important role in sentence formation. For example, shaking your head while signing shows negation, while raised eyebrows indicate a question. These non-manual markers add another layer of complexity to ASL sentence structures and are essential for clear communication.

Practical Application: Integrating Vocabulary into Sentences

Learning a new sign is always exciting, but the real challenge lies in incorporating that vocabulary into your everyday conversations in ASL. For example, if you've just learned the sign for "happy," try using it in different sentence structures:

• Statement: "I HAPPY"
• Question with raised eyebrows: "YOU HAPPY?"
• Conditional: "SUNNY DAY, I HAPPY"
• Negation: "I HAPPY NOT"

By practicing like this, you're not just memorizing signs; you're learning how to use them in context, which is key to becoming fluent in ASL.

Advanced Learning: Take Your Skills to the Next Level

Mastering language-based goals in ASL involves much more than just learning new signs. It requires a deep understanding of ASL word order and diverse sentence structures. By focusing on these aspects, you'll be well on your way to becoming a proficient ASL user.

If you're committed to becoming fluent in ASL, I highly recommend diving deeper into the details of ASL grammar and sentence structures. Wierman Study Center ASL courses are designed to provide you with a comprehensive training in ASL grammar fundamentals, helping you go from beginner to intermediate level and prepare for more advanced classes. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, there's a course here to meet your needs.