ASL AGLOSS labeling system for American Sign Language

merican ign anguage AS L • Is a visual, gestural, spatial language. • Is a “non-recorded” non-recorded language that cannot be written like standard spoken languages. • Is the natural language used by Deaf people in North America. • Is a rich and unique language and is very different from English.

ASL Gloss Is not ASL in written form. Is not a language at all. Is not a way of making ASL a written language. Is not the only method of “writing” ASL.

ASL Gloss ASL gloss is VERY limited The “ILY” ILY sign (because it uses the three letters I, L, and Y) Can mean four different things: 1. “I love you” 2. AIRPLANE 3. TO-FLY 4. AIRPORT

ASL Gloss Is intended to be used as a TOOL. This tool is used to practice ASL Sentences. These transcriptions are NOT English or ASL, but labels to be used to help learn ASL.

ASL Gloss is usually confined to student use and not used outside the classroom The use of English symbols to write ASL sentences is ONLY intended to help the ASL student.

ASL Gloss The use of English to represent American Sign Language signs is simply a tool— --no writing system for ASL has been adopted by the Deaf community. In fact… Most Deaf do not know what ASL Gloss is, and DON’T use it.

ASL Gloss The sign: Could be represented by the symbol: Meaning students would need to learn a whole new code for their new language. Instead many ASL instructors have chosen to use capitalized English words to represent signs. GAS

ASL Gloss GAS = Note that the use of the English word, GAS, in capitalized letters is only a SYMBOL a label referring to the sign.

ASL Gloss vs. The sign GAS is typically used for automobile or fuel gas. The LOAN SIGN #GAS is used for Natural Gas (stoves or heaters).

Signsare represented by English words in capital letters “called GLOSS”. The gloss for the sign in this picture: GAS (for a car, lawn mower) The gloss for the sign in this picture: DON’T-KNOW It is hyphenated because it is a single ASL concept that requires TWO English words to correctly describe it.

GLOSS (label system) fill in the answers on your worksheet 1. A capitalized word represents a single American Sign Language sign. Example: DEAF GOOD 2. Several capitalized words joined together by hyphens represent a single American Sign Language Sign. Example: DON’T-UNDERSTAND PUT-DOWN 3. Letters joined together by hyphens represent a fingerspelled word or abbreviation. Example: A-N-N-E P-H-I-L-L-I-P

GLOSS (label system) fill in the answers on your worksheet 4. A capitalized word preceded by the symbol, #, represents a lexicalized sign (loan sign). #DOG #YES #NO Example: (Dog, Yes, No) 5. The symbol, + +, indicates that the preceding sign is reduplicated. AGAIN++ DIFFERENT++ Example: There also grammar markers used: 6. Lines above ASL Gloss phrases indicate what Non-Manual grammar is to be used.

GLOSS (label system) fill in the answers on your worksheet ______ y/n _______ SHE TEACHER SHE = Yes/No Question = _______ wh_______ YOU NAME WHAT = WH Question ___ ME DEAF ME Negative = Statement Declarative/ ME STUDENT ME = Positive Statement ___ t __ J-O-H-N, HE TALL HE. = Topic Marker Eyebrows up = Eyebrows down = Headshake = Head Nod = Eyebrows up Watch the demo of the four sentence types.

We will focus on simple statements for now and learn about ASL questions later.

YOUR HOMEWORK…

Use your 10 ABC-1 Sentences (1. 1, 1. 2, 1. 3) Remember 4 are questions 3 have FS names and you may also use negative statements: Write in ASL GLOSS We will do the first few together as a class, then you may work together and help each other. Use a closing signal and write with the correct Gloss Markers. I am not sad. _____n___ (head shake) I SAD I.

Sentences Set 1: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. You are a hearing person. He is nice. They are tired. She is a student. You are all deaf. We are confused. I am happy. You are mad. He is sad. She is a teacher.

Sentences Set 2: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. We are tall She is furious. They are sleepy. He is strong. I was surprised. It is a cool breeze. You are all weak. It is warm. It is light. She is beautiful.