I’ve been watching Arthur with asl interpretations (it’s free on youtube. plus bonus points for nostalgia!) and I’m trying to understand why the interpreter seems to sign “understand.” I’m aware that ASL is different from English grammar but even so, I don’t quite get why he signed the word here. Or maybe it means something completely different in this context. Can someone explain this to me?

“I love it here but last week I thought they’d never let me come into the library again!”

So I'm going to try to make this as concise as I can. I'm a hearing mom who started learning ASL for my son, who is also hearing but has Apraxia. In the process of learning, I met a wonderful man who is deaf. I fell for him and we've been dating.

Anyways, my son and I are Jewish, and I've invited my non-Jewish, deaf boyfriend to celebrate Hanukkah with us. It's my favorite holiday (yes I know this is corny of me) and I want him to fall in love with everything I like about it. The candle-lighting, the food, playing dreidel, and the blessings and songs. But, obviously, he is deaf.

I'm looking for help with learning how to sign the Hanukkah blessings and at least one Hanukkah song. And while you're here, maybe you could help point me to resources to learn to sign the shabbat blessings, too? ​

Thanks chaverim

My daughter is struggling with one word in this phrase / sentence, any help is appreciated!
Also, any ideas for future ad hoc help, we fumble through online descriptions & googling but sometimes hit a wall.... her class is online & support / hel pis limited.

We are pretty sure it starts with:
TODAY (or NOW): Form both hands into the Y handshape (thumb and pinky extended, middle three fingers curled in). Palms face up/toward you. Move both hands downward simultaneously in two short, distinct drops.

YOU: Point your dominant index finger directly forward at the person you are talking to. Keep your facial expression neutral.

Then the one we can't figure out, ( I though ARGUE), its not game either.... Form both hands into the "pistol" shape (index fingers extended pointing at each other, thumbs pointing straight up). Leave a few inches of space between your fingertips and sharply shake or bounce both hands up and down alternatingly. THE OFFSET & UPWARD MOTION MAKE IT CONFUSING TOO.

WHERE: ◦ Hold your dominant hand up with your index finger pointing straight to the ceiling (palm facing forward). Wag or shake that single finger back and forth from side to side.
Facial Grammar (Crucial): Because "Where" is a WH-question, you must furrow your eyebrows (scrunch them down) and tilt your head slightly forward as you execute this final sign.

Appreciate any help or advice!!

Hello. I'm from the Philippines. I can hear and talk but I want to learn ASL, I'm learning thru watching TikTok and YouTube videos. I'm curious, what book should I buy online? There are so many brands and authors, idk what to buy. I hope y'all can help me. ❤️

I am starting an ASL AA degree this spring. I took dual enrollment ASL classes in 2018 during high school, and then pivoted careers. Im back in school to learn more about ASL, and my college is still accepting the transcripts, which means I don’t technically need to take ASL 101 and 102. It’s been a while, I still have a good bit of retention, but I’m concerned about the gap of education.

How highly do you recommend I retake them? I’d be learning from a deaf instructor this time around, whereas my former instructor was hearing, so that’s incentive to retake. But I also don’t want to spend more money than is necessary as I am paying out of pocket.

I apologize if this is a stupid question, please be kind with your advice! Your insight is very appreciated :)