Lesson Summary

Here is an important ASL tip: don't sign small English words.

By "small words," we mean common English words like:

• am, are, is
• was, were
• a, the
• and

These words are mainly used in English to make sentences grammatically correct but serve as linking words without much meaning themselves.

In ASL, these small words are not signed. You simply omit them and focus on the main concepts you want to convey.

For example:

• English: "The woman is happy."
• ASL: "Woman happy."

In English, "the" and "is" are required for grammar, but in ASL, they are unnecessary. ASL goes for efficiency and clarity, focusing on the "meat" of the message.

Another example:

• English: "How are you?"
• ASL: Sign only "how" and "you" using eyebrows to indicate a WH question.

The word "are" is dropped completely in ASL.

Summary:

• Do not sign small English words like "am," "are," "is," "was," "were," "a," "the," "and" in ASL.
• ASL communication focuses on the main concepts to convey meaning effectively.
• Dropping these small words is natural and grammatically correct in ASL, unlike English.
• Use facial expressions (like raised eyebrows for WH questions) to add meaning beyond the signed words.

This approach helps you sign more naturally and efficiently in ASL.