Basic Sign Language

Are you searching for basic sign language words beyond what would normally be used with infants and toddlers? While this site is primarily useful to people wanting to learn about signing with babies and young children, we thought it would be appropriate to provide some common sign language vocabulary for those who are interested in learning some helpful words that can be used to communicate with those who are d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

Though fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) might be a bit more challenging for a hearing person to attain than one might think, many of the signs that make up its vocabulary are iconic - meaning they look like the words or concepts that they represent - and, as such, can be fairly easy to learn. Sometimes all it takes is a signed word or two to make a d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing person feel welcomed or assisted. Knowing how to sign HOW ARE YOU, GOOD MORNING, and NICE TO MEET YOU is a good start and could go a long way in making someone's day.

To help get you started learning some basic sign language vocabulary, we have a basic sign language chart that contains 30 common signs. A link is included to the word located in our video sign language dictionary. Some of the pictures displayed in the chart are from IDRT's Clip and Create 5. We are in the process of updating the chart with our own images so please check back with us soon to view and download the finished product.

Naturally, the best way to learn American Sign Language beyond vocabulary is to learn it from a Deaf person or to take it at a local college or Deaf services organization. Aside from that, though, there are some fantastic resources here on the Web that will help you get your feet wet and provide a very good foundation on basic grammar, syntax and structure. Lifeprint, Handspeak and Start American Sign Language are a few we recommend you visit, but only after you have had the opportunity to view and download our sign language chart!