ASL for Beginners: Mastering Months, Name Signs, and Everyday Use

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to ASL for Beginners
2. How to Sign "Month" in ASL
3. Learning Months of the Year in ASL
4. Understanding ASL Name Signs
5. Practical Tips for Learning ASL
6. Recommended Resources for Beginners
7. Conclusion
8. FAQs

1. Introduction to ASL for Beginners

The art of learning American Sign Language is very rewarding because it allows one to start communicating meaningfully and even connects with the culture. For beginners, mastering foundational concepts in ASL, such as "month," months of the year, and name signs, will build confidence and fluency. Whether it be personal growth, familial communication, or professional need, ASL is a unique way to reach out to the Deaf community.

2. How to Sign "Month" in ASL

The sign for the word "month" in ASL is simple and is done as follows:

• Keep your non-dominant hand up with the index finger pointing upwards.
• Run your dominant hand's index finger down the back of the non-dominant finger.
  

For a visual guide, check out Lifeprint, which has clear demonstrations. This sign is one of those foundational building blocks for describing dates and lengths of time in ASL.

3. Learning Months of the Year in ASL

Basically, months are fingerspelled; however, there are some abbreviations like "JAN" for January and "FEB" for February that many use because it really saves a lot of time. As for learners, it would be more convenient to focus on those common abbreviations first.

Here's how to get started:

• Practice the signs for each month using resources like Start ASL.
• Look at videos on sites like Handspeak for detailed examples.
  

Key phrases include:

• "Last month in ASL": Combine the sign for "last" and the sign for "month."
• "This month in ASL": Use the sign for "month," pointing down to show this is the current month.

4. Understanding ASL Name Signs

Name signs in ASL are personal signs given within the Deaf community. The basis for these is generally the first letter of the person's name and a characteristic of the person the name is referring to. There are two types:

• Descriptive Name Signs: These are signs that describe personal traits or physical characteristics.
• Arbitrary Name Signs: These utilize a handshape representative of the person's name.

For example, the name sign for Vice President Kamala Harris is a combination of her initials and an empowering symbol. Start ASL has put together a great resource on how to understand and use name signs.

5. Practical Tips for Learning ASL

• Consistency is Key: Practice daily to build muscle memory and retain vocabulary.
• Engage with Native Signers: Join local Deaf meetups or online communities to practice conversational ASL.
• Utilize Online Resources: Platforms like Handspeak and ASL Bloom offer beginner-friendly tutorials.

6. Recommended Resources for Beginners

1. Lifeprint: Comprehensive lessons and videos for learners.
2. Start ASL: Structured courses for beginners.
3. Handspeak: Interactive dictionary with videos.
4. Baby Sign Language: Ideal for parents teaching ASL to children.

7. Conclusion

The basics in ASL are to learn "month," months of the year, and name signs. Take to trusted resources, practice them, and these skills will build your confidence to communicate well with the Deaf community. Remember, ASL is not just a language but an atmosphere and relationships. 

8. FAQs

Q1: How would I sign the word "month" in ASL?
Hold your non-dominant hand upright and trace down the back of the index finger with your dominant hand.

Q2: Must I fingerspell all of the months in ASL?
Most months are abbreviated by the first three letters, such as JAN for January. It is a good idea to practice these for ease of communication.

Q3: How do I get an ASL name sign?
Name signs are given to you by members of the Deaf community and generally reflect your personality or something about you.

Q4: Can I learn ASL online?
Yes! Lifeprint and Start ASL are good places to start.