Lesson 1 Objectives - Answers 1. Sign numbers 0-1,000
2. Explain the unique number patterns for numbers 1-10, 11-15, 16-19, 20, 21-99, 100-900, and 1,000
handshapes - Answers The production of numbers in American Sign Language is much like fingerspelling.
Making sure that your signs are clear is important to making sure that you are being correctly
understood.
In order to accomplish this, the same rules apply that applied to fingerspelling:
1. Hold your hand up, with elbows bent, palm facing forward.
2. Keep your elbow down, close to your side.
3. Do not jerk or bounce your hand.
number construction - Answers Numbers 0-10:
An image of the ASL handshapes for the numbers 1-10. The corresponding numeral is typed to the left of
the image.
The palm of the hand is facing the viewer for all of the photos.
0: The hand is forming a circle.
1: The index finger is pointing up.
2: The index and middle fingers are pointing up.
3: The thumb, index and middle fingers are pointing out.
, 4: The index, middle, ring, and little fingers are pointing up with the thumb tucked against the palm.
5: The hand is open completely with the fingers spread apart.
6: The index, middle, and ring fingers are pointing up with the thumb and pinky finger pinched together.
7: The thumb and ring finger are pinched together while the remaining fingers are pointing up.
8: The thumb and middle finger are pinched together while the remaining fingers are pointing up.
9: The thumb and index finger are pinched together while the remaining fingers are pointing up.
10: The hand is formed into a fist with just the thumb pointing up.
Refer to the image to learn the correct handshapes for the numbers 0-10. Notice the way the number 3
is made with the thumb and first two fingers. This is probably different from the way you are used to
showing the number 3 on your fingers. To sign the number 10, form a fist and extend your thumb
upward. Move your thumb from left to right 2-3 times.
Usually numbers 1-5 are signed with the palm facing toward you (palm in).
After reviewing the images, practice signing the numbers 0-10.
Numbers 11-15:
The numbers 11-15 are made with your palm facing toward you and tilted back slightly so that your
hand and wrist form an S shape. Sign the numbers by flicking your fingers upwards.