ASL Grammar #1-10

Rule #10: Negation

Placed at end, after verb. Ex: I don't have money = Money, me have none I can't go to the party = Party, me go can't I never cheat = Me cheat, never!

Rule #6 Pronominalization

In ASL, personal pronouns (me, she/he, you, us, them) can indicate possession by changing the handshape from an index finger to a flat hand (a version of a "b" palm) to become (my/mine, her/his, your, we, theirs)

Rule #7: Rhetorical Questions

In a rhetorical question, the signer asks a question and then answers it. Why translates to because. NMS: Raise eyebrows/slight tilt of the head. Ex: I know ASL. = Me know ASL? Yes That man is my ASL teacher. = Large man, who, my ASL teacher.

Rule #1: Topic/ Comment

In a simple topic/comment sentence, the topic is described first followed by the comment. Nonmanual signals: Topic needs grammar (raise eyebrows) Ex: The ASL test is easy = ASL test, easy.

Rule #3: Simple Yes/No questions

In short sentences that ask a question yes/no question, the order of the signs is variable. NMS: eye contact/raise eyebrows/head tilted forward, slight lean. Ex: Changeable Order You sick? = Sick you? You exercise want? = You want exercise? = Want exercise you? = Exercise you want?

Rule #4: Long Yes/No Questions

Long yes/no question use a topic/question format. The question is placed in the end. NMS: eye contact/raise eyebrows/head tilted forward, slight lean Ex: Describe topic (eyebrows), place the sign that is asking the question at or near the end (eyebrows/lean). English - Are you all enjoying learning ASL? ASL - ASL, you all enjoy learn? English - Is that black cat climbing the tree yours? ASL - Cat black, tree climb, your?

Declarative Sentences

-Affirmative Declarative sentences: Sign with a nodding of the head. Example: "I WILL." (I'll do it.) -Negative Declarative sentences: Sign with a shaking of the head.Example: "I can't." -Neutral Declarative sentences: Nonmanual marker: Use a neutral head position and little or no shaking or nodding. Example: INDEX-"I/me" GO STORE. ("I'm going to the store.")

WH Questions Nonmanual Signs

1. Eye contact 2. Lower and squeeze eyebrows together 3. Slight lean/Head tilt

RH Questions Nonmanual Signs

1. Eye contact 2. Raise eyebrows 3. Slight lean/Head tilts

Yes/No Questions Nonmanual Signs

1. Eye contact 2. Raise eyebrows Slight lean/Head tilt

Rule #8: Ordering of Simple Sentences

ASL follows Subject/Object/Verb structure whereas English follows Subject/Verb/Object Ex: I'm going to the park. = Me (s), park (o), go (v) I want to eat cookies. = Me (s), cookies (o), eat(v) want(v)

Rule #5: Information-Seeking Questions (WH Questions)

Simple questions that ask for information have variable structure. ASL uses topic/question format. Questions are placed at or near the end. NMS: eye contact/lower and squeeze eyebrows/ slight lean and head tilt Ex: How old are you? = Old you? Where does he live? = He live where?

Rule #9: Conditional Sentences (If/Then Statements)

The condition is first describe then the outcome of this condition is describe. The conditional clause is always at the beginning of the sentence. Use the sign IF/SUPPOSE. NMS: Raise eyebrows during the "if" part, then use a declarative nod for the "then" part. Ex: English - If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the game. ASL - TOMORROW RAIN? GAME CANCEL. English - If it snows tonight then you will cancel school tomorrow. ASL - Suppose tonight snow, tomorrow you cancel school. English - If you wing the game, your team will be the champions. ASL - If you win game, your team champion

Rule #2: Tense with Time Adverbs

The time adverb is placed at the beginning or near the beginning of a sentence. ASL does not have verb conjugate (to be, as, is , was, am, are). NMS: Time (eyebrows)/topic/comment Ex: English - The sunset was beautiful last night. ASL - Last night, sunset beautiful.