Sign Language Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Sign Language facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What does widened eyes paired with raised brows modify in ASL when used as a non-manual marker? → Adjectives or adverbs to intensify their meaning
2. In ASL, where is time typically established in a sentence? → At the beginning of the sentence
3. What is 'Deaf Gain'? → The idea that Deaf people and sign languages contribute unique value to humanity
4. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires what for Deaf individuals in workplaces? → Employers must provide reasonable accommodations, including sign language interpreters
5. What does 'open captioning' mean? → Permanent captions visible to all viewers that cannot be turned off
6. What is the role of 'indexing' (pointing) in ASL grammar? → It establishes or refers to a referent in signing space
7. How is the number 100 signed in ASL? → Sign 1 followed by the letter C
8. What is the role of a 'Certified Deaf Interpreter' (CDI)? → A Deaf person who is certified to interpret between ASL and spoken English
9. What was the Milan Conference of 1880 known for in Deaf history? → A resolution banning sign language in schools in favor of oral methods
10. How do non-manual markers contribute to the prosody of ASL? → They mark sentence boundaries, stress, and rhythmic patterns in signing
11. How is 'NIGHT' signed in ASL? → Cover one hand with the other and tilt both downward
12. How do you sign 'MORNING' in ASL? → Bend the forearm upward from the elbow like a rising sun
13. Which of the following is an example of a non-manual marker indicating negation in ASL? → A sideways head shake produced simultaneously with the signed statement
14. What does the term 'CODA' stand for in the Deaf community? → Child Of Deaf Adults
15. What does this sign in the image mean? → 8
16. In ASL, how are numbers 1-5 typically oriented when counting? → Palm facing outward away from the signer
17. How is 'NOON' (12:00 PM) typically signed in ASL? → Hold the dominant forearm straight up vertically on the non-dominant palm
18. What does it mean for a Deaf person to be 'late-deafened'? → A person who lost their hearing after developing spoken language, usually in adulthood
19. What is the 'cs' (cheeks sucked in) mouth morpheme used to indicate in ASL? → Something small, thin, narrow, or done with precision
20. What does this sign in the image mean? → K
21. Under the ADA, which entities are required to provide effective communication for Deaf individuals? → State and local government entities, businesses, and nonprofits open to the public
22. What is the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)? → An international organization representing national associations of Deaf people worldwide
23. What does this sign in the image mean? → V
24. How is 'TOMORROW' signed in ASL? → Move the thumb forward from the chin or cheek
25. What does 'palm orientation' refer to as a parameter of ASL signs? → Which direction the palm faces during a sign
26. What does the 'oo' mouth morpheme (pursed, rounded lips) typically indicate in ASL? → Something small, careful, or done with precision
27. What are the 'Deaflympics'? → An international multi-sport event for Deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes
28. In ASL, what do non-manual markers (NMMs) primarily refer to? → Facial expressions, mouth movements, and body posture
29. What is a 'tactile sign language' and who uses it? → Sign language communicated through touch, used by DeafBlind individuals
30. What facial expression marks a wh- question (who, what, where, when, why, how) in ASL? → Furrowed brows