Sign Language American Sign Language 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which handshape is used for the ASL letter 'A'?
- Flat open hand with fingers spread
- Closed fist with thumb resting on the side (Correct answer)
- Index finger pointing upward
- Curved hand with thumb tucked inside
Correct answer: Closed fist with thumb resting on the side
The ASL letter 'A' uses a closed fist with the thumb resting against the side of the hand.
Question 2: What is the term for the space directly in front of the signer's body where most signs are produced?
- Signing zone
- Neutral space (Correct answer)
- Active field
- Contact area
Correct answer: Neutral space
Neutral space is the area in front of the signer's torso where most ASL signs are articulated.
Question 3: In ASL, what does a signer typically do to indicate a yes/no question?
- Raise eyebrows and tilt head forward (Correct answer)
- Lower eyebrows and tilt head back
- Shake head side to side
- Tap the chin twice
Correct answer: Raise eyebrows and tilt head forward
Yes/no questions in ASL are marked by raised eyebrows and a slight forward head tilt.
Question 4: Which parameter of ASL signs refers to the movement of the hand?
- Location
- Handshape
- Movement (Correct answer)
- Palm orientation
Correct answer: Movement
Movement is one of the five main parameters of ASL and describes how the hand moves when producing a sign.
Question 5: What is the ASL sign for 'MOTHER' typically located near?
- The forehead
- The chin (Correct answer)
- The chest
- The shoulder
Correct answer: The chin
The sign MOTHER is made with a '5' handshape tapping the chin, following the convention that family signs on the lower face are female.
Question 6: What is 'initialized signing' in ASL?
- Using only one hand for all signs
- Borrowing a handshape from the first letter of an English word (Correct answer)
- Signing at a faster than normal pace
- Starting every sentence with a topic sign
Correct answer: Borrowing a handshape from the first letter of an English word
Initialized signing uses the handshape of the first letter of the corresponding English word, such as the 'W' handshape for WATER.
Question 7: In ASL, which of the following is a correct way to express negation?
- Fingerspell N-O after every verb
- Shake the head side to side while signing the verb (Correct answer)
- Use an upward palm at the end of the sentence
- Sign STOP before the main verb
Correct answer: Shake the head side to side while signing the verb
Negation in ASL is expressed non-manually by shaking the head side to side simultaneously with the signed verb or predicate.
Sign Language American Sign Language 2
Which handshape is used for the ASL letter 'A'?