Teaching Your Parents American Sign Language (ASL): A Comprehensive Guide

There's no better way to show your family you care than by learning and teaching them American Sign Language (ASL). This guide will walk you through the process of teaching your parents basic sign language for simple greetings and key phrases. Not only does this strengthen your bond, but it also enhances communication for those with hearing impairments.

Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL)

What is ASL? ASL is a visual-gestural language primarily used by the Deaf community in the United States and Canada. It has its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, separate from spoken English. Knowing ASL can greatly improve communication and understanding between you and your parents, especially if one or both of them have hearing difficulties.

Basic Greetings in ASL

Learning and teaching greetings in ASL is the perfect starting point. Greetings lay the foundation for friendly and welcoming interactions, setting a positive tone for further communication.

Welcome

Welcome is a traditional ASL sign for greeting someone. To perform the sign, place your open hand just above your heart, thumb facing out. This sign conveys warmth and sincerity.

Hello / Hi

To sign Hello or Hi, simply move your open hand from chest to ear, indicating the ear as a sound receptor. Alternatively, you can cup your hand and wave it slightly in front of you, mimicking a friendly wave.

Good Morning / Good Afternoon

To sign Good Morning or Good Afternoon, extend your thumb and index finger to form a 'Y' shape. For Good Morning, point towards the sky, and for Good Afternoon, point towards a lower position in front of you, indicating the progress of the day.

Key Phrases in ASL

Beyond greetings, key phrases for everyday situations will help you and your parents engage more effectively. Here are some essential phrases to teach your parents:

sister / brother

To sign sister or brother, gently point sideways with your thumbnail. The movement mimics the side of the family.

thank you

To sign Thank You, cross your thumb over your folded fingers and extend only your thumb. This gesture symbolizes the giving and receiving of goodwill.

love you

To express Love You, interlace your fingers and cup them gently against your chest, heart area. The close proximity to the heart emphasizes the emotional depth of the sign.

The Sign for "Dad" and "Mother"

It's fascinating to note how sign languages, including ASL, use very specific hand and finger movements to convey family relationships. Understanding these signs can be a fun and interactive way to teach your parents about ASL.

Dad

Starting with the hand shape of Dad, make a flat, open palm and place your thumb on your forehead. Extend your other fingers like small feathers, symbolizing someone important and authoritative. This can be a memorable and fun way to teach them about this sign.

Mother

The Mother sign follows a similar structure: use an open palm with your thumb on your chin, rather than the forehead. The position of the thumb is slightly different to indicate a nurturing and protective figure.

Conclusion

Teaching your parents ASL not only enriches your relationship but also promotes inclusivity and communication among family members. By learning ASL together, you can deepen your bond and enhance your ability to communicate effectively, especially in situations where hearing impairments may be a consideration.

Further Learning Resources

For those interested in learning more about ASL, consider exploring online tutorials, signing classes, or ASL dictionaries. Websites like ASLpro, SignWithUs, and Signed Gesture Library (SGL) are excellent resources to help you and your parents master ASL.