Signing Savvy, Your Sign Language Resource

American Sign Language (ASL) is a full, natural language that has developed through use. Read the article to learn more about ASLs complex and interesting characteristics and its relationship to Deaf culture.

This article is part of our “Signs That Are Close... But Not the Same” series, which highlights signs that look similar, but have different meanings. The signs discussed in this article are all from the alphabet: (1) A vs. S vs. T, (2) A vs. E, (3) E vs. O vs. C, (4) P vs. K, (5) 1 vs. D vs. K, (6) G vs. H vs. Q vs. U vs. N, (7) N vs. M, (8) R vs. U, and (9) J vs. Z

After a historical protest, I. King Jordan was named the 1st deaf president of the only liberal arts university for deaf students, Gallaudet University.

As an actor on Sesame Street, Linda Bove had the longest-recurring role in television history for a deaf actor. Her influence helped many around the world take an interest in sign language and learn more about Deaf culture.

This article is part of our “Signs That Are Close... But Not the Same” series, which highlights signs that look similar, but have different meanings. The signs discussed in this article include (1) Type vs. Piano, (2) Pencil vs. Write, (3) Ice Cream vs. Microphone, (4) Telephone vs. Cell Phone, (5) Telephone vs. Call, and (6) Tree vs. Deaf Applause.

This article is part of our “Signs That Are Close... But Not the Same” series, which highlights signs that look similar, but have different meanings. The signs discussed in this article include (1) Decide vs. Court, (2) Supervise vs. Take Care Of, (3) Shoes vs. Advertise, (4) Awkward vs. Walk Fast, and (5) Race vs. Game.

We get this question all the time, "How do you sign _____?" It is easily the most common question anyone asks. However, it can be a tough question to answer because there isn’t a direct translation for every English word. Figuring out the meaning and context of what someone is trying to communicate is the key to picking the right sign (or signs) to use. So if you provide context when asking the question "How do you sign…" you are much more likely to get an accurate answer. Remember, when in doubt, you should fingerspell the word. 

This Interpreter Q & A ask: If the Deaf client isn’t paying attention, should the interpreter keep signing as normal? This article is part of our "Dear BC, Interpreter Q & A” series, which answers questions on interpreting and Deaf culture from multiple perspectives.

This article is part of our “Signs That Are Close... But Not the Same” series, which highlights signs that look similar, but have different meanings. The signs discussed in this article include (1) THILLED vs. EXCITED, (2) PRINT vs. NEWSPAPER, (3) SOLD vs. SELLING, (4) SIGNATURE vs. CONTRACT, and (5) GOVERNMENT vs. FEDERAL.