Lesson for American Sign Language Numbers 1 - 20 (ASL, counting)

[marthayosoy]

Thank you for the videos. They are a great resource.

[alisoncs91]

Thanks for posting this. Watching it was good practice for recognizing numbers for my ASL 2 class.

[LeaCullen1681]

Slow it down a bit. Going a smidge too fast

[aslfingers01]

Hi Rob... Brenda D...checking in to copy your site link for my FS students (new group)...love your delivery (showing right and wrong ways)... Good job, friend.

[BYUFanatic]

@aslfingers01 Hey Brenda! Definitely feel free to use this for your students all you want. Just make sure not to modify it in any way. Have fun!

[hieirocks16]

Thanks a lot :) This is so helpful to those of us who are self teaching.

[BYUFanatic]

@hieirocks16 You're very welcome.

[keiratrinidad]

@BYUFanatic Hey your videos are really very helpful =) but stupid question.....I'm from the caribbean and i was wondering if the sign language here would be different from american sign language because i'm not finding anything on "caribbean sign language".

[BYUFanatic]

@keiratrinidad Hi there! There definitely is a Caribbean Sign Language. There's also a Jamaican Sign Language and for those areas that speak English, ASL is apparently also commonly used.

[keiratrinidad]

@BYUFanatic Thanks a lot!! =)

[BafflinBook]

Is facial expression very important in sign language??

[BYUFanatic]

@BafflinBook Hi! Yes, In ASL, using expressions (often known as NMS - non-manual signals) is a required part of the language. Entire meanings can be changed based on NMS.

[so0seductiv3e]

thank you for posting this, I forgot some of the numbers from my ASL class and this video helped me remember them :)))

[BYUFanatic]

@so0seductiv3e Glad I could help.

[feltingmom]

Thank you, this is helpful. How about all the way to 100?

[BYUFanatic]

@feltingmom Eventually I'll have the videos done for numbers into the thousands/millions.

[pbjfernandes]

Awesome video! Thank you.

[BYUFanatic]

@pbjfernandes You're welcome!

[MrJkaffaga]

Very well taught! Thanks! :)

[BYUFanatic]

@MrJkaffaga Thank you.

[iloveband08]

So 20 is "no" but with only one finger?

[BYUFanatic]

@iloveband08 Think of "20" as this... it's a shortened version of 2 and 0. For 20-29, the "2" is the thumb and index finger (think of the letter "L"). So, you're signing "2" (like "L") and then "0." Over the years, it got shortened to what you see in the video.

[monkeyrat777]

this really helped me i wanna this ASL and i like this better then your other video when you were tired lol

[BYUFanatic]

@monkeyrat777 Thanks. That video is just horrible. Ha ha. Eventually I'll remove it.

[cardonaz]

Loved it. It was also fun and clear. Thank you!

[BYUFanatic]

@cardonaz Glad you liked it!

[robinstruempler]

i liked it~ thanks for posting!

[cindyblokzijl]

You have good expression on your face! Hehe. Thanks for the vid! :) I'm learning ASL (even though I'm Dutch) and hearing

[BYUFanatic]

@cindyblokzijl Good for you! Hope you enjoy learning ASL.

[symmylynn]

I know this may sound stupid.. but for 1-10 why cant you just hold up your fingers? And if you did that to a deaf person, would they understand?

[BYUFanatic]

@symmylynn Good question. Yes, you could just hold up "x" number of fingers and anyone (Deaf or hearing) would understand. However, in ASL, the numbers 0 through 999 can all be done on one hand. Cool eh?

[petoskystone61]

@symmylynn - As I am learning in my ASL class it means different things if you do that. You can't think of ASL as English signed, it is it's own language. Page numbers and years are signed differently.

[Daninater]

Thanks for posting this video. I realize important to sign clearly, but when I'm learning numbers for the first time it's confusing to see the incorrect ways to sign right beside the correct ways, especially when I'm mimicking your every gesture. I think it would be better to see one clear example. But that's just my input. Thanks again.

[BYUFanatic]

@Daninater Once you learn the numbers, you're welcome to check out the "review." That video covers the numbers from start to finish (signed correctly, without pointing out errors). Simply find that video on my channel.

[rodusjordy]

thank you for this post! It was very clear to me :)

[BYUFanatic]

@rodusjordy You're very welcome. :)

[Rieyeciu]

I'm sorry to say but the number threw 15-20 are done different from what I learn in college. I know most people don't know the right way of doing those signs like you was showing. But it get the same message across but it will not the right way.

[BYUFanatic]

@Rieyeciu The numbers I signed are correct. There are variations on how to sign 16 through 19, however, the signs I presented here are accurate.

[rosieposietosie123]

Hello there, I am British and deaf but am interested in learning American Sign Language and I think your videos are very clear and easy to learn. I have a question though: when signing a number ie 18 to someone, what if the person thinks I mean two seperate numbers like 1 and 8 not 18 because they both are the same?? Thanks

[BYUFanatic]

@rosieposietosie123 Hi! The numbers 1, 8, and 18 are very different. ONE is done with the palm facing towards you. EIGHTEEN is different because it is a "compound" sign (combines TEN and EIGHT). Basically practice and familiarity are important for being able to spot the differences. *smile*

[Kannon12]

This is horribly complicated. The German is much easier. It uses both hands though.

[LauraLynn1128]

I am really enjoying your videos. I just found you today. I have my first test tonight in Interpreting from Sign-to-Voice, so I have been cruising the 'net today watching as many different signers as I can find! Your videos are great. I'll definitely be back. Love the fingerspelling practice. More! More! More! Bravo! =)

[BYUFanatic]

@LauraLynn1128 Glad you found my channel. Hope you did well on your test!

[aRtfReak6]

this is awesome! thanks

[BYUFanatic]

@aRtfReak6 You're very welcome. Glad you like!

[jmari50]

it's too fast to catch and go along with :s

[BYUFanatic]

@jmari50 Watch it over and over. It'll come to you eventually.

[jmari50]

@BYUFanatic yeah for sure the thing behind me learning sign language is that I have an idea to help deaf with a computer programming solution that's why I'm collecting every information that could lead me to my purpose . thank you for the advice :)

[Dream4Ever129]

Thank you for clearing that up :)

[Dream4Ever129]

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't the ASL number 9 the same as the ASL letter "F"?

[BYUFanatic]

@Dream4Ever129 They are very similar. There can be various differences (such as tapping the finger and thumb together for "9" and holding the nail of the index finger in "F." Also the "9" could be flatter with the "F" more rounded) but the main way to tell them apart is context. When fingerspelling a name, you'll know it's not a "9" and when giving a phone number you'll know it's not an "F." *smile*

[KiaGirl9]

is it supposed to have a song? because my teacher posted for our snow day:: Everyone watch this sign language video. It's a review of numbers 1-20. Sign along with the video to make sure you understand how to form each number sign.

[BYUFanatic]

@KiaGirl9 LOL. Read your teacher's comment carefully: "SIGN along with the video." (Not SING.) *grin* Cute. Made me laugh. Good luck reviewing with the video!

[KiaGirl9]

@BYUFanatic Thank you for pointing that out to me!! I am such a fail!!

[pobox3282]

@KiaGirl9 lol hi haley :)

[KiaGirl9]

is it supposed to have a song?

[pobox3282]

@KiaGirl9 Haley he already replied to your comment.

[AlcoholLevel]

can you please make a video for number 1000-9999 ?

[Robaojuvec]

Esse cara é brasileiro em. Parabns camarada, seu video ta mui bom.

[BYUFanatic]

@Robaojuvec muito obrigado

[Lea76s]

This answer may be obvious but when you sort of wiggle your finger on for example 14 do you wiggle them four small times or for 15 do you wiggle them five small times?

[BYUFanatic]

@Lea76s Hi! Nope. Watch the thumb position when doing 14 and 15. Generally "wiggling" the fingers twice is normally how it's done.

[sharpie1480]

THANK YOU!!!

[Titi0980]

I love your videos! One question, I struggle trying to sign number 6 and sixteen because my ring finger would not stay. It bends as I bend my little finger. Can I hold my little finger with my thumb? And also another question, can I use my dominant hand to sign? Thanks for all your lessons!

[BYUFanatic]

@Titi0980 Glad you like the videos! It's ok if your ring finger doesn't stick straight up. It's the thumb to the pinkie that counts most. Yes, you can hold your pinkie with your thumb if you need to. And always use your dominant hand. :)

[BravoAlphaa]

thank you

[BYUFanatic]

@BravoAlphaa You are very welcome! :)

[BYUFanatic]

@BravoAlphaa VERY welcome! *smile*

[Goseango999]

thx

[BYUFanatic]

@Goseango999 You're welcome!

[katrin9315]

I love your facial expressions and how you show the correct and incorrect way. I am ready for more numbers- 20-30 seems some what confusing.

[BYUFanatic]

@katrin9315 Additional numbers videos are in the works. *smile* Glad you enjoy my expressions and learning how to sign the numbers correctly.

[Banerika]

@BYUFanatic, great! I need to practice 20-100. Please do make more numbers videos!

[lucyalyce]

This is so helpful! I have a son who was born HOH, and I am struggling with learning ASL. I appreciate that you show us the correct finger positioning!

[BYUFanatic]

@lucyalyce You're very welcome. Glad you found the video helpful!

[jaytalex10]

I have know some Deaf people who do 1-5 facing out... Could this be a regional difference?

[BYUFanatic]

@jaytalex10 Could be a number of reasons. If you're signing a phone number or house number, for example, your palm would face outward. (Because the numbers would be part of a larger group of numbers.) For compound signs (such as telling time or giving the age of a child) the palm is also outward. But for simple number designations for the numbers 1-5, the Deaf population as a whole signs it with the palm facing inwards. Palm out is not a regional variation. Good question, thanks for asking.

[jaytalex10]

@BYUFanatic oh ok thanks for the reply!

[cancermoss892]

way better than ur first one i must say :) lol

[BYUFanatic]

@cancermoss892 Agreed! Ha ha. My first one was done after a long day of teaching and I was exhausted because of little sleep the night before (was working on my Master's degree at the time as well). Glad you like this one. *grin*

[phaserbeamoflight]

there are other videos of signers, with their palm faces the viewer. And you made a big deal about what direction the palm should be facing, will other signers understand if you have different palm directions?

[BYUFanatic]

@phaserbeamoflight Hi! Palm direction is important. Thus, I point it out in my video so that you can avoid making a common mistake by those learning the language. Careful what you watch in other videos. There's quite a few of them out there and most of them have lots of errors.

[JesusLovesMe32]

omg i just realized something !!death people cant listen to music =[

[BYUFanatic]

@JesusLovesMe32 That's true. People who are dead would have a difficult time listening to music.

However, just because one is deaf doesn't mean they don't enjoy music. I enjoy going to my daughter's school dances and standing in front of the speakers.

[canadiansnugglebunny]

Thank you for posting this video, it was a great resource for me while learning my numbers.. cheers!

[FoohyPink]

Thanks for the video I'm taking ASL 1 and I have a test of 1-30 and it help a lot to see the signs deing made, it sometimes hard to understand the pictures from the book but thise way it helps a lot.

[BYUFanatic]

@FoohyPink Glad my video was helpful. So how did you do on the test? *smile*

[FoohyPink]

@BYUFanatic Really good actually I learn my numbers, Thanks again for the video!

[MydieLy]

Thanks so much for these videos, you really make it look fun, and without all that talking around that people who are deaf can't understand anyway :P

I have a friend who's mute but not deaf, and she 'said' ( :) ) I should look out for some sign lessons on YT, and so I stumbled over you!

question: Are you left-handed or why are you signing with the left hand?

[BYUFanatic]

@MydieLy Glad you found me and glad you find my videos helpful. *smile* To answer your question - I am left-handed. So simply use the hand that is your "dominant" hand. Careful with learning signs from YouTube. There are a LOT of really bad videos out there (and very few good ones).

[ilyuafvr]

Your videos are amazing. I like that you don't waste your time on nonsense and get straight to the point. I had always done 1-5 with the palm facing inward as well but wondered if doing it outward was okay. I now see that I should avoid doing that. I know that there are a lot of videos with mistakes out there but I think that even though that person is trying to teach, it is better to get the right information the first time around and avoid bad habits that will be hard to fix later on.

[BYUFanatic]

@ilyuafvr Thank you much. I'm glad you like the videos. That's one thing I specifically try to do is to help students avoid common errors by pointing them out. And you're right about avoiding bad habits (and avoiding videos that teach incorrect signs). *smile*

[TheSmilingRedApples]

thx so much mr.nielson ive been searchon for so many videos but yours is like110% more helpful and clearer!!!

[BYUFanatic]

@TheSmilingRedApples There are definitely a LOT of "signing" videos out there. Unfortunately a lot of them are garbage (basically the ones created by ASL students posing as teachers). Avoid them as most, if not all, are full of errors and misinformation. Glad you found my videos helpful!

[lilmimi250]

This Helps alot!! thanks

[jadenissohot]

yeh me too, i can now sign , play , ball, tv, mum, dad , boy, girl, no, yes, coat and also , i can sign the alphabet and numbers 1-20

thank you soo , much u really helped, i wanna hav it all completly learned by the time im in university, thats gonna b in like 3 years

[BYUFanatic]

Good job! Now try to make sure you're learning the signs in context and not just a list of vocabulary words. ASL is very different from English and so it's important to learn the signs in context. *smile* Good luck with learning ASL!

[jadenissohot]

thanks i will :), its difficult at first but once u get the basics it gets easier

[HameronIsLove]

Thank you very much. :]

I just started learning sign language -- today, actually. I've found your videos very helpful.

[BYUFanatic]

You're very welcome! Glad you find the videos helpful.

[NerrissCullen]

thx, that was sooo helpful. thx so much!!

[BYUFanatic]

You are most welcome. Glad you liked it.

[sbeadle19]

This video was so helpful!! thank you SO much! :)

[BYUFanatic]

You are VERY welcome. :-)

[060515657]

thank you! very clear and informative, and the video quality is very good.

very professional. thank you!

(although it will take time to get used to the 6-9 figures.. we sign it so differently!)

[BYUFanatic]

Lots of practice will help for sure. *smile* Glad you like the videos. Thanks for the compliments!

[themeteorpolice]

This video is so good. I was laughing like crazy because I was doing all the wrong things that you pointed out. Now I know better. Thanks!

[BYUFanatic]

Ha ha. Yep. I've had people tell me that before. Glad you've got it figured out now! *smile*

[allanechambers]

Isn't 9 an F.

are they the same when you sign?

[BYUFanatic]

9 and F look very similar. You tell them apart by the context of what you're saying. You wouldn't say, "Hi, my name is J-E-9-9" would you? *smile*

[BYUFanatic]

You're very welcome! Glad you like it. Feel free to check out my website!

[simplayaj]

ahhh my brain hurts

[BYUFanatic]

Put your brain on some ice. That'll help with the pain. *grin*

[simplayaj]

lol I doubt it'll help me learn sign language

[DasTuppen]

i think 13 and 14 are hard....my hand doesnt want to bend like that

[BYUFanatic]

That's ok. Just do the best you can.

[naugotwolf]

much better. Now I know

[BYUFanatic]

@naugotwolf Yep. Amazing how a "teaching" video goes much more in-depth than an "introduction/welcome" video eh? *grin*

[whiteouturzipper]

ive seen some people sign 16-19 differently they use the six sign then rotate it back and forth for 16 and the seven sign is also rotated and etc. is that right also???

[BYUFanatic]

Yes, for 16 throu 19 you can "shake" the last digit (6, 7, 8, 9) and drop the "10." This is a more casual way of signing it and can easily be confused with 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th to the unpracticed eye.

[fghjhgf99]

Mm, does it really matter with which hand you have to show # signs? You are using left hand, seen some people do it with right hand... there is a difference?

Thank you.

[BYUFanatic]

Everyone doing it right-handed is WRONG! *grin* Just kidding.

You should use your "dominant" hand. I happen to be left-handed, thus my left hand is my "dominant" hand. If you're right-handed, you should use your right hand.

[fghjhgf99]

Oh, amazing, thank you very much! =P

[BYUFanatic]

You're very welcome.

[marquila2007]

rock

goooooooooooooooooo slower goshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh­hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh­hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh­hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh­hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh­hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh­hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh­hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh­hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh­hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh­hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh­hhhh

[BYUFanatic]

Simply pause and go back as needed. *smile*

[kenvng]

This is awesome. I like the way you teach. Great video. I am interested in learning ASL. You know a good school in or around Boston MA? Thanks. Keep up the good work sir.

[browser5796]

Try Cambridge Center for Adult Education

42 Brattle Street

Cambridge, MA

[stephaniezamazing]

so i was on a bus the other day and there was this deaf lady who couldnt really talk and she was trying to ask me a question but it took me a while to figure it out. she was also doing hand motions when she was speaking. i felt so bad i couldnt rea;y understand her. And just that made me want to learn asl.

just wanted to share that, :)

[BYUFanatic]

Awesome. I'm glad you want to learn ASL. Hope I can help you reach your goal!

[bozzolinna]

i've learned numbers in british sign language, do the american deaf people would recognise if i show them the british way?

[BYUFanatic]

Nope. BSL and ASL are entirely different sign languages. Good question!

[L0ckinh0]

hey nice job. i have a question. Since every country has it's own sign language do people also learn a second sign language? i mean it is common to learn english as a second language so do deaf people also learn a common second sign language? im not from amerika and it would be useless to learn asl when nobody outside the usa uses it. and do i understand it correct that the number 1-9 are shown with the handback, and over 10 with the front or was it just to show the how you do it?

[BYUFanatic]

Hello L0ckinh0! Glad you like the video. I don't know how common it is for Deaf individuals in other countries to learn more than one sign language but I do know there are some areas outside of the US where ASL is used. Doesn't hurt to know more than one sign language though! *smile* The way I showed the numbers in this video is the correct way to do it. One through five are back of hand, six through nine are palm forward.

[L0ckinh0]

thanks. but than i have another question... whtas the difference between F and 9? it looks very similar

[BYUFanatic]

The difference is in the context of what you're signing. If you're spelling someone's name, you'll know it's F and not 9. If you're giving a phone number you'll know it's 9 and not F.

[funkepeace]

that so sad man, but ur cute u got a gurlfriend!!!

[BYUFanatic]

Sad to be Deaf? Not at all. My deafness allows me to enjoy things in life that hearing people are often never even aware of. *smile* Most Deaf individuals do not view their deafness as a handicap - but rather simply a different way of life.

[funkepeace]

Are you deaf?

[BYUFanatic]

Yes, I am.

[d00d4206969]

Thank you, I think that's really good how you show the mistakes it's so easy to make for us who are just learning. Such as the saying the letter V when you are meaning "2". I will watch more of your videos for sure :)

[BYUFanatic]

Glad you like! As a teacher of ASL, I know that there are a lot of common mistakes made. This video (and others I have) help to nip that in the bud. *smile* Enjoy the videos!

[AnneWood4freedom]

Just what I needed to help teach my curious 4-year-old. Thanks! :)

[BYUFanatic]

Glad you like it Anne! Feel free to check out my website for more structured lessons.

[ChrisRathman]

Good stuff.

Being oldish, I find myself wondering too much about the etymology of the language. Why does 11-15 and 20 use nodding for terseness but 16-19 uses digit sequencing? Then again, that's probably why very young people have an easier time learning languages - logic doesn't fetter their use of the language - it just is - no need for justification.

Being right handed, I find that the presenter being left-handed has the advantage of being a mirror image.

[BYUFanatic]

ASL, like any other language (except Latin) evolves over time. Originally a number such as 15 was "1" and "5" it become shortened to simply doing a simpler type of a "wiggled closed-5." Numbers such as 16 have also been shortened to simply a "shaken-6." However, because that's too similar to "sixth" my personal preference is to stay with the older, sequenced version. Linguistics fascinates me and I hope someday to pursue it more indepth.

[cowboyblondie]

Thank you for the video showing both right and wrong ways. If noone points out something is or can be wrong, it is easy to learn it wrong without realizing. I am a Cub Scout leader, and will be teaching the boys the alphabet, counting and some words/phrases this year with your help. I think it is important that they develop a basic knowledge. I think our end of year demonstration for the Pack will be the National Anthem, since you have so generously provided that video for us to learn from.

[BYUFanatic]

You're very welcome! And you're right - unless the student is able to see very clearly how to do it correctly (and how to avoid mistakes) then it is easy to do it wrong and not even know it. Good luck teaching your pack and be sure to post a video of them doing the National Anthem (and the Pledge of Allegiance) so I can see how well they've done! *smile*

[TurtleRunninWild]

Good video

You make us pay more attention

since were not hearing instructions by voice

thanks !

[BYUFanatic]

Glad you like. I have a philosophy - I USE the language to TEACH the language. *smile* Thanks for the comments!

[Nattobeere]

Thank you so, so, so much for this video!!

It helped me a lot to learn the numbers in ASL. (:

[BYUFanatic]

You are very welcome!

[AlchemyGaara]

This helped me a bit. I'm taking Sign Language in School when it starts in two weeks.

I'm just sad i can't do some that easily. My fingers have almost no flexibility. same reason why instrument playing, not learning, was so hard for me.

At least counting is easy enough. XD

[BYUFanatic]

Glad it helps. *smile* It's definitely hard trying to sign with minimal finger flexibility. I have a friend who actually is missing fingers. So it can be done! *smile*

[Banerika]

Great video! Very clear! Before I took an ASL class, I had learned 1-5 with the palm facing inward like that, but my ASL 1 teacher taught them facing outward. However, he didn't correct me when I did it with the palm facing inward in class, so I took that to mean it wasn't wrong.