How ASL Savvy Are You? Take this Quiz to Find Out!

How ASL Savvy Are You? Take this Quiz to Find Out!

Are you familiar with American Sign Language (ASL)? How much do you know about its origin, grammar, and vocabulary? ASL is a complete and complex language that’s used by about a million people in the U.S. alone, including deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, their families, and professionals who work with them.

If you’re curious about your level of ASL knowledge, take this quiz to find out! It consists of ten questions that test your proficiency in different aspects of ASL. Don’t worry, it’s not a formal assessment, but rather a fun and educational way to assess your familiarity with ASL concepts. You can take the quiz at your own pace and review your answers at the end.

1. What is ASL?
a) A type of slang used by American youth
b) A set of hand gestures for expressing emotions
c) A natural language used by deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the U.S.

2. How is ASL different from English?
a) It’s a simplified version of English without grammar rules
b) It’s a visual language that uses hand shapes, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning
c) It’s a written language that follows spelling and punctuation rules

3. What’s the difference between fingerspelling and signing?
a) Fingerspelling is for words that don’t have signs, while signing is for words that do
b) Fingerspelling is a form of spelling bee, while signing is a form of dance
c) Fingerspelling is a type of sign language used by children, while signing is for adults

4. How do you make a question in ASL?
a) By raising your eyebrows and nodding your head
b) By adding the sign for question at the end of the sentence
c) By changing your facial expression and body posture

5. What’s the ASL sign for “thank you”?
a) Raising both hands above your head
b) Touching your lips and then your heart
c) Waving your fingers in the air

6. Can ASL be translated word-for-word into English?
a) Yes, because both languages have the same grammar and syntax
b) No, because ASL has a different structure and meaning than English
c) Sometimes, if the signs match the words exactly

7. What’s the ASL sign for “I love you”?
a) Crossing your arms over your chest
b) Holding up your thumb, index finger, and pinky finger
c) Touching your forehead, then your chest, and then your lips

8. How can you tell a skilled signer from a beginner?
a) By the speed and fluidity of their signs
b) By the complexity and variety of their vocabulary
c) By the accuracy and clarity of their gestures

9. What are some common misconceptions about ASL?
a) It’s only used by deaf people and has no social or cultural relevance
b) It’s a universal sign language that everyone can understand
c) It’s a substitute for spoken language and hinders deaf individuals’ ability to speak

10. How can you improve your ASL skills?
a) By attending classes or workshops taught by ASL experts
b) By using online resources and apps for learning ASL basics
c) By practicing with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in real-life situations

If you answered most of the questions correctly, congratulations! You have a good grasp of the fundamentals of ASL and are on your way to becoming a proficient signer. If you struggled with some of the questions, don’t worry, there’s always room to learn and improve. ASL is a fascinating and rewarding language that can enrich your personal and professional life.

Whether you’re interested in becoming an ASL interpreter, working with deaf and hard-of-hearing clients, or simply connecting with the deaf community, being ASL savvy is a valuable skill to have. So keep practicing, asking questions, and expanding your ASL horizons. Who knows, you might even discover a new passion or career path along the way!