Count In ASL: Numbers 0-100 Guide

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Hey guys! Learning American Sign Language (ASL) is super rewarding, and mastering the numbers is a fantastic starting point. Whether you're trying to sign your age, share your phone number, or even just understand prices while you're out shopping, knowing your numbers in ASL is a game-changer. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down how to count from 0 to 100 in ASL, making it easy and fun to learn. So, let's dive in and get those hands moving!

Why Learn ASL Numbers?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's quickly touch on why learning ASL numbers is so crucial. First and foremost, it significantly boosts your communication skills within the Deaf community. Imagine being able to share important information like your address or the time of an event—knowing numbers makes this possible. Secondly, it’s a building block for learning more complex ASL concepts. Once you're comfortable with numbers, you can move on to signing about time, dates, money, and much more. Finally, learning ASL numbers opens up a whole new world of cultural understanding and connection. It’s not just about signing; it’s about bridging gaps and fostering inclusivity. So, are you ready to get started? Let's do this!

The Foundation: Numbers 0-10

Okay, let’s start with the basics. The numbers 0 through 10 are the foundation of counting in ASL, so getting these down pat is essential. Each number has a unique handshape, and once you've got them memorized, you'll be well on your way to mastering the rest. Think of it like learning the alphabet before you can spell words. These first ten numbers are your ASL alphabet of counting.

  1. Zero (0): To sign zero, form an "O" shape with your dominant hand. It’s as simple as that! Imagine you’re making a small circle with your fingers and thumb. Practice this a few times, and you'll nail it in no time.
  2. One (1): Extend your index finger upward while keeping the other fingers curled into your palm. It's like you're pointing, but with a purpose. Make sure your palm faces inward.
  3. Two (2): Extend your index and middle fingers upward, keeping them separated. Your other fingers should be curled into your palm. This one's similar to making a peace sign, but in ASL, it means two!
  4. Three (3): Extend your thumb, index, and middle fingers upward. Keep your ring and pinky fingers curled into your palm. Think of it as holding up three fingers, just like you would when showing someone your age as a kid.
  5. Four (4): Extend all four fingers (index, middle, ring, and pinky) upward, keeping them separated. Your thumb should be tucked into your palm. It’s like holding up four fingers, plain and simple.
  6. Five (5): Extend all five fingers (including your thumb) outward, keeping them separated. Your palm should be facing forward. This one's like giving a high-five, but you're just showing the number five.
  7. Six (6): Touch your thumb to your pinky finger while extending your other fingers. Your palm should face forward. This one might take a bit of practice, but you'll get the hang of it.
  8. Seven (7): Touch your thumb to your ring finger while extending your other fingers. Your palm should face forward. Similar to six, but you're using your ring finger this time.
  9. Eight (8): Touch your thumb to your middle finger while extending your index finger and pinky finger. Your palm should face forward. This one's a bit trickier, so don't worry if it takes a few tries.
  10. Nine (9): Touch your thumb to your index finger while extending your other fingers. Your palm should face forward. Almost there! Just one more to go in this set.
  11. Ten (10): Shake your "A" handshape (thumb up, fist closed) back and forth. It's a dynamic sign that adds a bit of movement to your counting.

Practice these numbers regularly. Try signing them in front of a mirror or with a friend. Repetition is key to making these handshapes feel natural and fluid. You’ve got this!

Mastering the Teens: Numbers 11-19

Now that you’ve nailed the first ten numbers, let’s move on to the teens. The numbers 11 through 19 in ASL have unique signs, and they don’t simply combine the signs for one and ten, two and ten, etc. These signs involve a twisting motion of the hand, which sets them apart from the other numbers. Let's break them down:

  1. Eleven (11): Flick your index finger upward twice. This sign is quick and distinctive, so practice getting the movement smooth.
  2. Twelve (12): Flick your index and middle fingers upward together twice. Similar to eleven, but with two fingers this time.
  3. Thirteen (13): Start with a “3” handshape (thumb, index, and middle fingers extended), and then wiggle your middle and index fingers. The thumb stays still. This one has a fun, wiggly motion!
  4. Fourteen (14): Start with a “4” handshape (all four fingers extended) and then wiggle your fingers. Again, the movement is key to distinguishing this sign.
  5. Fifteen (15): Start with a “5” handshape (all fingers extended) and then wiggle your fingers. Notice the pattern? Wiggling fingers are a common theme in the teens.
  6. Sixteen (16): Sign the number six, then move your hand outward slightly. This is where the pattern starts to shift a bit.
  7. Seventeen (17): Sign the number seven, then move your hand outward slightly. Just like sixteen, but with the seven handshape.
  8. Eighteen (18): Sign the number eight, then move your hand outward slightly. You’re probably getting the hang of this pattern by now.
  9. Nineteen (19): Sign the number nine, then move your hand outward slightly. Awesome! You've made it through the teens!

The twisting motion in the teens can be a little tricky at first, so don't get discouraged if it takes some practice. Try signing these numbers slowly at first, focusing on the correct handshape and movement. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Remember, practice makes perfect, guys!

Decades Made Easy: Numbers 20-90

Alright, now that we’ve conquered the teens, let’s tackle the decades. The numbers 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 in ASL follow a pretty straightforward pattern, which makes them easier to learn than the teens. The general rule is to combine the sign for the base number (2, 3, 4, etc.) with a specific movement or handshape to indicate the decade. Let's break it down:

  1. Twenty (20): Sign the number two, then open and close your hand. This motion signifies the “tens” place.
  2. Thirty (30): Sign the number three, then open and close your hand. Just like twenty, but with the three handshape.
  3. Forty (40): Sign the number four with a slight downward movement. This is a bit different from the previous two, so pay attention to the direction.
  4. Fifty (50): Sign the number five with a slight downward movement. Same as forty, but with the five handshape.
  5. Sixty (60): Touch the thumb and pinky finger of your dominant hand and then move your hand forward from the wrist.
  6. Seventy (70): Touch the thumb and ring finger of your dominant hand and then move your hand forward from the wrist.
  7. Eighty (80): Touch the thumb and middle finger of your dominant hand and then move your hand forward from the wrist.
  8. Ninety (90): Touch the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand and then move your hand forward from the wrist.

See the pattern? Once you understand the basic handshapes and movements, the decades become much easier to remember. Practice these regularly, and you'll be counting in tens like a pro in no time!

Combining Decades and Numbers: 21-99

Now for the fun part: putting it all together! Once you know the decades and the single-digit numbers, you can easily sign any number between 21 and 99. The process is simple: sign the decade first, then sign the single-digit number. There’s no need for extra signs or connectors.

For example:

  • Twenty-one (21): Sign twenty, then sign one.
  • Thirty-five (35): Sign thirty, then sign five.
  • Sixty-two (62): Sign sixty, then sign two.
  • Ninety-nine (99): Sign ninety, then sign nine.

The key here is to practice transitioning smoothly between the two signs. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to sign these numbers fluently. Try making up random numbers and signing them to yourself or a friend. This is a great way to reinforce what you’ve learned and build your confidence.

The Grand Finale: One Hundred (100)

We’ve made it all the way to 100! Signing one hundred in ASL is pretty straightforward. There are a couple of ways to do it, but the most common method is to sign the number one, followed by the sign for hundred.

  • One Hundred (100): Sign the number one, then sign hundred. The sign for hundred involves making a “C” handshape and moving it outward in a small arc.

Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to count from 0 to 100 in ASL. That’s a huge accomplishment, and you should be proud of yourself. But remember, learning is an ongoing process. The more you practice, the more natural and fluent your signing will become. Keep practicing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep communicating!

Tips for Practicing ASL Numbers

Okay, now that we've covered all the numbers, let's talk about how to practice effectively. Repetition is crucial, but there are also some fun and engaging ways to reinforce your knowledge. Here are a few tips to help you on your ASL counting journey:

  1. Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with the written numbers on one side and the ASL sign on the other. This is a classic method for memorization, but it’s super effective.
  2. Practice with a Friend: Partner up with someone else who’s learning ASL and practice signing numbers to each other. This makes learning more interactive and fun.
  3. Watch ASL Videos: There are tons of resources online where you can watch native ASL signers use numbers in context. This will help you see how the signs flow in natural conversation.
  4. Use ASL Apps: There are several apps designed to help you learn ASL, including numbers. These apps often include interactive exercises and quizzes to test your knowledge.
  5. Incorporate Numbers into Daily Life: Try to think of ways to use ASL numbers in your daily routine. For example, you could sign the time, your age, or the number of items you’re buying at the store. This will help you internalize the signs and make them more natural.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As with any new skill, there are some common mistakes that learners often make when signing numbers in ASL. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid them and improve your signing.

  1. Incorrect Handshapes: This is probably the most common mistake. Make sure you’re using the correct handshape for each number. Pay close attention to the position of your fingers and thumb.
  2. Improper Movement: Some numbers, like the teens, require specific movements. Make sure you’re incorporating these movements correctly.
  3. Palm Orientation: The direction your palm faces can affect the meaning of a sign. Be mindful of your palm orientation, especially when signing numbers like six through nine.
  4. Hesitation: Hesitating between signs can make your signing look choppy. Practice smooth transitions between numbers to improve your fluency.
  5. Not Practicing Regularly: The more you practice, the better you’ll become. Make it a habit to practice ASL numbers regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.

Conclusion: Keep Counting!

And there you have it! You've learned how to count from 0 to 100 in ASL. This is a huge step in your ASL journey, and you should feel incredibly proud of your progress. Remember, learning a new language takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself and celebrate your successes along the way. Keep practicing, keep exploring, and keep expanding your ASL skills. You've got this! Now go out there and start counting! Happy signing, guys! Let me know in the comments which part of learning ASL numbers you found the most challenging or rewarding. I’d love to hear your experiences and any tips you might have for other learners. Keep up the fantastic work!