Learn Sign Language: Lesson 01 (ASL)

ASL (American Sign Language). Learn ASL by immersion. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can start having real conversations in ASL. Dr. Bill Vicars (Deaf) of "ASL University" will teach you ASL using his innovative and interactive question-based approach. In this video he teaches basic ASL to “Jen” -- an actual beginner who only knows the ABC’s.

For a good “100 First ASL Signs” resource, see:

How to use ASL University to learn sign language for free:

2. Bookmark the official ASL University YouTube master playlist:

3. For quick ASL reviews (to prevent memory extinction) bookmark the "Signs" channel playlist page:

5. If you use a mobile device you can look up ASL signs using this page:

7. Go through the ASL University Lessons for free:

Your comments, questions, or suggestions regarding ASL are always welcome.

Ways to support the ASL University channel:

3. Click the “Share” link and share the videos.

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Again, just to be clear: donations appreciated because they help keep ASL University going:

[dangelowalker]

So I'm here staring at my ceiling at 2 in the morning with a sudden urge to become a master in sign language.. neat

[OrigamiJunkie]

Turns out that a sudden urge to learn sign language in the hearing community without ever having met a deaf person is perfectly normal and common. Here I thought I was so special.

[ellakz]

As a hearing person I like that there is no crutch with any audio of what they are saying and you can turn off subtitles. It really pushes you to look at what they are signing and helps to learn better. Plus such a good atmosphere Bill is the best teacher

[vroomvroom]

This whole video was me trying to go faster then Jen

[shazanamia]

Good 1:06
Yes 1:16
No 1:26
Again 1:30
Understand 1:38
Don't understand 1:43
You 2:10
Me 2:14
Do you understand me? 2:23
Sign version 1 2:32
Sign version 2
Forgot/forget 3:24
This/it/that/she/he 2:01
Ask version 1 4:11
Ask version 2
Ask me 4:43
Ask her
Ask him
Do you understand this/him/her
Sometimes 5:15
Sometimes I understand him/her/that 5:18
Name 5:30
I am named 5:35
My name is 5:55
Who what when where how how many how much 6:08
What name 6:25
Nice to meet you 6:49
Deaf 7:26
Are you deaf 8:16
Teach 8:31
Teacher 8:39
Learn 8:44
Person 8:56
Student 9:01
Student you? 9:40
What's your teachers name? 10:53
You understand he/she 11:30
Sometimes /once in a while /rarely 11:44

[tweetalig]

I'm sitting here learning this because I encountered my first deaf person at work and she had a mask on. At that moment I felt like such an idiot because I couldn't communicate with her. This should be mandatory in schools. Thank you, Dr. Vicars!

[kendallo]

I'm stupid. I tried turning up the volume





Baby steps people

[lelouchvibritannia]

Currently asking the wall of my room what it’s name is and how it’s doing… I’M SO EXCITED! Thank you for the lesson! I had a customer come in who is deaf and I want to surprise him next time I see him :D Edit: I’m halfway through the video, and I didn’t realize I didn’t have subtitles on! You are an incredible teacher!!

[zXJulianXz]

This feels more natural than speaking tbh. Perhaps I'll just refuse to speak from now on.

[suchlou]

this became a contest to sign and understand faster than Jen. loved it!

[azorasiegbu]

this might just be the first 40+ minute video i’ve watched straight, without any distractions or without skipping. lovely lesson 👏🏾

[kaydenwaterman]

I've decided to spend my quarantine learning ASL

[kawaiigirlSS]

His method of teaching reminds me of Pimsleur for other languages. The spaced repitition is perfect, the prompts are consistent, and you get thrown into the conversation. Absolutely sensational, I learned so much without having to hear a word or an explanation. True immersion, as language learning at it's best is. I'm a fan!

[stever]

Back in the early 70s I worked with 4 Deaf people. They taught me sign Language. I worked there for 6 years and signed every day. I got to the point that they all said I was very clean in my signing and should get my interpreter's certificate. I was in my 20s at the time and would practice at home. My younger sister would help me. She eventually became an interpreter. When I left that job they all said I would forget how to sign. In 97 I moved to England with my wonderful English wife. Sign language here is completely different so not much call for ASL. Watching this video I am amazed how much I have remembered. My oldest daughter because of me has learned British Sign Language and now my wife wants me to teach her ASL. I have talked to many deaf people over the years in America who are amazed that I am not deaf but know ASL. I always felt a bond with them and I hope they feel that bond with me.
Thank you Bill for posting this video! I will be watching all of them. Though I may never get to use ASL in England, it is a part of me that will never fade.

[salmagique]

jen: "is that your wallet"
dr.Bill: " no i stole it"
LMFAOO, i really like his sense of humour

[FelixSargent]

I heard about this channel while I was on an Alaska Airlines flight with my wife. I'd been practicing baby sign language in preparation (we're both hearing), and using it to ask my wife if she wanted water. The flight attendant then begins to try to have a full conversation with us! After we explained we knew next to nothing, he told me he learned everything from watching your videos. I thought I was going to just start signing to the future baby, but he and you have inspired me to learn as much as I can. So here I am. Thank you!

[erinbrown]

I signed with my first patient They used to be a translator, and it was so exciting!!! I only know what we learned in the first two videos but I think it meant a lot to her that I was trying to communicate with her! I’m so excited to learn more!!!❤❤❤❤

[eSZett_]

I got so excited when he signed "What's your teacher's name?" and I UNDERSTOOD WHAT HE SAID

[Labatuz]

Hi! I am deaf, Brazilian, and a native user of Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). I know a bit of ASL, but I want to learn more to become fluent. This video is great for practicing and learning ASL.

[a.m.e.]

I've never seen that many genuine smiles in a row. Wow