This is the biggest hurdle. Unit 10.11 relies heavily on Classifiers—handshapes that represent nouns and verbs simultaneously.
Welcome to Signing Naturally 1011!
In this unit, we will continue to explore the world of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture. We will build on the skills and knowledge you gained in previous units, and dive deeper into the language and culture.
Lesson 1011: Describing People and Places
In this lesson, we will focus on describing people and places using ASL. We will learn new vocabulary and grammar structures to help you communicate effectively.
Vocabulary:
Grammar:
Example Sentences:
Practice:
Cultural Connection:
Assessment:
Resources:
Tips and Reminders:
In the Signing Naturally curriculum (specifically Units 10 and 11), a review typically focuses on identifying personal characteristics, workplace habits, and family traits using advanced descriptive signs and sentence structures. Unit 10 & 11 Review Highlights
Based on common curriculum materials like Signing Naturally Unit 10/11 Review, these sections emphasize comparing and contrasting people's lifestyles and professional environments. Personal Habits & Roommates: Contrasting an organized roommate versus one who is messy.
Signs for being tired of certain habits or preferring a "relaxed" lifestyle. Workplace Descriptions:
Describing bosses with signs like NOSY/SNOOPY (looking through drawers, no respect) vs. CRITICAL/COMPLAINING.
Discussing job satisfaction, specifically low pay or commute times. Personality Traits: Daydreamer: Using movement to show lack of focus. Social Butterfly: Expressing high social activity.
Focused/Quiet: Contrasting personality types within family units. Study Resources
If you are preparing for a midterm or final involving these units, you can find practice sets on platforms like Quizlet for Unit 11 or view video demonstrations on the Sign With Courtney YouTube playlist which covers vocabulary and grammar for the Level 1 and 2 curricula.
Signing Naturally 1011: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering American Sign Language
American Sign Language (ASL) is a vital part of Deaf culture, and learning it can be a rewarding and enriching experience. For those interested in becoming proficient in ASL, Signing Naturally 1011 is a great resource to start with. In this article, we will explore the world of Signing Naturally 1011, a comprehensive program designed to teach ASL to beginners.
What is Signing Naturally 1011?
Signing Naturally 1011 is an ASL curriculum developed by Peggy L. Stohr and Myron W. Liden, two renowned experts in the field of Deaf education. The program is designed to teach ASL to beginners, focusing on the natural language and culture of the Deaf community. The curriculum is divided into 10 units, covering essential topics such as introductions, family, food, and shopping.
The Importance of Learning ASL
ASL is a unique and expressive language that has its own grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. It is not a simplified version of English or a visual representation of spoken language. ASL is a legitimate language that has been used by the Deaf community for centuries, and it plays a vital role in Deaf culture.
Learning ASL can have numerous benefits, both personally and professionally. For those interested in working with the Deaf community, knowledge of ASL is essential. ASL interpreters, for example, require a high level of proficiency in the language to facilitate communication between Deaf and hearing individuals. Additionally, learning ASL can also enhance one's understanding of Deaf culture and community, fostering greater empathy and appreciation.
Key Features of Signing Naturally 1011
Signing Naturally 1011 is a comprehensive program that offers a range of features to support learners. Some of the key features include:
Unit 1: Introductions and Basic Phrases
The first unit of Signing Naturally 1011 focuses on introductions and basic phrases. Learners are introduced to essential signs such as:
Unit 2: Family and Relationships
The second unit of Signing Naturally 1011 explores family and relationships. Learners will learn signs related to:
Unit 3: Food and Drink
The third unit of Signing Naturally 1011 focuses on food and drink. Learners will learn signs for: signing naturally 1011
Benefits of Using Signing Naturally 1011
Signing Naturally 1011 offers a range of benefits for learners, including:
Conclusion
Signing Naturally 1011 is an excellent resource for those interested in learning ASL. The comprehensive program covers essential topics and provides learners with the skills and knowledge needed to communicate effectively in ASL. By using Signing Naturally 1011, learners can develop a deeper understanding of Deaf culture and community, while also improving their ASL skills. Whether you're interested in working with the Deaf community or simply want to learn a new language, Signing Naturally 1011 is an excellent place to start.
Additional Resources
For those interested in continuing their ASL journey, there are a range of additional resources available, including:
By combining Signing Naturally 1011 with these additional resources, learners can develop a comprehensive understanding of ASL and Deaf culture, opening up new opportunities for communication and connection.
In American Sign Language (ASL) curriculum, "Signing Naturally 10.11" refers to a specific homework assignment and narrative lesson titled "A Lesson Learned." This story is part of the standard curriculum used in colleges and high schools to teach signers how to use role-shifting, storytelling techniques, and narrative flow. Narrative Summary: "A Lesson Learned"
The story follows a character named Melvin who is asked to babysit for his Deaf friends.
The Conflict: The three-year-old daughter of the couple keeps asking Melvin to turn the bedroom lights on and off so she can play.
The "Solution": Tired of getting up, Melvin teaches the little girl how to stand on a chair and operate the light switch herself.
The Unintended Consequence: After Melvin leaves, the little girl spends the entire night turning the lights on and off while her parents are trying to sleep. The lesson highlights that teaching children independence can sometimes have exhausting results that cannot be "un-taught". Key Learning Objectives for Unit 10.11
When practicing this piece, students typically focus on the following ASL grammatical structures:
Role-Shifting: Switching between the perspectives of Melvin, the young girl, and the parents to show dialogue and action.
Spatial Agreement: Setting up the "bedroom" and "light switch" in the signing space to maintain consistency throughout the story.
Narrative Structure: Using appropriate transitions to move from the introduction (babysitting request) to the body (the "teaching" moment) and the conclusion (the parents' sleepless night).
Non-Manual Markers (NMMs): Using facial expressions to convey Melvin's exhaustion, the girl's persistence, and the parents' eventual frustration. Related Material in Unit 11 Signing Naturally Unit 11 - sciphilconf.berkeley.edu
Signing Naturally Units 10–12 (often referred to by the search term "Signing Naturally 1011" because of the Level 2 curriculum structure) is the bridge that takes American Sign Language (ASL) students from basic communication to complex, narrative storytelling. While the first few levels of ASL focus on "survival" signs—like ordering food or asking for directions—the 10-12 sequence is where you learn to discuss life events, health, and abstract concepts.
Here is a deep dive into what this curriculum covers, why it’s a turning point for students, and how to master it. 1. The Core Focus: Moving Beyond "Vocabulary"
The biggest misconception about Signing Naturally 1011 (Units 10, 11, and 12) is that it’s just a list of more words to memorize. In reality, this level is about spatial awareness and inflecting signs.
Unit 10 (Giving Directions): You move from simple "left/right" to "Mapping." You learn to visualize a physical space and describe it so the viewer can "see" the room or building in their mind.
Unit 11 (Making Suggestions): This is the "Medical/Health" unit. You learn to describe symptoms, give advice, and discuss wellness. It requires a high level of Non-Manual Markers (NMMs) to show the intensity of a headache or the persistence of a cough.
Unit 12 (Talking about Life Events): This is the culmination. You learn to sign your life story, using time transition signs to move between childhood, adolescence, and adulthood fluently. 2. The "Spatial Agreement" Challenge
At this level, "signing in the box" no longer works. Signing Naturally 1011 pushes you to use the space around your body to represent different people or locations.
If you are talking about three different siblings, you must "place" them in your signing space and consistently refer back to those exact spots. If you move a sibling's location mid-story, a Deaf signer will lose the thread of who you are talking about. 3. Mastery of "Non-Manual Markers" (NMMs)
In Units 1–6, you might get away with a "stone face" while signing. In Units 10 and 11, your grade depends on your facial expressions.
Adverbial NMMs: You’ll learn how a slight change in your mouth shape (like the "mm" or "cha" mouth morphemes) changes a sign from "walking" to "walking aimlessly" or "walking a massive distance."
Role Shifting: This is the "acting" part of ASL. When telling a story in Unit 12, you don't just say "The doctor told me I was sick." You shift your body to become the doctor, then shift back to become yourself. 4. Tips for Success with Signing Naturally 1011
Many students find the jump in difficulty between Unit 9 and Unit 10 to be the steepest. To stay ahead:
Record Yourself: Your brain thinks you are making the correct facial expressions, but the camera often shows otherwise. Record your "Life Story" assignment and watch it on mute. If you can’t tell the emotion without the signs, you
Focus on Transitions: Pay close attention to the Time Signs (e.g., "Five years later," "From then on"). These are the glue that holds your narratives together.
Use the Student Workbook Videos: The Signing Naturally curriculum is designed for immersion. Avoid looking up English translations of signs; instead, watch the Deaf signers in the videos and mimic their rhythm and movement. 5. Why This Level Matters
Completing Unit 11 and 12 marks your transition from a "beginner" to an "intermediate" signer. It is the level required for most ASL Interpreting Programs (IPPs) and is the point where you can finally have meaningful, hour-long conversations with members of the Deaf community without feeling "stuck" for words.
Are you currently studying for a specific unit exam in the Level 2 book, or This is the biggest hurdle
Since "Signing Naturally 1011" likely refers to a introductory or intermediate American Sign Language (ASL) course using the popular curriculum by Smith, Lucas, and Mulrooney, I have written a sample reflection paper.
This paper is designed to fulfill a common requirement for ASL students: reflecting on the learning process, cultural immersion, and the specific skills taught in the Signing Naturally curriculum.
Note: If your assignment was to specifically analyze the events of a story or dialogue found on page 10-11 of the workbook, please provide those specific details, and I can adjust the paper accordingly.
Title: Beyond the Hands: A Reflection on Communication and Culture in Signing Naturally Student Name: [Your Name] Course: ASL 1011 Date: [Date]
Introduction Learning a new language is often viewed as an exercise in vocabulary memorization and syntax translation. However, American Sign Language (ASL) challenges this paradigm by existing in a three-dimensional, visual-spatial modality. Through the Signing Naturally curriculum utilized in ASL 1011, I have come to understand that fluency in ASL requires more than manual dexterity; it requires a fundamental shift in how one perceives communication. This paper reflects on my journey through the initial units of the curriculum, analyzing the development of visual-gestural skills, the importance of non-manual markers, and the deep connection between language and Deaf culture.
The Shift to Visual-Gestural Communication One of the most immediate hurdles presented in Signing Naturally was the transition away from auditory reliance. In spoken English, communication is linear and auditory. In ASL, communication is simultaneous and visual. The early lessons in the curriculum emphasized "visual-gestural" activities, forcing me to rely on eye contact and facial expression rather than sound.
This shift was disorienting at first. I realized how much I depended on "thinking in English" and translating word-for-word. The curriculum’s focus on identifying people and objects, and giving commands, highlighted the efficiency of ASL grammar. I learned that in ASL, the object is often established first, followed by the action—a syntactic structure that mirrors the visual reality of seeing an object before understanding what is happening to it. This reordering of thought processes has been the most challenging yet rewarding aspect of the course.
The Role of Non-Manual Markers A critical component explored in the text is the use of non-manual markers (NMMs). In spoken English, intonation carries meaning—a raised voice indicates a question; a flat tone indicates a statement. In ASL, this function is served by the face.
Through the exercises in Signing Naturally, I learned that raising eyebrows, tilting the head, or puffing the cheeks are not merely theatrical additions but grammatical requirements. For example, distinguishing between a "Yes/No" question and a "Wh-" question relies entirely on the face. Initially, I felt self-conscious exaggerating my facial expressions. However, as I engaged with the video materials and classroom activities, I realized that without these markers, the signs are grammatically incomplete. This realization helped me understand that ASL is a holistic language involving the entire body, not just the hands.
Cultural Competence and Community Perhaps the most profound lesson offered by the Signing Naturally curriculum is that language cannot be separated from culture. The textbook does not exist in a vacuum; it introduces students to the Deaf community not as a group of people who "cannot hear," but as a distinct cultural and linguistic minority.
Lessons regarding attention-getting strategies—such as tapping the shoulder or waving in the visual periphery—taught me the practical etiquette of a visual world. Furthermore, the narratives provided by native Deaf signers in the video materials offered a glimpse into the shared experiences and history of the community. Understanding the values of the Deaf community, such as the importance of clear communication and eye contact, has given context to the grammar I am learning. It is one thing to learn a vocabulary list; it is another to understand why maintaining eye contact is a sign of respect in Deaf culture, whereas it might be considered intense or rude in the hearing world.
Conclusion Studying Signing Naturally has been an eye-opening experience that transcends simple language acquisition. It has required me to rewire my brain to process information visually, to use my face as a grammatical tool, and to respect the rich culture embedded within the language. As I continue my studies, I recognize that fluency is not just about producing the correct signs, but about internalizing a visual worldview. The skills practiced in this course have laid a strong foundation for becoming not just a signer, but a culturally respectful participant in the Deaf community.
Signing Naturally is the most widely used curriculum for teaching American Sign Language (ASL) in North America, and Units 10 and 11 represent a significant "bridge" in a student's journey. At this level, you move away from basic vocabulary and start mastering the art of storytelling spatial mapping
Here is some interesting content regarding the focus of these specific units: 1. Unit 10: Giving Directions
This unit is fascinating because it transforms your "signing space" into a 3D map. You aren't just signing words; you are literally drawing a floor plan in the air. Perspective Shifting:
You learn to sign from the "signer’s perspective." If you tell someone to turn left, you sign it as if you are the one walking through the door. Spatial Agreement:
This involves keeping "landmarks" in the same spot throughout a conversation. If you place a "coffee shop" on your right at the start of the story, it must stay on the right until the conversation ends. Non-Manual Markers (NMMs):
You’ll notice specific facial expressions used for distance—like squinting eyes and "cs" (cheek to shoulder) to indicate something is very close. 2. Unit 11: Making Suggestions and Requests
This is where ASL becomes deeply cultural and social. It’s less about "what" you say and more about "how" you negotiate. The "Soft" Request:
In Deaf culture, bluntness is common, but Unit 11 teaches the nuances of "polite" requests. This often involves a specific sequence: explaining the situation, asking for a favor, and then offering a "condition" or "thank you." Deaf Cultural Norms:
You explore how to interrupt a conversation appropriately or how to walk through a signed conversation without being rude (hint: just walk through quickly; don't wait or duck!). Role Shifting:
This unit hones your ability to "become" different people in a story. By slightly shifting your body, you can show a dialogue between two people without ever saying "he said" or "she said." 3. Fun Fact: The "Signing Naturally" Legacy The curriculum was developed at Vista Community College
(now Berkeley City College) in the late 1980s. Its "Functional-Notional" approach was revolutionary because it stopped teaching ASL as a list of English equivalents and started teaching it as a visual-spatial language based on real-world interactions. vocabulary breakdown for a specific lesson within these units?
In the Signing Naturally curriculum, Units 10 and 11 focus on advanced descriptive skills, expressing opinions, and discussing professional or educational goals. Unit 10: Giving Opinions and Telling Where Items Are
This unit emphasizes the Temporal Aspect and spatial grammar for describing environments. Giving Opinions on Tendencies:
Temporal Aspect (Recurring): To describe a habit or tendency (something someone "always does"), the movement of the verb is repeated.
Non-Manual Signals (NMS): Facial expressions are used to add specific meaning to a tendency, such as whether a person is perceived as being "careless" or "thorough". Locating Items:
Signers use a specific sequence to describe where an object is: Name the room (with raised eyebrows), name the furniture/appliance, then use spatial verbs and directional pointing to specify the exact location. Money Signs:
Cents (1-99¢): The "cent" sign starts with the index finger touching the forehead and moving outward.
Dollars ($1-9): These use a "twist" motion, combining the number handshape with the dollar sign movement. Key Story: "A Lesson Learned" (10.11):
This story features a babysitter (Melvin) who teaches a young girl how to turn lights on by standing on a chair. This leads to an unintended consequence where she wakes her Deaf parents all night by flashing the lights to ask for things. Unit 11: Discussing Plans and Goals
This unit transitions into discussing abilities, career paths, and reacting to life events.
Master ASL: A Deep Dive into Signing Naturally Units 10–11
If you are a student of American Sign Language (ASL), you know that the journey from basic signs to fluid conversation is a steep climb. Signing Naturally is the gold-standard curriculum used in colleges across North America, and moving into Units 10 and 11 marks a major milestone. Grammar:
At this level, you are moving beyond "what is your name" and "where is the bathroom" into the nuanced world of giving instructions and talking about family history. Unit 10: Giving Directions and Instructions
Unit 10 shifts the focus to spatial awareness and technical description. It’s not just about knowing the signs; it's about how you use the space around you (the "signing space"). 1. Spatial Mapping
In Unit 10, you learn to describe the layout of a room or a building. The Goal: To give someone a mental map of a location.
The Key: You must maintain "signer's perspective." If you sign that the door is on the right, it must be on your right, and the listener must process it as being on their left. 2. Giving Directions
This unit covers how to tell someone how to get from Point A to Point B. You’ll practice:
Common Landmarks: Identifying hallways, stairs, and elevators.
Distance and Effort: Using Non-Manual Markers (NMMs) to show if a destination is "just right there" (CS - cheek to shoulder) or "very far" (open mouth, squinted eyes). 3. Explaining Processes
How do you change a tire or bake a cake in ASL? Unit 10 teaches you how to sequence instructions using chronological signs (First, Second, Next, Finally) and transition signals like "When" clauses. Unit 11: Sharing Information About Possessions
Unit 11 moves into the personal realm. This unit is designed to help you describe things you own, from their physical attributes to how you acquired them. 1. Descriptive Classifiers
Classifiers are the "secret sauce" of ASL. In Unit 11, you’ll dive deep into:
Instrument Classifiers (ICL): Showing how you handle an object (e.g., how you hold a heavy suitcase vs. a small briefcase).
Descriptive Classifiers (DCL): Describing textures, patterns (polka dots, stripes), and shapes. 2. Money and Values
Talking about cost is a major part of this unit. You will learn:
The Dollar Twist: The specific movement used for amounts $1 through $9.
Giving Prices: Combining signs for cents and dollars fluidly. 3. Narrative Skills: The "Life Event"
Unit 11 often culminates in telling a story about a possession—perhaps how you got your first car or a sentimental piece of jewelry. This requires blending Role Shift, Classifiers, and Temporal Aspect (showing how long something lasted). How to Succeed in Units 10–11
Record Yourself: These units rely heavily on body language and facial expressions. Record yourself signing a set of directions and watch it back. Can you follow your own map?
Focus on the "Why": Don't just memorize the sign for "striped." Learn the classifier movement that allows you to describe any pattern.
Practice Receptive Skills: Use the videos provided in the Signing Naturally workbook. Units 10 and 11 feature faster, more natural signing speeds. Watch the stories multiple times without looking at the English prompts.
Watch the NMMs: In Unit 10 especially, your face tells the listener how far a turn is or how big a room is. If your face is "blank," your ASL is "monotone." Conclusion
Signing Naturally Units 10 and 11 represent the transition from beginner to intermediate fluency. By mastering the spatial directions of Unit 10 and the descriptive complexity of Unit 11, you are building the foundation for true conversational proficiency in the Deaf community. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Overview
Strengths
Weaknesses
Content Quality
Who it’s best for
Practical tips for learners using Signing Naturally
Overall recommendation
Would you like a shorter one-paragraph review, a star-rating (1–5) summary, or a version tailored for instructors or self-learners?
(Invoking related search terms for broader context...)
In English, we say, "If it rains, I will stay home." In ASL, this structure is specific regarding facial grammar (non-manual markers).
If you are currently enrolled in a class using Signing Naturally 1011, follow this three-day study plan.
Draw a picture of an accident scene. Practice describing it using ONLY classifiers.
If you are stuck, use these three free resources: