Reverse Look-Up in American Sign Language: Tools and Methods

When it comes to searching for the meaning of a specific American Sign Language (ASL) sign, several effective tools and methods are available. Whether you need to
identify the meaning of a handshape, location, or movement, there are resources designed to help make the process easier.

Tools for Reverse Look-Up in ASL

ASL Dictionaries

Websites like ASLPro Signing Savvy and Lifeprint provide extensive dictionaries of ASL signs. You can search for signs based on keywords or descriptions. These online dictionaries are invaluable for anyone looking to expand their ASL vocabulary and understanding.

Mobile Apps

There are numerous mobile applications designed for learning ASL. Popular options include ASL Pro, Speak and Sign, and ASL TV. These apps offer interactive exercises, video demonstrations, and quizzes to help users memorize and understand ASL signs more effectively.

YouTube Channels

Many ASL educators and interpreters post videos explaining signs on YouTube. By searching for specific signs or phrases, you can find visual demonstrations and detailed explanations. Popular channels include Signing Easy, ASL University, and ASL Pro Sign Language.

Online Communities and Forums

Forums and social media groups dedicated to ASL can be incredibly helpful. You can post a description of the sign you're curious about and often receive quick responses from knowledgeable members. Websites like ASLClub and forums on Facebook are excellent resources for this.

Books and Resources

There are several ASL textbooks and reference books that include glossaries of signs and their meanings. These books can be useful for reverse look-up and for anyone looking to study ASL systematically. Some popular titles include Signing with Friends, Handshape and Location Dictionary of American Sign Language, and Larson Handshapes and Locations.

Understanding ASL as a Multi-Modal Language

Sign languages like ASL are multi-modal, meaning they involve the use of both hands and non-manual features such as facial expressions and body posture. This complexity makes the language more challenging to analyze and break down compared to spoken or written languages.

When studying signed languages, linguists have had to develop unique methods to describe and analyze these languages. They have divided the components of a sign into smaller parts to make it easier to understand. For example:

Handshape: The specific configuration of the fingers and hands (e.g., flat hand, K-handshape) Location: The position where the sign is produced (e.g., neutral space at temples) Movement: The way the handshape moves (e.g., bounce, rotate) Orientation: The direction in which the hands are oriented (absolute or relative) Non-manual features: Facial and body gestures (e.g., furrowed brows, pursed lips)

Breaking Down ASL Signs

The traditional structural approach to breaking down ASL signs involves focusing on handshape, location, and movement. A good example of this is the British Sign Language (BSL) Signbank. By clicking “Search by Sign Features,” you can search by either handshape or location, making it easier to find the sign you need.

Conclusion

Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, there are numerous tools and resources available to help you understand and reverse look-up ASL signs. Utilizing these tools effectively can greatly enhance your language proficiency and facilitate effective communication within the deaf community.