Finger Tips

Interpreting Christmas songs and hymns into ASL is a challenge for even the most skilled interpreters. Without being disrespectful, and just playing with the words as interpreters tend to do,…

I have been interpreting, teaching, and preaching in sign language both in the USA and in other countries since 1976. Over the years I have learned many principles which have…

New signers often ask, “What is the sign for the word _?” Experienced signers reply, “What are you trying to say?” Many words have more than one meaning. The differences…

Interpreting spoken English clearly into American Sign Language sometimes requires describing in detail words, concepts, or phrases. This process is called ASL Expansion. One expansion technique is called Describe, Then…

There was a day that anyone who knew sign language was an interpreter. I often say that back in the day, we did not know what we did not know.…

ASL “Expansion appears to be one of the missing links in acquiring native-like competency in ASL.” – Shelley Lawrence ASL interpreters must consider much more than the words they hear…

Signing church music can be quite challenging! Several “old” hymns have much figurative language. Newer songs can also be challenging to sign. But all church music should be musical, accurate,…

“Why don’t Deaf people seem to understand me when I sign or interpret?” Part of the answer is placement. Simply put, sign placement is separating people, places, things, or ideas…

Interpreting is the skill of explaining or giving the meaning. A child may ask, “Mommy, the preacher said Jesus lives inside our hearts. Is Jesus really small?” The mother must…

“The light of the body is the eye….” – Matthew 6:22 Notice that native ASL users, Deaf people, look at your eyes, not your signs. How can that be true?…