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Master ASL Skills: A Guide to Signing Naturally Homework 1.5

If you are a student of American Sign Language, you already know that is the gold standard for immersive learning. However, as you move into Unit 1:5 , the challenge ramps up. This section focuses on a fundamental skill that separates beginners from fluent signers: Visual Tracking and Non-Manual Markers (NMMs).

In previous lessons, you learned basic greetings and the alphabet. Unit 1.5 shifts the focus toward and Wh-questions . The goal is to move your eyes and body in sync with your hands to create a cohesive "picture" for the person watching you. Key Concepts to Master 1. Wh-Question Face

If you are signing about two different people, you need to "set them up" in your signing space. Point to the right for person A and the left for person B. Homework 1.5 often asks you to track where people are located in a hypothetical room. Tips for Completing the Homework Exercises

In English, we change our tone of voice to indicate a question. In ASL, you change your face. For "Wh-" questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why), you must: Lean your head forward slightly. Hold the last sign until the listener starts to respond. 2. Maintaining Eye Contact

One of the biggest mistakes students make in Homework 1.5 is looking at their own hands. In ASL, eye contact is equivalent to listening. When practicing the video exercises, focus on the signer's face, not just their fingers. This helps you catch the "grammar" shown through their expressions. 3. Spatial Agreement