Communicating across a language barrier can be frustrating, especially when trying to convey instructive information such as directions. American Sign Language is especially challenging—you cannot even communicate words that are universally understood, like the names of establishments or streets. Not only that, but ASL is a complex language—though a common misconception is that ASL is simply English spoken through hand signals, it has its own grammar and syntax rules that complicate matters. With diligent practice and dedication, though, you can understand enough to give directions in ASL.
Hold your hands in the proper signing area. Since ASL relies on facial expressions as well as hand signals, keep your hands in front of your chest and below your face. Maintain eye contact with the "listener" as you would when speaking a spoken language—don't watch your hands.
Use the appropriate word order for ASL. In spoken English, for example, you might use subject-verb-object word order to say, "I'm going to the store." In ASL, you use object-subject-verb word order to say, "Store me go-to."
Assume the perspective of the person receiving directions. Direction-giving in ASL strongly relies on visual instruction rather than "spoken" directions, and the person giving directions should not reverse the directions for the "listener.". It is widely understood in Deaf culture that the "speaker" gives directions as though he is the "listener." For example, if you are sitting opposite each other, instruct the "listener" to go straight by pointing your index fingers up and then straight ahead, even though you are pointing the opposite direction the "listener" should go.
Use short, quick movements to denote short distances. For long distances, move your fingers slowly—again, using two index fingers—while narrowing your eyes and shaping your lips as though you are whistling. Hallways are denoted by the same "pointing" motion, but keeping your hands flat, open and facing each other. To signal a door, hold the hand vertical and flat, then turn it 90 degrees to mimic a door opening.
Form your index and middle fingers—one hand only—into a horizontal bent "V" sign, as though they were two bent legs. Use this hand shape to signal going up and down stairs by make the "legs" mimic the motion, either moving up or down. Keep your hands inside the signing space in front of your chest.
Study vocabulary and the alphabet. While you can give rudimentary directions without a particularly nuanced understanding of the language, communicating the name of a store, location or street is generally done through fingerspelling—the act of signing alphabetical letters to spell out a word. Use the links in the Resources section for helpful websites with instructional videos.
