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Quizzes > Literature & Language > Foreign Languages

Sign Language Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Ready for 15 challenging questions about sign language? Think you can ace this ASL quiz?

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
paper art hands shaping ASL letters next to quiz text free sign language quiz 15 questions on sky blue background

This ASL quiz helps you practice sign language skills with 15 quick questions on handshapes, facial expressions, and fingerspelling. Use it to see where you stand and pick up a tip or two. If you're just starting, try the beginner quiz , or keep going with more ASL questions.

What does ASL stand for?
Anglo-Saxon Language
American Speaking Language
American Sign Language
Australian Sign Language
ASL stands for American Sign Language, a complete visual language used by the Deaf community in the United States and parts of Canada. It has its own grammar and syntax which are distinct from English. ASL was influenced by French Sign Language in the early 19th century. .
Which handshape is used to sign the letter 'A' in the ASL alphabet?
An open palm
Index and middle finger extended
A fist with the thumb alongside the fingers
Thumb and forefinger forming a circle
The letter 'A' in ASL is formed by making a fist with the thumb alongside the curled fingers, representing the shape of an 'A'. The open palm or 'V' shapes correspond to other letters. Proper handshape is crucial for clarity in fingerspelling. .
Which of the following is an essential component of ASL grammar?
Strict subject - object word order
Facial expressions
Intonation of the voice
Verb conjugations like in English
Facial expressions are an essential component of ASL grammar, known as non-manual signals, which can modify the meaning of signs and indicate grammatical structures like questions, negations, and emotions. Unlike spoken languages that rely on intonation, ASL uses eyebrow positions, head tilts, and mouth shapes. Correct facial expressions ensure accurate communication. .
Who is known as the founder of the first permanent school for the Deaf in America?
Alexander Graham Bell
Laurent Clerc
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet
Martha's Vineyard community
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet co-founded the first permanent school for the Deaf in the United States in 1817 alongside Laurent Clerc, which later became Gallaudet University. His work was pivotal in establishing formal Deaf education in America. Gallaudet's legacy continues through the university that bears his name. .
In ASL, how do you typically indicate a yes/no question?
Opening your mouth widely
Closing your eyes briefly
Raising your eyebrows
Tilting your head forward
Yes/no questions in ASL are typically marked by raised eyebrows and a slight forward head tilt as non-manual signals. These facial expressions serve as grammatical markers indicating a question is being asked. They differ from WH-questions, which use furrowed brows. .
What is the purpose of using space in ASL sentences?
To rest the hands between signs
To mimic spoken pauses
To show location and relationships
To emphasize certain words
Signers use the three-dimensional signing space to establish locations for people, objects, and concepts, which helps show spatial relationships and verb agreement. This spatial referencing is integral to ASL grammar because it replaces word order and spoken prepositions. It also allows for concise and clear descriptions of locations and movements. .
What is role shifting in ASL?
Switching dominant hand during a sign
Random movement of hands to show rhythm
Pausing briefly between signs
Shifting body/head to represent different characters in a narrative
Role shifting (also known as constructed action) involves the signer shifting their body posture, eye gaze, and head position to take on different characters or perspectives in a narrative. This technique allows viewers to distinguish between speakers or viewpoints without explicit sign labels. It enhances storytelling clarity and engagement. .
What does the ASL sign for "thank you" typically involve?
Open palm facing down moving downward
Hand from chin moving outward
Thumbs up motion
Fist tapping the chin
The ASL sign for "thank you" involves placing the fingertips of a flat hand near the chin and then moving the hand slightly forward and down toward the receiver. This motion conveys gratitude directed from the signer to another person. It is a polite and common sign used daily. .
What type of classifier is most often used to depict the movement of vehicles?
The 'B' handshape
The '3' handshape
The '1' handshape
The '5' handshape
The '3' handshape classifier in ASL is commonly used to represent vehicles such as cars, trains, or buses when showing their movement along a path. Classifiers provide visual information about the shape, movement, and location of objects. Using the '3' handshape, signers can depict the direction and speed of the vehicle. .
Which of the following is an agreement verb in ASL?
GIVE
DRINK
LEARN
EAT
The sign GIVE in ASL is an agreement (or directional) verb that changes movement based on the subject and object locations established in the signing space. For example, giving something to a second person uses a movement from signer to receiver. Other verbs like EAT or DRINK are body-anchored and do not agree directionally. .
What is the difference between an initialized sign and a non-initialized sign?
Initialized uses the handshape of the English word's first letter
Non-initialized uses the same movement but changes handshape
Initialized signs only involve fingerspelling
Non-initialized signs are borrowed from another country
An initialized sign uses the handshape that corresponds to the first letter of its English gloss, such as the 'C' handshape in the sign for 'class.' A non-initialized sign does not rely on an English letter handshape and often has historical or iconic origins. Initialized signs help with identifying loan signs and distinguishing similar concepts. .
In ASL, which mouth morpheme is used to show chewing or crunching?
"mm" with closed mouth
"th" with tongue between teeth
"oo" with rounded lips
"cha" with pursed lips
The mouth morpheme "cha" with pursed lips is used in ASL to depict the action of chewing or crunching, adding descriptive nuance to the sign. Mouth morphemes are non-manual signals that enhance meaning, indicate intensity, or imitate sounds. They are integral to conveying details that hands alone may not fully express. .
What does a constructed action in ASL refer to?
Physically acting out a character's actions
Using movement to show abstract concepts only
Placing signs in different spatial locations
Spelling out actions letter by letter
Constructed action in ASL refers to the signer's use of their body, facial expression, and movement to show what a character is doing, thinking, or feeling. It differs from role shifting, which denotes a change between distinct characters or viewpoints, though both are used in narratives. Constructed action enriches storytelling by visually enacting actions rather than just describing them. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Core ASL Vocabulary -

    Learn key signs and handshapes for everyday concepts, building a solid foundation in sign language terminology.

  2. Identify Accurate Handshapes and Movements -

    Recognize the correct formation and motion of signs to improve clarity and precision in ASL communication.

  3. Differentiate Deaf Culture Norms -

    Distinguish cultural practices and etiquette within the Deaf community to foster respectful interactions.

  4. Apply Fingerspelling Techniques -

    Use ASL fingerspelling to spell names and simple words, enhancing your ability to communicate novel terms.

  5. Evaluate ASL Proficiency -

    Assess your current understanding of sign language quiz topics and pinpoint areas for further practice.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Mastering the ASL Manual Alphabet -

    Familiarity with each one-handed letter shape is foundational for spelling names and new vocabulary; practice by tracing the alphabet in front of a mirror and using "slide J" and "swipe Z" motions for dynamic letters. For example, the letter J swoops downward in a gentle curve that mimics writing the letter. Gallaudet University recommends daily 5-minute drills to build muscle memory.

  2. Facial Expressions & Non-Manual Signals -

    Non-manual markers like raised eyebrows indicate yes/no questions, while furrowed brows accompany who/what/where/when/why queries; think "Eyebrows Tell" to remember their power. In practice, hold your eyebrows high when signing "Are you coming?" and drop them for "Where are you going?" Research from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf shows NMS account for up to 30% of meaning in ASL.

  3. Spatial Grammar & Directionality -

    Use signing space to indicate subjects and objects by assigning them real or imaginary locations in front of you, then directing verbs toward those spots. For instance, the sign GIVE moves from the giver's position to the receiver's spot, showing who gives to whom without extra words. Rochester Institute of Technology studies highlight that learners who map people in space improve comprehension by 50%.

  4. Number Incorporation & Classifiers -

    Incorporate numbers into signs (like WEEK or MONTH) by transitioning smoothly from the number handshape into the sign itself - this is called number incorporation. Classifiers (handshape symbols) like CL:3 for vehicles help describe motion and size; imagine three rolling cars when signing "they drove here." ASL research from the Journal of Deaf Studies advises practicing classifier stories to boost narrative skills.

  5. Deaf Culture & Etiquette -

    Building cultural awareness - such as tapping someone's shoulder or waving at their peripheral vision to get attention - shows respect and effective communication in Deaf communities. Maintain eye contact, avoid speaking while signing, and learn community norms; the National Association of the Deaf warns against "no-vision" distractions like looking at your phone. A simple mnemonic is "Tap, Look, Respect."

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