Why Notate Signs?

When we talk about the parts of signs in the Hold-Movement model notations (HMH, HMHMH, etc.), we talk about eyes and eye training.  We are actually talking about visual perception.  Our eyes are merely linguistic filters which funnel American Sign Language (ASL) entering our consciousness.  As human beings, we acquire ASL; as ASL users, we perceive ASL.  It is a mental impression received through the sense of sight; comprehension of that received; understanding; awareness; insight.

You can reach a level of visual perception that will enable you to recognize and notate any part of a sign, which in turn will allow you to develop unlimited abilities in ASL.  This visual perception/notation process ties together all the parts of signs, from the inner world of thought to the outer world of sign production.

This training in the ASL Hold-Movement notations will allow you to improve your ability to acquire ASL and express yourself in ASL, starting at your present skill level.  Proceed at your own pace, propelled by your sense of discovery, pleasure and accomplishment.  You are in complete control of the pace and extent of your training in ASL.

It is important to focus on the fundamental skills of acquiring ASL.  Developing these notating skills is essential to understanding ASL.  This Hold-Movement model notations will consolidate your acquisition into a seamless, intuitive flow, as natural as breathing.

There are three stages of acquiring ASL: You inhale ASL, whether acquiring or reading about it. You process ASL, whether analyzing or enjoying it. You exhale ASL, whether using or notating it mentally.  Acquiring ASL is a very personal experience.  Once you have mastered ASL, you own it for life.