The primary focus of Signing Naturally Homework 9.11 Giving Directions with Perspective Shifts
. This lesson teaches you how to describe a route from a "street view" perspective, requiring you to mentally rotate your signs as if you are physically moving through the environment. Key Language Concepts Perspective Shift:
You must give directions from the point of view of looking down the street directly in front of you. When you describe a turn, you "shift" your mental perspective so that the new street is now the one in front of you. Signer’s Perspective: All directions are based on how the
sees the space. For example, if you tell someone to turn left, you use your left side based on your current orientation in the narrative. Non-Manual Markers (NMMs): Raised Brows:
Used when establishing a reference point or starting a new scene. Distance Indicators:
Use "cs" (cheek to shoulder) to indicate something is close, and tilt your head up with squinted eyes to indicate something is far away. Weak Hand Maintenance:
Use your non-dominant (weak) hand to hold a reference point in space while your dominant hand continues to sign the next direction. Common Vocabulary for Unit 9.11 Handshape/Movement Description Straight Ahead 5 handshape starting at the side of the head and moving outward. Intersection 1 handshapes crossing to form a "T". Cross Street 5 handshape swiping across the tip of the other 1 handshape To Go Past A/10 handshapes swiping knuckles across each other. Turn Left/Right 5 handshape swiping outward in the direction of the turn. Typical Homework Exercise Data
In the standard workbook activity for 9.11, you are often asked to identify specific businesses and the reason for visiting them based on a signed video. Location 1: Macy's — To get an Location 2: Sam's Deli — To get food/sandwich Location 3: ReMax — To look for a Location 4: Curves — To Location 5: City Hall — Needs a birth certificate Location 6: Ace Hardware — Fixed a broken wall socket Course Hero for these locations or tips on how to map out a perspective shift
Signing Naturally Unit 6 Notes.docx - Christa Farrell... - Course Hero 19 Feb 2020 — signing naturally homework 9.11
Mastering ASL: A Guide to Completing Signing Naturally Homework 9.11
If you are a student of American Sign Language (ASL), you know that the Signing Naturally curriculum is the gold standard for immersive learning. However, as you progress into Unit 9, the complexity of spatial agreement and storytelling increases significantly. Homework 9.11 is often cited by students as a challenging milestone because it requires a synthesis of several advanced grammatical concepts.
In this guide, we will break down the core components of Homework 9.11 to help you master the material and improve your fluency. What is Covered in Unit 9.11?
Unit 9 focuses primarily on "Describing Places," and Section 9.11 specifically hones in on giving directions and describing layouts from the signer's perspective. The homework typically involves:
Spatial Agreement: Ensuring your signs correspond to the actual physical location of the places you are describing.
Relative Distance: Using non-manual markers (NMMs) to indicate how far or close a destination is.
The Signer's Perspective: Maintaining a consistent "mental map" so the person watching you can follow the route. Key Concepts to Review Before You Start
To succeed in this assignment, you should be comfortable with the following ASL techniques: 1. Spatial Mapping The primary focus of Signing Naturally Homework 9
When you describe a neighborhood or a floor plan in 9.11, you aren't just signing words; you are drawing a map in the air. Remember that once you establish a point in space (e.g., "the pharmacy is on the left"), that point remains there for the duration of the conversation. 2. Non-Manual Markers (NMMs) for Distance
Your face does half the work in this unit. Pay close attention to:
"cs" (cheek-to-shoulder): Indicates that a place is very close or "just right there."
"mm" (lips pursed): Indicates a moderate or average distance.
"cha" (mouth slightly open): Indicates that a place is far away. 3. Trace the Route
In Homework 9.11, you are often asked to follow a specific path. Use your index finger to "trace" the street or hallway before identifying the landmarks along the way. Tips for Success on the Homework 9.11 Video Exercises
Most students struggle with the receptive portion of the homework (watching the DVD or online portal and answering questions). Here is how to approach it:
Don’t Look for Individual Signs: If you focus only on the hand shapes, you’ll miss the "big picture." Try to visualize the room or street the signer is describing in your own mind. Example script (signed, not spoken)
Watch the Eye Gaze: In ASL, the signer’s eyes often track the path they are describing. If their eyes move to the right, that’s a cue that the next landmark is located in that direction.
Identify the Reference Point: Most directions in 9.11 start from a common starting point (like a front door or a specific intersection). Always identify the "point of origin" first. Common Vocabulary in Unit 9.11
Make sure you have these signs polished before recording your own responses or taking the quiz: Corner (various types: inside corner vs. outside corner) Across from Next to Turn right/left Traffic light / Stop sign Floor / Level (for building descriptions) Conclusion
Homework 9.11 is all about perspective. It moves you away from simple vocabulary and into the realm of spatial logic—the heart of ASL grammar. By practicing your spatial agreement and mastering your distance NMMs, you’ll find that "describing places" becomes much more intuitive.
Keep practicing, keep signing, and don't be afraid to rewind the video multiple times to catch those subtle spatial cues!
Do not pick up your pen during the first viewing. Simply watch the signer’s face and body. Ask yourself:
To succeed, you must recognize three ASL features heavily used in this assignment.