We need to level up this topics question section. ASL why does the topic need to be stated first then discussed? I already know but im making this section better.

Question

Everyone certified chime in please.

Answer 1

TIME then LOCATION come first really. Ex. English: I'm flying to France tomorrow. ASL: TOMORROW, FRANCE I FLY.

But for the sake of this question, let's say there is no time or location. TOPIC/COMMENT/REFERENT, for example I can't find my keys, MY KEYS, FIND CAN'T. (Negatives and verbs are at the end) or you can sign: MY KEYS, FIND CAN'T I. (Topic=keys)

So why TOPC/subject first? At times the Object may be the subject too, lol! But WHY?

1. Clarity and Emphasis: By stating the topic first, the signer sets the context for the rest of the sentence. This helps the listener understand what the main subject is before getting into the details.
2. Efficiency: ASL is a visual language, and the topic-comment structure allows for more efficient communication. It helps convey the main idea quickly and clearly.
3. Focus: Placing the topic at the beginning of the sentence highlights its importance, making it easier for the listener to follow the conversation.

Some examples:

1.     English: “The cat is sleeping.” ASL: “CAT, SLEEP.” or "CAT, IT SLEEP"

2.     English: “She likes pizza.” ASL: “PIZZA, SHE LIKE.”

3.     English: “I need to study.” ASL: “STUDY, I NEED.”

4.     English: “The weather is nice today.” ASL: “TODAY, WEATHER NICE.”

5.     English: “He is reading a book.” ASL: “BOOK, HE READ.”

Imagine a stage, you cannot see the action before you see the characters. You need to establish the topic that relates to the action you see or the opinion you have first.

It's basically signing in the order as we would see it vs. a linear version, such as English, where we can discuss feelings and actions before the subject/TOPIC.

Another way to understand this concept would be if I drew a picture of a pencil on a table. I would not draw the pencil first then the table, I would go from general to specific. I can then draw the pencil better as it is in relation to the table vs. drawing it floating in space and then putting the table under it.

EX: English: "Put the pencil on the table." We would not sign: PENCIL PUT-on TABLE, it's visually awkward. (Where's the table? You can't put a pencil on a table that isn't there, you must first establish it)

It is better to sign PENCIL PUT-on TABLE.

You must establish the ground, before you can put what goes on it. Remember general to specific. (for all the artists out there, this concept should come easy)

A TIP FOR INTERPRETING STUDENTS: It's always good if you can visualize what you are signing vs. trying to translate the English in your head.