ASL shows numbers through hand shapes and movements. Numbers from one to five are displayed by simply holding up that many fingers with your palm facing outward, which is a straightforward and easy-to-learn method. Numbers six through nine need specific finger positions. Making an "O" with your thumb and index finger shows zero. For numbers bigger than ten, signers must show the tens digit first and then the ones digit, following a clear pattern. When talking about money, you have to face your palm up. Math class and other formal places need extra careful number signing. The number system in ASL came from French Sign Language about 200 years ago.
by Serena Clark
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