Topic Comment Sentence Structure
In ASL, the topic is typically signed first. ASL is a visual language, signing the topic first
establishes what you're talking about, the comment follows and explains what you are saying about
the topic.
Example
English:
ASL:
The wall is yellow.
WALL YELLOW
For the following sentences…
1. Identify the TOPIC and the COMMENT in each sentence.(there may be more than one
topic and comment in a sentence)
2. RE-WRITE each sentence in ASL GLOSS to follow topic-comment structure
3. LEAVE OUT words that are not signed won’t sign (is, the, and, a)
*Remember* Question words at the end!
*Remember* True ASL structure
1. I have a fun friend.
________________________________________________________________________
2. Where are the blue keys?
________________________________________________________________________
3. The large poster is cool.
________________________________________________________________________
4. When is the yoga class?
________________________________________________________________________
5. My morning is fine, how is yours?
________________________________________________________________________
6. Your math class is cool, do you like learning about numbers?
________________________________________________________________________
7. The cafeteria has a dirty floor, but the bathroom is spotless.
________________________________________________________________________
8. The tall teacher with the blond hair and bangs teaches art.
________________________________________________________________________
9. My homework is boring, I want to go outside and play.
_______________________________________________________________________
10. Did you see the Emmy’s last night, all my favorite actors won!
_________________________________________________________________________