Basic Vocabulary and Everyday Signs
What this domain tests
Recognition and production of everyday signs across semantic fields: family, numbers, time, food, school, emotions, directions, health, and polite routines. The exam tests whether you can choose a contextually appropriate sign, not whether you can translate word-for-word.
Core rules and concepts
- Vocabulary is learned in semantic clusters and in sentences; a sign list alone does not teach meaning.
- Many signs are iconic (for example EAT, DRINK) but iconicity is not universal; some signs are arbitrary and must be memorised.
- Regional variation exists in ISL. Learn the variant used in your prescribed materials and recognise others.
- Number signs 1-10 are handshape-based; use them for quantity, age, money, and time, and combine them with time signs.
- Politeness routines (PLEASE, THANK-YOU, SORRY, EXCUSE-ME) are signs, not just facial expressions.
Worked example
Express 'I need water.' Reasoning: do not sign English word order ME NEED WATER if your syllabus uses topic-comment. A natural ISL production is WATER ME NEED, with the topic WATER set first, a slight pause, then ME NEED. Add a requesting facial expression and direct eye contact. If the context is a classroom, you might add PLEASE. The reasoning: ISL often front-loads the topic; the English auxiliary 'do' is absent.
Traps that cost marks
- Inventing a sign because you forgot the established one.
- Using mime for abstract words like 'understand' or 'because'.
- Translating idioms literally.
- Using the wrong handshape for numbers, such as confusing 6 and 7.
- Ignoring regional variants and insisting one sign is correct everywhere.