9.11 | Signing Naturally

So, the next time you’re practicing those dialogue pairs, remember: You aren't just learning to ask for a jump-start or a ride home. You are learning how to be a visual storyteller.

And that is a skill that will never leave you. Are you currently working on Unit 9? Drop a comment below with the hardest "unforeseen event" you had to describe—mine was trying to explain a raccoon stealing my lunch.

If you are working through the Signing Naturally curriculum (specifically Units 9-12), you know that Unit 9 is all about making requests . It’s where you move from simple, direct questions to more complex, polite, and culturally appropriate ways to ask for help. signing naturally 9.11

Here’s the scenario: You plan to do something (go to work, meet a friend, attend a class), but something unexpected happens (your car won’t start, you lock your keys inside, you get a flat tire). Because of this problem, you need to call someone and politely request help.

For many students, this specific section feels like a major milestone. It’s not just another vocabulary list or a set of grammar drills. So, what is Signing Naturally 9.11, and why does it deserve its own blog post? So, the next time you’re practicing those dialogue

But then you hit .

Let’s break it down. In most editions of Signing Naturally (Level 2), 9.11 focuses on Narrating Unforeseen Events & Making Requests . Are you currently working on Unit 9

Once you master 9.11, you realize you’re storytelling . You’re no longer just translating English words into signs. You are using spatial agreement, non-manual markers (like the "problem" face or the "relief" face), and eye gaze to create a mini-movie. That is true ASL fluency. A Typical 9.11 Prompt You might see a prompt like this: You are driving to a job interview. Suddenly, you get a flat tire. You call your friend. Explain the problem and ask them to pick you up. In English, you might say: "I have a flat tire. Can you come get me?"