Unit 9.14 from the Signing Naturally curriculum focuses on conversational strategies, turn-taking, and cultural norms in American Sign Language (ASL), often practiced through role-plays, narratives, and comprehension exercises. Below are concise, instructional answers and explanations covering typical objectives, practice prompts, grammar points, and likely worksheet/test items for Unit 9.14.
For students of American Sign Language (ASL) using the Signing Naturally curriculum (Level 2, often Units 7–12), Unit 9.14 is a well-known hurdle. Unlike simple vocabulary drills, 9.14 focuses on a complex real-world skill: narrating how a major decision was made.
This section typically requires students to watch unscripted signers, identify key ASL storytelling elements (like role-shifting, temporal sequencing, and “then vs. now” contrasts), and answer comprehension questions. If you’re searching for “Signing Naturally 9.14 answers,” you likely need one of three things:
Important ethical note: This article provides explanations and guided answers to help you learn. Simply copying will hurt your performance on quizzes, tests, and in-person signing. Use this as a study companion, not a shortcut.
Is the signer quoting someone else? (e.g., mouthing words, different shoulder angle). That quote is often the reason for the decision.
By: ASL Pedagogy Team
If you are currently enrolled in a college-level ASL course, you have likely encountered the "Signing Naturally" curriculum by Dawn Sign Press. Unit 9 is a pivotal chapter, typically focusing on "Making Requests" and the complex art of discussing "Preferences and Opinions" about activities. Within this unit, Section 9.14 often stands out as a challenge for students.
Before we dive into the "answers," it is crucial to understand a core philosophy of this curriculum: Signing Naturally does not exist to be "answered"; it exists to be performed. The exercises in 9.14 are typically receptive and expressive tasks designed to mimic real-life conversational ASL.
This article will break down what 9.14 likely contains, common answer patterns, grammatical structures used, and how to verify your work against the instructor’s materials.
Narrative summary:
A man was comfortable in his hometown, working a decent job. A recruiter offered a higher position in another state. He hesitated, then visited the new city, consulted his partner, and decided to move.
Sample answers:
ASL grammar focus:
Notice the shift between left space (old town) and right space (new city). The signer uses a “COMPARE” sign (two index fingers moving in opposition) and facial grammar for weighing options (cheeks puffed, slight head tilt).
(Use these to verify your specific homework answers)
If your 9.14 assignment focuses on Identifying Others, check these signs:
If your 9.14 assignment focuses on Constraint/Negation:
Note: If you have a specific question from the book (e.g., "What is the sign for X in Minidialogue 1?"), let me know and I can clarify that specific vocabulary!
Finding the answers for Signing Naturally Unit 9.14 (which focuses on "giving directions and describing places") is about more than just checking boxes; it’s about mastering the spatial logic of American Sign Language (ASL).
Below is an essay discussing the key concepts, the structure of the lesson, and how to arrive at the correct answers through an understanding of ASL grammar.
Mastering Spatial Logic: A Guide to Signing Naturally Unit 9.14
Unit 9.14 of the Signing Naturally curriculum represents a critical juncture for ASL students. While many look for a simple "answer key" to complete their workbooks, the true objective of this unit is to transition from basic vocabulary to complex spatial agreement. To find the correct answers for the comprehension tasks in this unit, one must understand three pillars: the signer’s perspective, the use of weak-hand landmarks, and directional verbs. The Signer’s Perspective
The most common mistake students make in Unit 9.14 is failing to account for "Signer’s Perspective." In ASL, when a signer describes a layout—such as a hallway or a room—they are creating a 3D map in front of them. The "answer" to where a specific room is located depends entirely on the signer’s orientation. To answer correctly, you must mentally flip the image; if the signer indicates a door on their right, it is on your left as the viewer. The Role of Non-Manual Markers (NMMs)
Answers in Unit 9.14 often hinge on subtle facial expressions. For example, when describing how far a destination is, the signer will use specific NMMs:
"CS" (Cheek-to-Shoulder): Indicates something is very close or "just right there." "MM" (Moderately): Indicates a standard distance.
"Open Mouth/Squinted Eyes": Indicates something is far away or "way down the hall."If a workbook question asks for the distance to the library, the answer isn't just in the hand movements, but in the squint of the eyes. Reference Points and Landmarks
Unit 9.14 introduces "weak-hand landmarks." A signer will often hold a reference point with their non-dominant hand (like a corner or a main entrance) while using their dominant hand to show the path to the destination. To track the answers accurately, students must keep their eyes on that "anchor" hand. If you lose the anchor, you lose the map. Identifying Specific Locations
The "answers" in the workbook usually involve identifying specific rooms (e.g., the teacher's lounge, the restroom, or the cafeteria). These are often identified by: Ordinal Numbers: (First door, second door, etc.).
Spatial Mapping: Using "trace" movements to show the shape of the building. signing naturally 9.14 answers
Giving Directions: Using "go-to" signs combined with "left" or "right" turns. Conclusion
Searching for "Signing Naturally 9.14 answers" may provide a temporary solution for a homework assignment, but the "real" answer lies in the student's ability to visualize the signer's 3D space. Success in this unit is measured by the ability to follow a signer’s path from the entrance of a building to a specific door using nothing but spatial cues and non-manual markers. To master this, focus less on the written word and more on the mental map being drawn in the air.
In Unit 9.14 of Signing Naturally (often about “Talking About Activities” or “Describing Others”), you’re likely working on:
How to find the correct answers yourself:
If you share a specific question or describe what you’re seeing in a particular sign sequence from 9.14, I can help you break down the meaning or grammar so you can confirm your answer.
The answers for Signing Naturally Unit 9.14 , titled " The Hitchhiker
" (pages 232–233), are summarized below based on the video story: Describe the hitchhiker:
A bald-headed man with a bushy beard, wearing a plaid shirt and carrying a backpack. Describe the driver:
A man with a crewcut wearing a white shirt and a bowtie; he is Deaf. How they communicate: They use gestures as well as a paper and pen. Where the hitchhiker wants to go: Las Vegas. What the driver sees in the rearview mirror: A police patrol car with flashing lights and sirens. Why he gets pulled over: The driver was speeding (going 90 mph). How the driver and cop communicate:
Through gestures; the cop eventually realizes the driver is Deaf. The outcome of the first stop:
After seeing the driver is Deaf, the cop tells him to slow down and lets him go with a warning. The hitchhiker’s reaction:
He is astonished and shocked that the driver didn't get a ticket. Why they switch places: The driver becomes tired and wants to sleep. The second stop:
The hitchhiker begins driving 90 mph and is also pulled over. The hitchhiker’s plan:
He decides to pretend to be Deaf to avoid a ticket, just like the original driver did. Why the plan fails:
The police officer’s parents are Deaf, so he begins using Sign Language (ASL). The hitchhiker cannot respond because he doesn't actually know sign. Final result:
The hitchhiker receives a speeding ticket for lying to the officer. Lesson learned:
🚗 ASL Story Breakdown: Mastering "The Hitchhiker" (Unit 9.14)
If you are working through the Signing Naturally curriculum, you know that Unit 9 is all about describing people and neighborhoods. One of the most memorable comprehension practices in this unit is the story "The Hitchhiker," which follows a humorous encounter between a driver and a traveler. Struggling to catch every detail? Character Descriptions
The story relies heavily on detailed physical descriptions, which is a core skill in ASL.
The Hitchhiker: He is described as a bald-headed man with a bushy beard. He is wearing a plaid shirt and carrying a backpack.
The Driver: He has a crewcut, is wearing a white shirt with a bowtie, and is Deaf. The Encounter
The story takes place near Las Vegas. Because the driver is Deaf and the hitchhiker (presumably hearing) doesn't know sign language initially, they communicate through gestures, paper, and pen. The Plot Twist
While driving, they see patrol car lights and sirens. The driver was speeding—going 90 mph.
The Interaction: The driver uses gestures to communicate with the police officer.
The Outcome: After realizing the driver is Deaf, the officer simply tells him to slow down and lets him go without a ticket.
The Hitchhiker's Reaction: He is astonished/shocked that the driver didn't get a ticket. The Final Irony Unit 9
Later in the trip, the driver gets tired and wants to sleep. The hitchhiker takes over the wheel and decides to pretend to be Deaf if they get pulled over, hoping for the same leniency. However, when he is pulled over, the cop uses ASL to sign to him, and the hitchhiker is caught because he can't respond in sign!. Quick Check: Study Tips for Unit 9.14
Watch for Classifiers: Pay attention to how the storyteller uses the "4" classifier for the stripes on the shirt and the "3" classifier for the vehicle's movement.
Facial Expressions: Notice the shift in the hitchhiker's expression from shock to smugness, then finally to defeat.
Vocabulary Focus: Review signs for "bald," "beard," "bowtie," and "speeding."
Unit 9.14 p. 232-233 -Watch the video of The... - Course Hero
Signing Naturally Unit 9.14 (Write Feature) , the exercise typically focuses on identifying and describing various physical features of objects or people using American Sign Language (ASL). Key Concepts for Unit 9.14
The "Write Feature" section generally asks you to observe a signer and record specific descriptive details. While specific workbook editions may vary slightly, the core tasks usually involve: Identifying the Object/Person : Recognizing the subject being described. Descriptive Signs : Identifying signs for size, shape, color, and texture. Spatial Agreement
: Noting how the signer uses the space around them to show where a feature is located (e.g., a logo on the left side of a shirt). Classifiers (DCLs)
: Recognizing Descriptive Classifiers used to specify the appearance of the item (e.g., for a flat surface or for a cylindrical shape). General Answers & Patterns
If you are looking for the specific answers from the DVD or digital media clips for Unit 9.14, they typically follow this pattern: Item Identification
: The signer introduces the object (e.g., a bag, a piece of furniture, or a specific garment). Specific Features : Is it leather, wood, plastic, or metal? : Is it striped, polka-dotted, or solid? Functional Details : Does it have buttons, a zipper, or a handle? How to Complete the "Write Feature" Section Watch for the "Topic"
: The signer will usually name the object first using a neutral space. Look for Non-Manual Markers (NMMs)
: Pay attention to facial expressions that indicate size (e.g., "cha" for large, "ooo" for small/thin). Note the Classifiers
: Draw or write the shape the signer's hands are tracing in the air. Are you working on a specific item description
(like a backpack or a jacket) from this unit that you're stuck on?
Master Signing Naturally Unit 9.14: Giving Directions and Spatial Agreement
Navigating the world of American Sign Language (ASL) requires more than just knowing individual signs; it involves understanding how to use the space around you to convey meaning. Signing Naturally Unit 9.14 focuses on a critical real-world skill: Giving Directions.
Whether you are looking for specific answers for a homework assignment or trying to master the linguistic nuances of spatial agreement, this guide breaks down the core concepts of Unit 9.14. The Goal of Unit 9.14
In this lesson, the primary objective is to learn how to describe the layout of a building or a floor and guide someone from point A to point B. This involves three major ASL components:
Spatial Agreement: Making sure your signs "line up" with the actual physical location of the places you are describing.
The Weak Hand as a Reference: Using your non-dominant hand to hold a starting point or a landmark.
Specific Directional Signs: Using common signs like UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS, HALWAY, and DOOR. Key Concepts and "Answers" for Unit 9.14 Practice
When completing the workbook exercises for 9.14, you are typically asked to watch a signer give directions and then identify the room or destination they are referring to. Here is the linguistic logic you need to find the correct answers: 1. Common Landmarks
The signer will often start by establishing a landmark. Listen (with your eyes!) for these signs:
Elevator: Often the starting point for directions on a new floor. Stairs: Used to indicate movement between levels. Lobby/Front Desk: A common "Point A." 2. Using "Left" and "Right"
In ASL, you don't just sign the word "left" or "right." You use Signer’s Perspective. Is the signer quoting someone else
If the signer points to their left, it represents the left side of the hallway from their point of view.
Pro Tip: When you are the viewer, you must mentally flip the direction. If they point to their left (your right), the room is on the left side of the hall. 3. Ordinal Numbers (First, Second, Third)
When identifying a specific door in a hallway, signers use ordinal numbers.
Example: "Walk down the hall, it’s the third door on the right."
The handshape for "third" will typically have a slight twist of the wrist to indicate it is an ordinal number (1st, 2nd, 3rd) rather than a cardinal number (1, 2, 3). Study Guide: How to Succeed in the 9.14 Exercises
If you are struggling to find the "answers" while watching the DVD or digital media, focus on these three steps:
Step 1: Identify the FloorDoes the signer go up or down? Watch for the CL:V (Classifier V) representing legs walking or an elevator moving.
Step 2: Trace the PathWatch the signer's dominant hand as it "moves" through the space. They are creating a mental map. Follow that movement with your eyes.
Step 3: Look for the Final "Point"At the end of the directions, the signer will point specifically to a location. This is the "answer" to where the person or room is located. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common mistake in Unit 9.14?The most common mistake is forgetting spatial consistency. If a signer says the bathroom is next to the elevator on the left, they must keep the elevator on the left for the duration of that sentence.
How do I sign "across from"?This is usually shown by pointing to one side of an imaginary hallway and then pointing directly opposite to it. Summary for Students
Unit 9.14 isn't just about getting the right answer on a worksheet; it’s about visualizing space. When practicing, try to draw a rough map of what the signer is describing. If your map matches the layout of the exercise, you’ve mastered the unit!
Signing Naturally 9.14 Answers: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Signing Naturally is a popular American Sign Language (ASL) curriculum used by many schools and institutions to teach students the fundamentals of ASL. Unit 9.14 is a crucial part of the curriculum, focusing on various aspects of ASL, including vocabulary, grammar, and storytelling. In this document, we will provide answers and explanations for the Signing Naturally 9.14 exercises, helping students and instructors alike to better understand the material.
Exercise 9.14.1: Vocabulary Review
The first exercise in 9.14 reviews vocabulary related to food and drink. Students are asked to identify and sign the following words:
Answers:
Exercise 9.14.2: Grammar Review
The second exercise reviews ASL grammar, specifically the use of:
Answers:
Exercise 9.14.3: Storytelling
The third exercise asks students to create a short story using ASL vocabulary and grammar.
Tips and Guidelines:
Conclusion
Signing Naturally 9.14 is an essential part of the ASL curriculum, covering vital topics such as vocabulary, grammar, and storytelling. By mastering these concepts, students can improve their ASL skills and become more confident communicators. We hope this guide has provided helpful answers and explanations for the 9.14 exercises, supporting students and instructors in their ASL journey.
Unit 9.14 of the Signing Naturally curriculum typically focuses on a comprehension exercise titled "The Hitchhiker"
. This review covers the key characters, plot points, and the lesson learned from the story as found on educational platforms like Course Hero Course Sidekick Story Summary & Answer Key