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The article below will have tons of tips and tricks on what you need to know to get you started on your ASL learning journey. There are many great resources out there where you can learn ASL. One of the resources is StartASL.com. We offer two packages, a Silver and a Gold package. Both of these packages include.
- American Sign Language
Start ASL is the USA’s most trusted online American Sign...
- Learn American Sign Language (ASL)
Start ASL offers a variety of resources to learn American...
- American Sign Language
- Overview
- Things to Know
- Ways to Learn
- Practical Experience
American Sign Language is one of the most beautiful yet misunderstood languages in the world. Approach learning it with the same respect and expectations you would if you were learning any foreign spoken language. ASL is used in the United States and Canada. Other sign languages are used across the world, including Malaysia, Germany, Austria, Norwa...
Know where to hold your hands.
Most ASL signs are produced in a space that extends from your temples to your waist. Many signs are in a 'neutral' position, at mid-chest level.
Location and palm orientation matter! When learning signs, pay careful attention to where the hands are located, and which direction the palms face. This affects the meaning of the sign produced.
Comfort is important. Arthritis and tendonitis will prevent some from being able to form signs perfectly. If it hurts, adjust your position slightly.
Be aware that ASL is not a language only of the hands and fingers. It involves the whole body, including the upper torso, arms, and head. The face is extremely important! Facial expressions can communicate a variety of things. For example, elevated eyebrows when signing means one is asking a question.
As you are learning, move in a slow, deliberate fashion. This will help you master the motions as well as make it easier for others to understand you.
Invest in a good sign language dictionary.
Dictionaries are critical tools for learning any language, and ASL is no exception. A good dictionary will allow you to look up signs you don't understand, as well as give you something to study.
Look for a dictionary with easy-to-understand illustrations and descriptions.
Try using an online dictionary, where you can see videos of the signs being produced.
Take a class from a deaf instructor.
A classroom setting will give you multiple people to practice signing with, as well as feedback on your performance.
Familiarize yourself with Deaf culture.
In order to become fluent in ASL, you will have to be invested in Deaf culture. Since deafness is rarely passed from parent to child, Deaf culture is one of the few cultures where a child does not learn the cultural traits from their parents. Instead, the culture evolves from deaf schools and community gatherings. Sign language is but one small aspect of Deaf culture.
In Deaf culture, deafness is not viewed as a disability that needs fixing. The terms "mute" and "dumb" are culturally insensitive, and should never be used.
In general, individual Deaf communities are tight-knit and initially hard to break into. But persistence and a humble attitude will help you succeed in making deaf friends. Once they know you are sincere and eager to learn about them and their language, many deaf people will begin to accept you and "show you the ropes" of their unique culture.
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Learning American Sign Language (ASL) takes time, patience, practice, and a sense of humor. If you are a parent of a newly-identified child who is deaf or hard of hearing, you can request ASL instruction from your child’s early intervention system. Early intervention systems are designed to help your child develop in all areas.
ASL Connect is intended to be a central resource for learning American Sign Language (ASL) and about Deaf Studies online, with all content created by Deaf ASL-fluent scholars. We offer ways to learn some basic ASL online to get you started, and then we offer highly engaging and interactive ASL and Deaf Studies courses online.
Engage in active learning with interactive exercises, quick lectures, and reviews. Time Efficient Focus on learning the ASL most relevant to you with a modular curriculum.
