How to Become Fluent in ASL

Become Fluent in ASL

Rate: (3 Ratings)

Like any language, learning ASL requires practice and patience as well as a healthy dose of conversations with native speakers.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Time
Practice!

Step1

Take a class on ASL. This is important, as it will teach you grammar and vocabulary.

Step2

Research grammar and vocabulary if you are not willing to take a class, and pay special attention to what you read.

Step3

Practice everything from the alphabet to new vocabulary regularly, and seek out new vocabulary whenever possible.

Step4

Practice with native speakers as much as you can to gain speed and fluency.

Tips & Warnings

Practice signing in front of a mirror to see how your hands move, but keep in mind that you will be seeing things backwards!
Do not expect to be able to sign at full speed right away. Practice signing something like "slow please".

Comments

AFrieske said

Flag This Comment

on 12/4/2007 Sign language is a wonderful language. I learned the alphabet from a place mat under my morning cereal when I was a kid. My mom is fluent and teaches her kindergartens a song each Christmas in ASL. Good article.

View All