How to Learn ASL Basics
Knowing just a little about American Sign Language, some basic performance methods, can help in a number of different situations.
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Instructions
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Understanding Just the Basics of ASL Can Be of Great Communication Assistance
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The first step is to know just why you'd like to learn some basics initially. There are a great many different reasons. Some people have a dear friend or family member with whom they need to communicate; there are those who need to learn it while working toward degrees in certain arenas. I chose ASL as my foreign language in college, and it was a most rewarding situation. The Deaf Culture has so much to share and teach.
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The next step will be to find a great website that features easily viewable forms with either animated pictures or live people pictures. Some sites make suggestions concerning reading material or events that you may attend in order to understand the deaf culture a bit more. St. Rita's School for the Deaf in Cincinnati, Ohio is a highly regarded education institution for kids who are hearing impaired.
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Step three is definitely one in which you'll look for a relaxing environment in which to view and learn the signs. This doesn't mean that you will need to move your desktop computer to a different location. Play some quiet music that will allow you to relax; perhaps light a scented candle. Now, if you are using a laptop, go to your favorite place of concentration. A quiet park or the beach are great places to help you to relax!
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In this step it is important to remove any finger or wrist jewelry and clothing that won't allow you to effectively repeat the symbols that you are learning. I used to wear a ring that was a bit too large, and as I moved my fingers around, that ring just flew off of my hand.
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Tips & Warnings
Michigan State University Communication Technology Laboratory (http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htm) is a great site in showing a basic letter by letter structure. They also feature the format of basic words.
It's cool to film yourself signing if you've got access to a video camera of some sort.
Practicing with a friend, whether hearing impaired or not, can be a rewarding experience.
Don't use just any website to help with this.
*.edu, *.gov are excellent to choose when in doubt.
