How to Learn to Sign
Have you ever wanted to be able to talk to someone while in a group of people where others just can't figure out what you were saying? Have you ever wanted to say something to a deaf person just to be friendly or polite? Have you ever seen someone using sign language and had an overwhelming desire to know what they were saying? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, maybe it's time to learn sign language. At one time, sign language and how to learn it was obscure at best, but now there are many possibilities for learning to sign out there. Do some research and figure out the best way for you.
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Instructions
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Go to the library or book store and purchase a book on sign language. This is a good way to get started. One good book is "The Joy of Signing" by Lottie L. Riekehof (see Resources below). You will not become proficient teaching yourself, but you can begin to learn the basics, such as the alphabet. Many signs are based on the letters of the alphabet, so if you know that much, you are well on your way.
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Check out the local colleges and places where adult education classes are offered. Places such as these often offer classes in sign language. What's more, unless you want to earn the actual college credit, the classes are usually pretty inexpensive.
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Look through community resource pages or community activities online. Sign language is often taught at local churches that have large deaf populations. If you cannot find any such information through the paper or on the phone, call the local churches and ask. If they do not offer such a class themselves, chances are they know someone who does.
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Search online for sign language courses. There are many resources out there, both free and not. Check out what is offered free first. That might be enough to satisfy your sign language craving. If not, there are always paid alternatives (see Resources below).
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Get involved in community groups that focus around the deaf population, particularly once you know some sign. The only way to get fluent in sign is to use it as often as possible.
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Tips & Warnings
To learn to sign is fairly easy; to become proficient in sign is another matter. It takes a lot of practice to become good at sign language. However, if you enjoy it and want to become good, consider becoming a translator. They make great money!
If you have had hand surgery or have limited mobility in your hands, signing is going to be difficult. You can probably modify some of the signs to match your dexterity, but you will also become frustrated.
