How to Learn Sign Language Free

Throughout North America, American Sign Language (ASL) is the standard visual language used to communicate between deaf and hearing individuals. ASL has been used and taught in schools since the 1800s, and is fairly easy to learn, especially with the number of resources available free online.

Here are a variety of websites that offer free videos, fingerspelling charts, and lessons for beginners (and those that want a vocabulary refresher):

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet
• Willingness to learn ASL

1. 
    

   At ASL University (Lifeprint.com), a variety of resources are available for learning sign language free, for teachers as well as students. These are provided n text format, animated graphics, and a few embedded videos. Lessons are provided that include vocabulary words, practice tests and a checklist of objectives. A great place to start is Basic ASL: The First 100 Words.
   
   While the website itself is pretty basic and pared down from a graphics perspective, it is rich in resources - most of which are available on CD in the bookstore for a relatively small fee.

2. 
    

   Apples4TheTeacher.com has a nifty fingerspelling translator. Type up to 30 characters in the text box, press the translate button, and you'll now see your word or phrase translated into the ASL hand signs. Fingerspelling flash cards and other activities for kids are also available, and are a great way to mastering the sign language alphabet.

3. 
    

   At SigningSavvy.com, you can choose from literally thousands of words that have been arranged in alphabetical order, click on their link, and watch a small embedded video of a person using the coordinating sign for the word you selected. Register here (also free!) and you'll have access to larger video screen, create a list of signs you wish to learn or review, use their "browse signs" categories to learn a group of related signs, and more. There's even an interactive map of the U.S. that allows you to see the sign for any state you choose.

Tips & Warnings

• additional signing videos can be found at YouTube.com
• Practice, practice, practice -- it's especially helpful to practice with someone who is deaf, or has been using ASL as their primary language for years.
• None of these resources are meant to replace formal training. It would be very difficult to be an ASL expert using online resources only.

Resources

• SigningSavvy.com
• LifePrint.com
• ASL Phrase Translator

[wordstock]

on 4/16/2009 My grandson is very interested in learning to sign. This is great info.

[MariM]

on 3/12/2009 Good article, Good resources and 5*

[sonni57]

on 3/9/2009 Nicely done article I need to learn sign language.

[benpauley]

on 3/7/2009 Excellent article. I took two years of it in high school. 5*rcmd

[AdirondackTrina]

on 3/7/2009 This is a great resource! It's a LOT easier to teach your kids while they are young...they still think it's fun, a secret code language, and don't realize that it's LEARNING!