How to Learn Sign Langauge
Deaf culture is an important facet of society, complete with distinctive events and history. Learning sign language is important for better connecting with deaf culture and deaf people, as well as communicating with deaf loved ones. Additionally, sign language is a fluid, beautiful form of expression that many have adopted for artistic use in performance pieces, further adding to the appeal of sign language education. Several avenues of study are available to sign language learners, ranging from self-driven, free curriculum options to intensive university study.
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Instructions
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Consider what form of sign language you will be learning. Not all deaf people use the same signs. In the United States, for example, American Sign Language, called ASL for short, is considered relatively standard, with more than 500,000 people claiming ASL as their primary language according to the E-Michigan Deaf and Hard of Hearing People website (see References). Other countries have different sign language standards, and you should learn the form of sign language most appropriate for your region.
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Check out instructional books or videos from your local library. Books with illustrative pictures, as well as videos with demonstrations of important signs, are the most effective.
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Enroll in a university sign language course if you really want to expedite the learning process and increase your interaction with other sign language learners. Additionally, you'll receive instructor support and guidance.
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Consider community education programs---though often less thorough than university courses, community education is less expensive and will help you get plugged into local deaf events.
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Converse with deaf individuals as a means of practicing and honing your skills. Visit deaf events in your area whenever possible.
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Remember to keep facial expressions in mind as you're learning sign language and practicing your skills with deaf people. Though most instructional materials will emphasize the sings themselves, don't focus entirely on your hands. PBS emphasizes this on its Deaf Culture website (see References), explaining that your face and hands should never tell conflicting stories.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by sxc.hu user Fenix.
