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Step 1
Understand the grammar. RSL, like American Sign Language, uses a very simple grammatical structure. You will not need to conjugate verbs or consider verb tenses. These ideas are communicated by signing the the subject, what the subject did (or will do) and the time the event occurred (or will occur).
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Step 2
Learn the alphabet (see Resources, below). While the alphabet is only used to sign words that do not have a sign, such as proper nouns or scientific terms, you will find it useful--even if you do not already know Russian--if you have to spell out a Russian name or place.
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Step 3
Learn the signs (see Resources, below). There are hundreds of signs, so start with the ones you will use the most, such as "hello," "me" and "you." Move on to simple questions, such as "how are you" (commonly signed as "how you") and responses to these questions.
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Step 4
Practice. The best way to learn any new language is through practice. Have RSL-only conversations with a friend, sign what people say on television or carry on a phone conversation (using a hands-free headset) while signing.
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Step 5
Study the culture. You may come across many Russian signs that you do not know the meaning of or do not fully understand, such as borscht (beet soup) or kasha (grain dish). Look up the meaning to build associations with the signs you learn.
