How to Learn Russian Sign Language
Russian Sign Language (RSL), the language of the deaf in both Russia and Bulgaria, is not a common language in the United States, except in areas such as New York City with large numbers of Russian immigrants. While your local college may not offer classes in RSL, there are several resources available online to help you learn RSL from home. You do not need to know Russian to learn RSL, though it may help with proper nouns or other words that do not have corresponding signs.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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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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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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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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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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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.
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Tips & Warnings
As you learn your signs, keep in mind that a slight pause between terms shows the start and end of words. "Stuttering" with your hands as you sign to someone in RSL may be confusing. Avoid keeping long nails or wearing a lot of jewelry on your hands. Both can be distracting when you are communicating in RSL.
