How to Learn Sign Language From Discs

Sign language can be used to communicate with small children not yet able to speak.

Learning a new language, whether it be a spoken language or sign language, can be challenging. In order to prevent yourself from becoming overwhelmed, break the language learning process into two segments: comprehending the language and producing the language. Learning from a disc enables you to cut down the lesson to your pace and preferences since you can pause and rewind the lessons as well as remove the sound when necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Mirror
• Tape

Instructions

1. Watch the disc and do not try to produce the signs at first. Re-watch the discs frequently and pay attention to the translations, whether they are spoken or written at the bottom of the screen as subtitles.

2. Turn off the sound to the disc for intervals or tape a piece of paper over the area of the screen that has translations. Force yourself to try and recall what each sign means and then what the instructor is trying to communicate.

3. Continue turning off the sound or covering the screen until you can comprehend every sign the teacher is communicating.

4. Place a mirror next to the screen that you can clearly see yourself in once you have mastered the comprehension side of the language learning. Begin imitating the signs, comparing your signs to the signs of the instructor on the screen.

5. Watch your facial expressions in comparison to the facial instructions of the instructor. The face is a powerful tool for communicating, and making facial expressions is an integral part of communicating in sign language. Make sure your face expresses the same communication as your hands.

References

• Christian Little: Simple Ways To Learn Sign Language Today
• List My Five: The Top Five Ways to Learn Sign Language

Resources

• Start American Sign Language: Sign Language Game