American Sign Language is considered a natural and true language. A person who can speak ASL in addition to another natural true language such as English, Spanish, French, etc. he considers himself bilingual, like any other person who speaks two languages. ASL classes are relatively easy to find. They are taught in many schools and universities across the country. Classes are also frequently found in community centers, churches, and some workplaces.
For people who cannot attend sign language courses, there are many tools available to help them learn ASL on their own. The books and DVDs are excellent starting resources for anyone interested in learning sign language. Books that teach ASL contain step-by-step pictures or illustrations detailing how to complete each sign. There are reference dictionaries with a multitude of manual signs, books written to help beginners learn to sign for the first time, as well as more advanced books for teachers and interpreters who are familiar with signing but want to be up-to-date with signing methods. most current teaching. . illustrated signature, by Mickey Flodin, is a popular book for beginners in sign language. Unlike a manual sign dictionary, this book is formatted by topic, not alphabetically. The idea is that it is easier to learn new signs by category instead of learning them in alphabetical order. The index at the back of the book can be used to guide the reader to specific words as needed.
Children often learn sign language more easily than adults. There are many books written specifically for children. These books often contain finger signs for the alphabet and hand signs for everyday objects that are easily recognizable by the young reader. In addition to the many books geared toward children, there is a whole marketplace of DVDs designed to help children learn to sign in fun, interactive ways. A series titled, signing time, consists of thirty-minute DVD programs focused on a central theme. Children learn to sign while watching an engaging program on television.
Technological advances have put ASL learning opportunities in the spotlight of the Internet. Online websites offer free video dictionaries with models demonstrating each sign. Many sites offer teaching resources, such as downloadable guides and worksheets and the ability to create custom student quizzes, all of which can be printed for use in the classroom. Some websites offer complete printable workbooks, lesson plans, and practice cards. as well as downloadable PowerPoint presentations. There are online communities with the goal of helping people studying ASL find mentors to guide them. These sites have forums where people can discuss ASL learning methods, post information about local classes offered, and seek support.
Each of the resources listed above can be easily obtained and used to help you learn to communicate using ASL. An excellent complement to these resources is a set of flash cards. Flash cards, homemade or store-bought, are one more useful tool for improving your ASL skills. Flash cards can be used to help people of all ages become familiar with hand signs. The cards typically have a photo of a person displaying an ASL sign on one side and the meaning and description of hand and arm movements on the reverse. Practicing with flash cards is an excellent method to help memorize signs.
To get the tools you need to learn ASL, explore our online sign language resources and start or continue your journey through the wonderful world of ASL.
