Learn American Sign Language!
Anybody can learn ASL! American Sign Language is a "visual-gestural language used by 500,000 members of the North American Deaf community" (Bill Vicars, lifeprint.com). ASL allows you to communicate with others in an entirely different, nonverbal way, as well as opens individuals up to an entire culture that coexists with our own - a culture that many people are entirely unaware of. It's fun and easy to learn, and much of the language is intuitive, especially for English speakers.
This website has been split into small, easily digestible sections to get a grasp of some different concepts in sign language. We recommend going through it step by step, and have included examples, as well as some vocabulary on the end to expand your usage.
This website has been split into small, easily digestible sections to get a grasp of some different concepts in sign language. We recommend going through it step by step, and have included examples, as well as some vocabulary on the end to expand your usage.
Course Structure
Below is the structure of the course - we recommend you go through it in this order, but if you feel comfortable starting at any particular point, you should be good to go.
The course begins with some background information about ASL. Be sure to take note of the tips provided in this section, as they will be helpful in learning throughout the course and beyond. After this, we learn some starting signs (the Alphabet, pronouns, how to introduce yourself, and how to say "Nice to meet you"). Basic Syntax is the next topic, discussing how to structure sentences in ASL, followed by how to ask questions. The course finishes with two sections on time/places and family/feelings that revolve around vocabulary and applied usage.
Still not convinced?
Still not convinced you should be learning sign language? Then watch this video of a "Mall Santa" signing to a deaf child. The ability to empathize with and connect to others is truly the greatest gift of language.