American Sign Language or ASL is not a difficult language to learn. There are a variety of options available for those who wish to learn how to communicate with the hearing impaired. For many the language is learned so that they may talk to a friend or family member who is deaf. Others may wish to learn sign language so they can communicate with others – for the same reasons that people choose to learn Spanish, French or any other language.
What Method are Available for Learning ASL?
The choices are many when it comes to how to learn sign language. They include:
- Books
- Online Courses
- Tutors
- Classes at a College or Church
- Adult Education Classes
- DVDs
The specific one chosen will depend on the person who wants to learn sign language. For some, it is easier to learn by taking classes with a real-life instructor. Once the basics are learned, communicating with other students and the instructor provides invaluable practice that is part of the learning process. An instructor can also provide more specialized help if there are certain letters or gestures that a student is having problems grasping.
Online courses are easier for many people. Most have video dictionaries demonstrating each sign. They may include downloadable instructions and worksheets as well as exams that can be used to gauge how well the lessons are going. Other sites offer practice cards, printable information and even workbooks. Several sites have online groups that can offer help and suggestions for learning ASL.
Books are another method used for learning sign language, although this is not an option for everyone. Some people do not have a problem learning from a book while others need to see the signs demonstrated in order to learn them. Since the signs move repeatedly, the motion of the hand is going to be crucial to ensuring the words are understood.
This is one reason that DVDs, classes and tutors are generally a much easier way of learning sign language. The methods are demonstrated so they are more easily understood. The use of flash cards is a beneficial method for learning ASL. The cards have a person demonstrating the sign for a word on one side and the meaning and explanation of the motions used on the other.
Many schools are teaching sign language in elementary grades today. Children are very receptive to learning and many may use this language on a daily basis if they have friends, classmates or relatives that are deaf. Approximately 12% of the population of the U.S. is hearing impaired, so learning how to sign is something that will be used at one time or another by almost everyone.
Benefits of Learning how to Sign
There is even a baby sign language that can be beneficial for those who can or cannot hear. This sign language has been shown to stimulate brain development. When learning sign language, the right and left hemisphere is used. Learning to talk uses only the left hemisphere. Using both allows the brain to build synapses, which are the junctions between two nerve cells used to transmit signals. Research has shown that babies who learn how to sign have higher I.Q. test scores than those who learn to talk.
Sign language provides many benefits for people who work with the public. From doctors, nurses and those in the service industry to teachers and others, sign language can bridge the barrier often experienced by those who cannot hear. Communication is essential and sign language, although it has been developed over the years and includes ASL, British Sign Language, Irish Sign Language and Northern Ireland Sign Language, was the most common language for our ancestors.
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