Sign Language?

Question

I am getting a student that only knows sign language, they have an interpetor but to get a closer relationship with him I would like to know sign language myself, I already know the basics. My question than is does anyone know where would be the quickest and best place to learn ASL (American Sign Language)? Have you tried? How long did it take you to learn?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Here is an excellent link and you can get further info to use from them. I used to be around a lady that was deaf and used sign language, I picked up a great deal from her, she could read and write, so she was able to teach me some personally, the rest I picked up from books and websites such as this. There is a lot to learn, but if you already know the basics, learning new things won't take too long. I knew the basics, I am able to put together simple sentences and such now, but I am not a fast "signer" and never will be. ASL is like any other language, there's a lot of memorizing involved in learning it.

http://www.lifeprint.com/

Answer 2

There is no way that you will learn enough ASL to be able to communicate effectively by the time this student will be in your class. I have taken a few classes and of course have much more to learn. It will be a disservice to the student if you just try to communicate without the use of an interpreter because you want to have a closer relationship. Interpreters are there just for communication they are not suppose to chime in and give there two sense. They know this and will not do so. When using an interpreter you are suppose to focus on the client(student), please do not focus on the interpreter and make eye contact with the student even when he or she is signing.

The best places to learn ASL is through the deaf community and courses given at local colleges through deaf professors. Where I live there are events such as deaf coffee nights at Starbucks, deaf plays at the school for the deaf, and many many more ways to get involved. Maybe look up DCARA, this is for CA though they will have a different one for the different states, there are lists of events to attend. www.dcara.org
Bravo Family series is good to watch and learn with as well.

Yes I have tried, and I am still learning. I have had 3+ ASL classes and interact with the deaf community when I can.

I believe it takes an interpreter 5 + years to get the language and they are always still learning new things.

Answer 3

I took ASL in college because I'd always been interested in it (I like languages in general), and I ended up becoming a sign language interpreter full-time. If you have the time and can find a class that fits your schedule, I would recommend that you take it (even if it's only for one or two quarters -- you'll learn a lot in that amount of time, and you'll also meet people to practice with). As far as how quickly you can learn, by the end of three quarters I was conversant in ASL; after another year of study I was essentially fluent, although there are always more signs to learn. Check your local community college for classes, as well as your parks & rec department. You might also be able to line up a private tutor to teach you a few key lessons.

If you can't take a class, check your local library for video signing courses, even ones meant for young children (Signing Time and a series called Bravo! ASL are both good; in my ASL classes we used a curriculum called "Signing Naturally" which is available through Amazon and will cover about everything you'd get in a class). While you're there, look for a book on Deaf culture and history. Harlan Lane's "A Journey into the Deaf World" will give you a deep look at the issues Deaf people face, and where those issues come from. We also used "A Place of Their Own" in the interpreting program, as well as "When the Mind Hears."

Finally, spend time with Deaf people. Most cities have Deaf organizations, and they welcome hearing people at social events, especially if you are clearly interested in learning about their language and culture. Don't be intimidated by your limited signs; you will find someone who will sign at your level and help you learn more.

I hope you enjoy your studies of the language. I found it to be very rewarding. Good luck!

Answer 4

I learned some ASL at a community college.
There are so many views on this-----Sign Exact English seems to be the best way ti improve reading skills but depending on the students age you may have to use a combination of both plus mime sign. Excuse me for answering please I have not had a deaf friend in years I know that things change fast ! Don't be afraid ti have a 'rubber' face
expression can tell a meaning that a sign might not.

Answer 5

This is the site that I use with my Sign Language class. It has some of the links suggested by other people here, but a lot more:

http://www.rccsd.org/RKeim/asl_dictionary_sites.htm

I alos recommend talking with the interpreters and with the student himself. Chances are excellent that they will all want to help you!

Answer 6

ASL is not a language that is easy to learn. i would suggesst taking a course at a college. also, when you are speaking to the class, or to him specifically, talk to HIM not the interpreter. he should automatically look at her to understand what you are saying. also, use a lot of description on the board.

Answer 7

sure, i comprehend some. i'm deaf yet i'm able to speech. I unquestionably have a severe listening to loss in my suitable ear and a profound listening to loss in my left. listening to aids help yet I remember very much on lip analyzing. My dad and mom did no longer opt for me to be constrained to talking by ability of ASL so I found out the thank you to talk by years of speech medical care. i comprehend the alphabet and approximately one hundred signs and indications. EMT

Answer 8

I usually don't advertise sites, but I do find a lot of them, as a linguist who studies many languages. However, this is a very good one I think, and it has good lessons and practice.
http://www.lifeprint.com/
Now if you've already seen it, then cool, if not then I would say it's worth checking out.