Whether you may know that I am Deaf or not, I have been writing some posts personally in my Living My Silent Life series. But, it does not mean that I am a VERY silent person all the time. It’s simply based on the true story about how deafness has impacted my life. Luckily, my husband can sign and talk, so if you have any questions about his experiences in ASL classes, ask me and I’ll have him respond. Meanwhile, I recommend learning this beautiful and expressive language.
Readers, you may want to try and learn American Sign Language. It’s so much fun!
5 Easy Ways To Learn American Sign Language
1) Taking ASL Class. Well, I have seen that many colleges and universities offer American Sign Language classes. Check your local colleges if they offer ASL classes. Some professors are not very fluent in ASL. I feel that they are just studying ASL books or videos before teaching in class. Honestly, I do not trust any professors to teach in ASL class. I prefer that Deaf professors can teach because of their experience in Deaf life, their knowledge of ASL, and influence in the Deaf Community.
2) Meeting with Deaf People. Please do not feel shy to meet Deaf people, they are very neat, open-minded, and enjoyable! Be cautious: they are too loud. Some Deaf people are sometimes rude in result of their facial expressions, body language and gestures. No worries, you will be okay. Take the chance to make a new friend with a Deaf person. Please know that Deaf people are not harmful to others. Communicating with Deaf people by writing a note is very RUDE, they will be happy to explain this to you as to why it’s considered lazy and offensive.
3) Participating in Deaf Social Events in the Community. Fun. Exciting. Adventures. The Deaf community in your location can offer a variety of classes (ASL class, Craft class, Driving Skill Course, etc.) and provide many special events for Deaf Social. Check out at your location where the Deaf Community Center is offered.
4) Watching YouTube or Rental DVDs. I am not confided in ASL DVDs, since some DVDs are not very good. It sometimes make you very bored while watching these ASL DVDs. Take my best advice: go meet Deaf people.
5) Studying ASL Books. Please NEVER pick up SEE (Signing in Exact English) books. That’s a simple reason why I dislike SEE. It is a different form of ugly signing words. ASL books are very great, but – they are not good benefits because reading the signing words in pictures are hard. American Sign Language is beautiful art of signing expressions! I suggest that you may rent ASL books from the public library in your location. Otherwise, you can buy ASL books if you want.
So which one of these would you like to learn ASL? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
P.S. I’m linking up this post in some of these incredible parties.
[…] Fremont, California – I found that many Deaf students used a different sign language – American Sign Language. I had no idea what to sign in different ways. I was naive and felt awkward. I met some nice […]