An Introduction To American Sign Language

An Introduction To American Sign Language

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Mastering American Sign Language (ASL) is like mastering any language. It takes study and effort. But it's also hugely rewarding too - not just in terms of being able to communicate with people who are deaf, but also for learning a language that is intrinsically interesting and challenging.

American Sign Language is the 4th most used language in the United States and one of over one-hundred sign languages on the planet. Like any form of oral communication, ASL has its own rules of grammar and semantics, which are quite unlike the rules and conventions of English.

American Sign Language is not just about using the hands either. It involves the whole body - hands and facial muscles - and even the surrounding physical space. When it comes to signing, an animated conversation is... literally animated!

If you want to learn American Sign Language, it's important to note that it is totally different to the sign languages of other countries. For example, American Sign Language is markedly different to British sign language.

Another tip for an individual wanting to acquire ASL communication skills is to be prepared for receiving - and conveying - more information than what could be passed on through a person's voice. While spoken communication depends on words and tone for its sounds, which in turn frame and limit the ideas being transferred, a user of American Sign Language can use facial, hand and body gestures to communicate more ideas at once.

There are a number of different ways to learn American Sign Language, both formal and informal.

Fortunately, there are a few different ways an aspiring signer can learn ASL:

-- Courses from community colleges or schools for the deaf
-- Courses from private colleges
-- Online study programs
-- Distance learning courses
-- Take-home study packs (e.g. DVDs, books, etc)
-- Books
-- Informal training

Whatever method of learning is chosen, no theoretical method beats interacting with fellow signers on a regular basis.

If you are the parent of a deaf child, it's a good idea to introduce them to sign language when they are young. Studies indicate that the earlier you introduce children to a language - spoken or visual - the faster and better they'll be able to communicate. This will help them in other endeavors too.

Despite its challenges, there is no doubt that learning ASL is worthwhile and rewarding. Not only is it essential for most deaf Americans and anyone who works with or has close relationships with deaf people, but it can be a lot of fun too.

About the Author:
Hurry and Get a FREE 6-Day Sign Language Course and learn to Communicate with Others Using American Sign Language at http://www.learnamericansignlanguage.net



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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