How to Learn Sign Language
If you have a friend or a loved-one who’s mute or deaf, you might find it hard to communicate with them, because either they can’t hear you, or they can’t say their thoughts. Thankfully, there’s sign language. If you’re eager to learn this form of communication, here’s what to do.
What You’ll Need:
Sign language books
Sign language dictionary
Flash cards
Sign language course
TV
Familiarize Yourself With The Language
Remember that compared to spoken language, the methods used to learn sign language are very different. For example, it has a unique grammar system. If you know these differences, sign language becomes easier to learn. Read tips on learning this form of communication. It’s also a good idea to begin with the basics, such as learning the alphabet, because it helps you spell words you don’t know.
Take Up Sign Language Lessons
Signing up for lessons at a community college or private language schools will help you learn quickly. Find out if the nearest colleges near you offer language courses. Sometimes organizations for the deaf also have these. You might need to spend a bit of money, but that’s all right because it’s for a good cause.
If you can’t find any of these institutions near you, don’t worry. Online courses are also available nowadays, using animation as their medium. There are also DVD courses you can purchase. Remember, though, that live interaction is still better.
Get Good Sign Language Learning Materials
There are numerous reading materials today that help people to effectively learn more about sign language. Find basic sign language textbooks. You can get some that offer “survival” level or upper-intermediate level. A good sign language dictionary is also an ideal investment. Find a well-organized one, which helps you look up signs as well as written words.
Use Flash Cards
Flash cards are another type of material that’ll help you learn more about sign language. They have images of a hand forming the sign or a person with arrows that show arm and hand movements, Sign language is very visual, so using these cards is an effective and realistic way to learn.
Watch TV Programs With Sign Language Interpreters
Although it’s hard to find TV shows that have sign language interpreters, there are a few local channels that offer these. Another tip: watch films with deaf or mute characters. You’ll have a chance to see the signs being used.
Spend Time With Deaf And Mute People
The best way to learn this communication form is to experience it yourself, in real life. Find time to interact with sign language users and deaf and mute people. If there are organizations for the deaf or local sign language clubs near you, sign up for them. Not only do you get to see the actual fluid motions and hand movement, but you also learn what it’s like being in their world. You can meet new friends, as well as improve your skills.
You can also do volunteer work. If there aren’t any near you, you can just find a language exchange partner online and communicate through webcam.
Deaf and mute people can communicate just as effectively as everyone else, if you know how to understand sign language. Keep these tips in mind, so you’ll cross the language barrier and reach out to these people.