Develop a good base for learning sign language. Start out by learning the alphabet and how to sign your name. Use a good sign language dictionary to help you learn basic vocabulary. Sign language dictionaries are different from those of spoken languages. The words are shown with the equivalent sign pictured. For signs that require movement, there will be arrows pointing in the direction your hand should move. Repeat the signs to help you remember what they mean, making them easily accessible in your memory. This repetition will also help train your hands, making you more comfortable with the hand movements used in sign language.
There are many options available for learning sign language. DVD courses are popular because they enable you to learn from the comfort of home at your own pace. Many state and private deaf schools offer sign language courses. Get information at a local school about available classes. Physical classes offer a more structured learning environment that is ideal for those who do not have the self discipline to benefit from a home learning course. If you are on a limited budget and cannot pay for an actual course, start learning by watching free videos online. Some organizations offer free lesson plans online to get newcomers started right away.
Sign language uses a different grammar and language structure than that of spoken English. In English if you were to say "I am a student" in sign it would be correct to say "student me" or even "me student." When talking about a certain topic, the main object or idea comes before the comment or description about it. If you are talking about a "tall, red building," in sign you would first sign "building" then continue on to describe it as red and tall. Learning the structure of the language will help others understand you better, improve your language skills and give you confidence when signing. Knowing the rules will help you correct yourself when you make errors.
While there may not be many opportunities to practice with others, being immersed in a language is always an efficient way of learning the language quickly. Make friends with deaf people or others that know sign. Practice often, and when you sign pretend you are deaf. This will keep you from signing the way you would speak in English or speaking the signs you don't know. If there is a sign you cannot remember, gesture or act it out. Sign language is not only about using your hands but your whole body. Gestures and facial expressions are key in conveying emotion and getting an idea across. Practice in front of the mirror to see how you look and determine whether you are using enough expressions when you sign.