Whether enrolling for a class at a college or university, hiring a private tutor or matriculating in a course within your community, a teacher is the ideal way for people to learn sign language. This is because a teacher is able to give participants instant feedback on mistakes and correct any minor problems or issues. Some places even offer classes online.
Students taking classes will learn not only words in the American Sign Language (ASL) dictionary, but they also will learn sign concepts. This not only helps students to construct sentences, but also allows students to know a lot of different common phrases in a short amount of time. Classes with other students also give the most time for practice and interaction. The American Sign Language Teachers Association must certify teachers.
If studying with other students is not an option, then purchasing computer software to teach you sign language may be a great alternative. The most popular title is Instant Immersion American Sign Language by TOPICS Entertainment. There are four compact discs (CDs) in this set. The SigningAvatar Friends CD is similar to a video game with characters helping you practice your new-found sign skills. The SignLink disc has information about the deaf culture and more than 2,000 signs to learn from. The Personal Communicator CD provides lots more practice, and the HyperSign Kids CD contains games for children. This software title is available for either Windows or Macintosh computers.
If money is an object, than the ASL University at Lifeprint.com offers more than 1,000 signs for free. The website is designed with a scrolling box on the right-hand corner with all 26 letters of the alphabet and hundreds of words per letter. A user can click on the words to access a short video with Dr. Bill, the website's founder, showing the correct sign. ASL University also offers free lessons as well as the chance to purchase CDs, books and the ASL dictionary in addition to finger-spelling explanations and quizzes.