Choose your method of learning. You may opt to take a class, learn one-on-one from a tutor or read a book with illustrations of signs.
Form a basic understanding of sign language within the first week. Understand that this is a completely visual form of communication, and expect to learn how articulate humor and feelings through hand shapes, movements and facial expressions. Keep this in mind as you begin to learn the signs.
Use your naturally dominant hand or both hands to practice signing. Master the sign for hello by holding your hand as if you were going to salute. Next, wave your hand away from your forehead. Practice this sign a few times or until you feel comfortable.
Learn the ASL alphabet, and find a partner to help you practice "fingerspelling." Begin by spelling out a short word with the appropriate sign for each letter. You may use a chart for reference at first. Your partner must fingerspell the same word back to you. This exercise will help you master understanding and signing. Repeat the process with about 50 words, or until you are comfortable with fingerspelling. Practice the ASL alphabet as much as possible on your own. Within three weeks, you should be able to sign the alphabet without any assistance.
Learn initialized signs for common words. Begin with a list of 10 words, and practice them until you feel comfortable. Add new initialized signs and practice daily until you are comfortable. Try to memorize 26 words within one month.
Use the skills you mastered while learning the alphabet and initialized signs to learn loan signs, such as bus, all, dog and refrigerator. These words are signed by using a specific set of letters within the word. For example, dog is signed by fingerspelling "D" and "G." Practice these words along with the initialized signs daily for one month.
Learn signs for common words such as mother, grandfather and marriage. Certain words have a specific sign and do not use fingerspelling. For example, seal both of your hands together to sign the word "marriage." Practice these words daily for one month.
Learn compound signs that are formed by combining two words. For example, form the sign for "male," and then the sign for "marriage" to create the word "husband." Study the compound signs and practice them along with the initialized and loan signs for one month.
Begin forming sentences with the words you have learned. Practice on your own and with a partner who has an understanding of sign language. Practice for one month or until you feel comfortable with the language.