How Do You Learn Conversational Sign Language?
American Sign Language (ASL), the fourth most commonly used language in the United States, is a complex visual-spatial language that is used by the deaf community in the United States and English-speaking parts of Canada. It is the native language of many deaf people, as well as some hearing children born into deaf families. Learn sign language through a course taught by a deaf person, if possible. This is by far the best method for learning, and your local yellow pages can help you find a school and/or classes in your area. Investigate colleges, community colleges and continuing education courses in your area that might offer sign language classes. Classes typically last one semester. Recognize how sign language courses might differ. Courses may teach either American Sign Language or Signed System/Signed English, teachers may vary in level of competency, and courses are either for professional preparation (courses for credit) or general conversational preparation (non-credit courses).
