How to Learn American Sign Language?

American Sign Language (ASL) is a language used by millions to communicate with those who cannot hear

. In addition, ASL is a powerful language, rich in syntax and other grammatical components. One major grammatical component in ASL is the use of fingerspelling. Fingerspelling is used in American Sign Language for proper nouns, or words that may not have a specific sign. However, fingerspelling is a difficult skill to master. It is important that when you fingerspell, your letters are clear, concise, and smooth. Numerous people learn how to fingerspell incorrectly. Some tend to bounce their letters, while others skip letters, making the received message unintelligible. As you can imagine, many people experience a difficult time understanding receptive fingerspelling. Some people fingerspell way too fast. If you are in a situation where fingerspelling is being used, and you miss it, simply ask the person to repeat it, and if necessary, ask them to go a little slower.

Another major component in American Sign Language is facial expressions. When communicating in ASL, facial expressions are extremely important. Facial expressions let the receiver know how you feel. When you are sad, you will not have a happy face or smile. Instead, you will have to show your face with a frown. Your face should match the meaning of your delivered message. Some people have poor facial expressions. Those who are void of facial expressions when communicating in ASL, will find that their conversations become dull and the meaning gets lost. Facial expressions express how you feel. Are you sad, happy, or tired? How do you express that in ASL? The answer is simple, facial expressions. Keep in mind, deaf people cannot hear. As simple as that statement is, think about it. You're moving your hands about with not a word being uttered. Communicate with your facial expressions AND your sign language skills. Facial expressions establish the mood and emotions of words. Think about the word "cake". "We had cake at the party last night." Can you demonstrate how good the cake tasted, good or bad, with facial expressions? Think about it for a minute before reading on.

Multiple meaning words are equally important in American Sign Language. Multiple meaning words are concepts that are expressed in ASL within a signed message. For example, the word, "run" has many concepts. A person can run a marathon, or a person can run a company. Now, these two uses of the word "run" are totally different. In American Sign Language (ASL), you would not want to mix these concepts up. If you do, your message becomes unclear, and therefore, not understandable. In fact, your message can become very confusing. "What is he talking about?" However, many people who learn ASL tend to mix up multiple meaning words. When learning how to sign, make sure your online program offers a section of multiple meaning words.

Within American Sign Language is the use of regional signs. Regional signs are developed in a specific location based on a cultural experience, or event. Many people will travel to other parts of the country and encounter signs that are not used at their home. Those in Mississippi may have regional signs totally alien to those from Michigan, for example. When you are interacting with individuals that use a sign you do not know, simply ask the person to fingerspell it. After fingerspelling it, show him or her the sign you use at your home. Becoming familiar with other regional signs will help you develop a larger lexicon.

As you can see, American Sign Language is a rich and ever-changing language with many linguistic principles and concepts. The more you learn about ASL, the better you will be able to communicate in it. Enjoy the process of learning American Sign Language, and enjoy communicating with those who cannot hear.

How to Learn American Sign Language?

By: Paul Fugate

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