subject: Simple Tips for Learning Sign Language In a Hurry [print this page] Simple Tips for Learning Sign Language In a Hurry
For many people, there is no urgency to learn sign language until they have a personal need to learn. It's often the result of having a deaf child or career opportunity that requires sign language. In any case, you may find that you enjoy sign language once you get accustomed to it, as it gives you a whole new way to communicate. Here are a few tips to make the learning process easier.
When you decide you want to learn sign language, you first have to figure out which variety you want to learn. Just like spoken languages, there are many different sign languages. Even among English speakers, there are different varieties. There are even American and British variations of sign language, as well as a simplified version known as Pidgin Signed English. The version of sign language you plan to learn will depend on where you live and expect to use it. There are common elements among the various English based sign languages which means that once you know one, it will be possible to communicate at a basic level with people who know a different version.
It's a good idea to find a partner to practice sign language with since it requires a good deal of practice to use effectively. You can either take a class together or download the same program in addition to regular practice sessions. Your learning partner can be someone you meet for coffee regularly, someone who works with you, or even a family member or friend who also wants to learn sign language. In addition to providing excellent opportunities to practice signing you can also help keep one another motivated. If you can't seem to find a practice partner among friends and family, put social networks to work for you and advertise online for one. It's easier to learn to sign when you have someone else learning along with you.
If you want to learn sign language, watching as much as you can helps. When you're not in a situation when you can actually practice it, the next best thing is to observe others doing it. Find videos, movies or TV programs that show people signing. There is rarely a sign language interpreter for most TV shows today as they are close captioned. There are movies where people are signing, however. If you search online, you'll also find a variety of videos and websites that display it. You have to expose yourself to it as much as possible to learn sign language.
There are a lot of people who use sign language as a method of communication. For this reason, it's a good language to learn not only as a marketable skill but also for the sake of communicating with others. While sign language isn't difficult, it does require you to learn a new skill and let go of your familiar ideas about language. You should do great if you keep these great tips in mind while learning sign language.
