subject: Learning Sign Language With the Help of a Computer [print this page] Learning Sign Language With the Help of a Computer
Most people do not bother learning sign language unless they have a specific reason to learn. In many cases, it will be the birth of a deaf child or a career opportunity that requires knowledge of sign language. Regardless of the reason you just might find that it's a language you enjoy once you learn it and it provides you with another method of communication. Keep these tips in mind for a more enjoyable learning process.
Like so many things today, sign language can be learned online. You'll find a variety of language programs online for every language, even sign language. Most programs even allow you the ability to directly download the online classes to your computer. Since sign language is a language based entirely on hand gestures, these classes rely heavily on video instruction. The hand movements may seem foreign and uncomfortable at first but with practice will feel much more natural. Spend a little time checking out your options to find the one program that will best meet your needs for learning sign language. Once you choose a program, the main challenge is to make sure you use it consistently!
Since it takes quite a bit of practice to learn sign language effectively, you may want to look for a partner to study with. In addition to regular practice sessions you might want to either download the same program or take a class together. This can be someone you work or go to school with, meet with for coffee or a relative who also wants to learn sign language. In addition to providing excellent opportunities to practice signing you can also help keep one another motivated. Look online through social networks to find a partner to practice signing with if you can't find someone on your own. When you're learning and practicing with a partner, it's much easier to learn sign language.
Hire a tutor to help you master your sign language skills. You'll find that most people recommend learning sign language from a native speaker because it is easier to learn from them, just like it's easier to learn spoken languages from someone who speaks them as a native. This forces you to learn it without falling back on spoken language. If you don't know anyone who can teach you, try researching your community and looking for groups and organizations that cater to the hearing impaired. Someone at one of these organizations should be able to help you find a qualified teacher. You don't necessarily need a certified teacher (unless you have to get certified for your own career), but you do need someone who is patient and a good teacher. Like most other skills, it's not too hard to learn sign language, but it does require time and effort. You will learn faster the more you practice it. As you begin to study this fascinating language, the principles we've covered will help you out. After a bit, you'll discover that you can sign without thinking too much about it-but it will take work to get to that point!
