subject: Learning Sign Language Doesn't Have to Be Difficult [print this page] Learning Sign Language Doesn't Have to Be Difficult
It doesn't have to be difficult to learn sign language, but if you aren't used to it, it will take some practice and a new way of thinking. We will cover several methods which can help you learn quickly, whether you want to learn it for career reasons or to communicate with a hearing impaired person in your life. As you start to get comfortable with it, learning sign language will feel as natural as talking does now.
The way you learn sign language will depend on your reason for learning it. If you are doing it as a hobby or perhaps to communicate with a deaf friend, you learn at your own pace. You will need to be certified, however, if you're learning it to become an interpreter or for another career purpose.
This normally means taking classes at a university, though nowadays accredited programs are also available online. Since the nature of sign language requires that you must watch the instructor closely, it's often easier to learn in a physical classroom. You can still pick this up watching through your computer if taking classes in person can't work for you. Many schools offer certification in sign language if this is your objective.
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. 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. A partner will not only help keep you motivated to learn but will also keep you practicing. Look online through social networks to find a partner to practice signing with if you can't find someone on your own. It can be much easier to learn sign language when you do it with someone.
Get a teacher to help you really master your signing skills. Just as it is easier to learn spoken languages from native speakers, it is also easier to learn sign language from someone who relies on signing as a primary form of communication. This forces you to rely on signs rather than the spoken word throughout your lessons. If you're having difficulty finding a teacher consider contacting community groups that serve the hearing impaired. Someone at one of these centers should be able to refer you someone in your area who can teach you sign language. Certification isn't always the primary concern but you should find a teacher who is patient and willing.
You will probably be surprised to discover how many people use sign language for communication. That is why there are so many advantages to learning the language whether for a job or for personal reasons. Sign language is not too terribly hard to learn but practice is required in order to do so. This article has given you some basic pointers about learning sign language, but the only way to really learn it is to get lots of practice.
