Learn Sign Language Online: Introduction

Learning sign language is not an easy process. Many people ask me "What's the sign for this?" or "What's the sign for that?" Sometimes it gets old! I decided that I was going to use the Internet to reach the masses and teach just a few words of sign language by very short video lessons. My hope is to do five lessons a week, but sometimes life happens and you may only get one lesson a week when I'm swamped with life and two small children! I will do my best to get your first video lesson on-line by this evening!

I graduated from a local college with a certificate in Sign Language Interpreting, a two year intense training program. I am also married to a Deaf man, so sign language is my life! I also interpret at our church for our Deaf ministry!

We're going to start off learning the alphabet, then we will go into learning a few introductory phrases to introduce yourself to a Deaf person. After that, I will just start teaching a few vocabulary words in each lesson. My goal is to teach you approximately ten signs in each lesson so you do not feel overwhelmed. The nice thing about it being on-line is that you can go at your own pace and you can review as needed!

Now, it's important to remember that you will not learn sign language overnight. It is something that takes a lot of practice to master, and it is more important to socialize with your local Deaf community. Deaf people are pretty patient when it comes to someone learning sign language, because you are going out of your way to learn their language. So, it is vital that you be patient with yourself. Use your sign language everyday, that way you remember it! As you go throughout your day and you hear words that you've learned signs to, try and sign the words. Please do not try and sign while driving! That is a skill that must be mastered and it is dangerous when you're learning! The road deserves your FULL attention.

I will be teaching you American Sign Language. There are two types of sign language in America: American Sign Language (ASL) or Signed Exact English (SEE). ASL is the Deaf Language and many hearing people struggle to get it, because it is a very visual language and not signed word for word.

So, if you are interested in learning sign language, I encourage you to subscribe to my writings and join me for the lessons! I look forward to teaching you all! Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have! Good luck!