Learning American Sign Language

Did you know that according to U.S. census reports one out of every 6,000 people was deaf during the 19th Century? In recent years American Sign Language has been added to college curriculums as a designated "second" language and may fulfill the college entrance requirements for a foreign language. Did you know that under the American Disabilities Act, the deaf cannot have their hands restricted in any way since that would interfere with their ability to sign? These tidbits and more are included in "The Everything Sign Language Book," by Irene Duke, who is a professional instructor of American Sign Language programs in the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District of Massachusettes.

Learning ASL does not have to be a frustrating experience. Ms. Duke's book with its easy-to-follow instructions will guide you through the finger-spelled alphabet, a prerequisite to all other lessons and then gently and informatively lead you through signs for family, nature, common expressions, numbers, money and time. You will love this book because it has over 300 illustrations and you can go back easily to each chapter to review. She also gives you the history of deaf education as well as how best to communicate with the hearing impaired.

Because Ms. Duke works closely with the deaf community, she is very helpful in giving advice concerning common etiquette and cultural understandings specific to that community. The signs are easy and fun to watch and do, but there are grammatical rules to the order in which signs are expressed and many signs have been updated over the years to include modern technology (like fax and email) and assist in ease of expression. Perhaps you have seen signing actress Marlee Matlin on the TV series West Wing. She won an Oscar for her performance in the movie "Children of A Lesser God" and has been an instrumental model and mentor to the deaf community.

Along with Ms. Duke's book "The Everything Sign Language Book," which you can find at www.everything.com, I would suggest working with others on a regular basis to perfect these skills since placement and movement are essential to proper signing. A good place to start is by watching videos such as the "Beginning American Sign Language Video Course," distributed by Sign Enhancers, Inc. at PO Box 12687, Salem, Oregon 97309 (1-800-767-4461). Many libraries carry video tapes on how to learn basic American Sign Language as well. In this 15-Lesson Videocourse you will be introduced to teacher Billy Seago, a very likeable young man with exaggerated facial and body expressions (an important part of signing clearly), who works alongside the imaginary Bravo family who teach routine signs for dining and food, colors and school, money, nature, medical, work and clothing. During each lesson, your host Billy will give cultural notes, grammatical instruction and allow you plenty of ample time to do practice sessions and review.

Since many people are reaching out to better understand communities affected by all aspects of the American with Disabilities Act, a good place to start is by giving yourself the gift of understanding and communication with those who cannot hear or perhaps speak.