Many people who aren't hearing impaired never consider learning sign language until they have a reason to do so. Sometimes it's a matter of a hearing impaired child or an employment opportunity that requires sign language skills. It's not just the language that people enjoy, once they learn it, but also the fact that they have a second means of communication. Use these tips to help you have a much easier learning experience.
The first step after you decide you want to learn sign language is to figure out which variety you want to learn. Very much like traditional spoken languages, there are many different sign languages. There are different varieties, even among English speakers. For instance, there are both American and British variations of sign language-not to mention Pidgin Signed English, a simplified version. Depending on where you live, or where you plan to be using sign language, you will have to decide which kind you want to learn. There are similarities between various English based sign languages-so once you know one, you'll find it possible to communicate at a basic level with people who use a different version.
You might be able to learn sign language though a local adult education class or community college. These are good introductions to sign language, and you will have the opportunity to practice with classmates and learn from a qualified instructor. These classes aren't normally meant for people who need certification for an interpreter career, as for those you have to attend a program at a university. However, to learn the basics of sign language, they can be very effective. You can learn a lot and meet others to practice with, even if the class is only for a few months. Such a class is a great way to begin learning sign language.
It's very helpful to watch sign language as much as possible when you want to learn. The next best thing to actually practicing is to observe others doing it. Look for TV programs, videos or movies that show people signing. Most TV shows today are closed captioned, meaning there is rarely a sign language interpreter. There are, however, movies where people are signing. You can also find a variety of websites and videos that display it online. To learn sign language, you must expose yourself to it as much as you possibly can.
To summarize, it's not that hard to learn sign language-but like any other skill, it does require effort and time. The more you practice, the faster you will learn. The above principles will help you as you begin to study this fascinating language. After a while, you'll find that you can sign without thinking too much about it, but you'll have to work to get to that point!
The first step after you decide you want to learn sign language is to figure out which variety you want to learn. Very much like traditional spoken languages, there are many different sign languages. There are different varieties, even among English speakers. For instance, there are both American and British variations of sign language-not to mention Pidgin Signed English, a simplified version. Depending on where you live, or where you plan to be using sign language, you will have to decide which kind you want to learn. There are similarities between various English based sign languages-so once you know one, you'll find it possible to communicate at a basic level with people who use a different version.
You might be able to learn sign language though a local adult education class or community college. These are good introductions to sign language, and you will have the opportunity to practice with classmates and learn from a qualified instructor. These classes aren't normally meant for people who need certification for an interpreter career, as for those you have to attend a program at a university. However, to learn the basics of sign language, they can be very effective. You can learn a lot and meet others to practice with, even if the class is only for a few months. Such a class is a great way to begin learning sign language.
It's very helpful to watch sign language as much as possible when you want to learn. The next best thing to actually practicing is to observe others doing it. Look for TV programs, videos or movies that show people signing. Most TV shows today are closed captioned, meaning there is rarely a sign language interpreter. There are, however, movies where people are signing. You can also find a variety of websites and videos that display it online. To learn sign language, you must expose yourself to it as much as you possibly can.
To summarize, it's not that hard to learn sign language-but like any other skill, it does require effort and time. The more you practice, the faster you will learn. The above principles will help you as you begin to study this fascinating language. After a while, you'll find that you can sign without thinking too much about it, but you'll have to work to get to that point!
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