{"id":5403,"date":"2022-02-17T13:10:17","date_gmt":"2022-02-17T16:10:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/104.196.15.236\/en\/?p=5403"},"modified":"2023-04-11T15:49:21","modified_gmt":"2023-04-11T18:49:21","slug":"a-guide-to-getting-you-started-fast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.handtalk.me\/en\/blog\/a-guide-to-getting-you-started-fast\/","title":{"rendered":"Learn ASL: A Guide to Getting You Started Fast"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Did you know that American Sign Language (ASL) is among the most popular languages for second-language learners? It\u2019s constantly growing in popularity<\/a> and is an exciting choice for budding bilinguals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when it comes to putting in the work, learning ASL is no different from learning other languages \u2013 be it Portuguese, Arabic, or Japanese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That being said, the time it will take you to learn ASL can vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traditionally, it\u2019s believed<\/a> that native English speakers need about 600 classroom hours to achieve near-fluency in a language like Spanish or French. And it can take even up to 2,200 hours to learn a more dissimilar language such as Chinese or Arabic. That\u2019s quite a wide range, and ASL will likely fall somewhere in the middle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, it\u2019s important to remember that while ASL is a full-fledged language like any other, it works quite a bit differently than oral languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is that? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll spend far more time on facial expressions and gestures than you will on speaking.  ASL grammar has its own unique rules for phonology, morphology, syntax, and pragmatics \u2013 and mastering it may take some time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking to learn ASL<\/a> and want to make a fast first move, here are our top tips to make the most of your time without sacrificing the needed practice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Watch Videos on ASL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s an increasing emphasis on listening as the all-important factor of language learning, to the point where it\u2019s been called the ‘Cinderella skill<\/a>\u2019 for being previously overlooked. In the context of sign language, any sign language speaker must know how important visual learning is to become truly fluent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you start your learning journey, know that there are tons of both paid and free resources available, together with many tools that can make learning fun! Nowadays, you can basically learn sign language in any method you prefer. Specifically, the proliferation of streaming content online has been a massive boon for ASL learners. Here are a couple of options to check out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Step-by-step classes<\/strong>: While offline classes are always a great option to consider, online video tools are worth a shot, too. You can both schedule online lessons (via Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, and other tools) or turn to step-by-step courses \u2013 like ASL for Free from the Gallaudet University<\/a> \u2013 that will walk you through the basics until you get to more advanced content. <\/li>
  2. Conversations with fluent ASL speakers: <\/strong>Making sure to practice as you progress is key. While in-class sessions can prepare you well, casual conversations with a fellow ASL speaker can take you to another level of fluency. They can also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses \u2013 something you can work on with a teacher.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    To supercharge your learning, hiring a tutor really works wonders in terms of achieving fast and sustainable progress. Online tutors tend to be more affordable than those in-person, but ultimately you should decide based on your personal preference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not only do they make sure you learn phrases, know how to form sentences, and can maintain a conversation, but they can also walk you through the perfect your HOLME. Handshape, Orientation, Location, Movement, and Expression are the key aspects of each sign you will make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Focus On The Basics (At First)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Sign language is difficult, and that\u2019s okay. Languages are supposed to be hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Because we need to be able to express an infinite amount of concepts using a vast vocabulary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, don\u2019t get discouraged. A good way to approach learning is to focus on the basics at first. While you may want to express your full-fledged opinions on your favorite hobbies and interests, you have to walk before you can run. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Make sure you really know how to say \u201cyes\u201d, \u201cno\u201d, \u201cplease\u201d, \u201cthank you\u201d, and that you can ask all the basic questions like \u201cwhere is\u201d and \u201chow do I\u201d before you jump into more complex sentence structures and vocabulary. Also, if you\u2019re unsure of your skills, don\u2019t be afraid to slow down and spend some more time practicing before you move on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s only when students ignore the basics that they get ahead of themselves and often lose focus. We can\u2019t stress this enough \u2013 don\u2019t get discouraged! Any progress is a great sign of better learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Visit a Deaf Event<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    There\u2019s an incredible variety of ASL speakers out there. Some are born deaf and learned ASL at a young age, some picked it up as a second language, or they grew up hearing around deaf family members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The great thing is that ASL opens your doors to the Deaf community \u2013 one that\u2019s incredibly diverse and inspiring, made up of people from all backgrounds and nationalities. The community tends to be closely connected and its members meet regularly \u2013 with many of the spaces open to everyone, including fellow ASL speakers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Know that you don\u2019t have to have a fluent grasp of the language to attend events organized by the Deaf community. If you run into any trouble communicating, there will most likely be several bilingual members around to help you out (it never hurts to check in advance if you\u2019re unsure though!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Exploring your local Deaf scene can go a long way. For example, search for gatherings on sites like MeetUp.com<\/a>, and see if there\u2019s one in your area anytime soon. Remember to always be respectful and courteous, but also be open to making new friends and trying your best to sign. The fact that you\u2019re making a serious effort will earn you respect among your signing peers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Use an ASL App<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    While you shouldn\u2019t solely rely on a language app to learn ASL (or any other language, really), your smartphone can be an excellent means of solidifying your knowledge base. A good sign language dictionary is almost essential, allowing you a quick and easy way to look up what you don\u2019t know or make a fast translation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Some apps to try out include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n