Simple Ways to Learn Sign Language

By Davis Price


People want to learn sign language for many different reasons. Common reasons include requirements for a new career, hearing problems, and deaf family members. As long as you're willing to practice, once you decide which type of sign language you want to learn it's not very hard. Below are some techniques to help you pick up sign language quickly.

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 many variations even among English speakers. For instance, there are American and British versions of sign language, not to mention Pidgin Signed English which is a simplified version. Where you live or plan to use sign language will determine which version of sign language you learn. If you know one variation of English based sign language, you'll be able to communicate at a basic level with those who speak a different version as there are similarities between versions.

As you start to learn sign language, you should get a good book on the subject and take it with you everywhere. This way, you can practice whenever you have free time-and you can refer to the book if you run into someone you can sign with. The book can teach or remind you how to sign different words.Of course, learning sign language from a book alone would be challenging. It's certainly possible, but there are many other tools you can use nowadays, whether online or in a classroom. A book is a great reference tool however, and will help you learn sign language more quickly.

Sign language can be accompanied by spoken words when you talk to hearing impaired people. Naturally when deaf people speak to each other they only sign, but someone who can speak should do so as many deaf people can also read lips. As a beginner to sign language this is especially helpful, as you are likely to make mistakes and go slowly.By speaking and signing at the same time, you will also be helping yourself learn as you practice saying the words and signing them simultaneously. In general, it can be helpful to use spoken language along with signing as you learn sign language.

At first, you may find that learning sign language seems a little difficult. As soon as you have some of the basics master it will begin to feel and flow much more naturally. Just remember that practice is necessary with this and any other new language. The preceding suggestions can simplify learning sign language, but you have to put in the time in order to become fluent at it.




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