Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Things to know
• Part 3 of 3: Practical experience

American Sign Language is one of the most beautiful but most misunderstood languages ​​in the world. Approach learning with due respect and with the same expectations you would have if you were learning a foreign spoken language. American Sign Language (AGT) is used in the United States and Canada. Other sign languages ​​are used all over the world, such as in Malaysia, Germany, Austria, Norway and Finland. This article will give you some tips for learning this wonderful form of communication.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Things to know

1. Know where to keep your hands. Most AGT gestures are performed in a space that extends from your temple to your waist. Many gestures are done in a "neutral" position, at the center of the chest.
   • The location and orientation of your palm is significant! When teaching gestures, you need to pay careful attention to where your hands are and which direction the palms are pointing. This affects the meaning of the gesture.
   • Comfort is important. Arthritis and tendonitis will prevent certain gestures from being performed perfectly. If it hurts you have to change your position a bit.
   • Know that AGT is not just a language of the hands and fingers. The entire body is involved, including the top of the trunk, arms and head. The face is extremely important! Facial expressions can convey all kinds of things. For example, raised eyebrows during a gesture indicate that a question is being asked.
2. Take your time. When you learn you have to move slowly and deliberately. This will help you master the movements and make it easier for others to understand you.
3. Invest in a good sign language dictionary. Dictionaries are vital tools in learning any language, and AGT is no exception. A good dictionary will make it possible to look up gestures you don't understand and you will have a lot of material to study.
   • Find a dictionary with easy-to-understand pictures and descriptions.
   • Try to use an online dictionary where you can watch videos of the gestures.
4. Take classes with an instructor for the deaf. A class will ensure that you have several people to practice sign language with and you will also receive feedback on how you are doing.
   • Many universities make it possible to take a class without having to be registered. Contact your local school to see what programs they may offer.
   • Certain municipal institutions such as local libraries and recreation centers sometimes offer SUT classes for those interested.
5. Buy some study guides. While a dictionary will show you how to express any word or phrase, a study guide will teach you gestures in a more practical way. A study guide will provide more guidelines than a dictionary and will teach you basic conversations as well as sentence instructions.
6. Search for resources online. The internet is bursting with information about sign language, how to make gestures, deaf culture, and so on.
   • There are all kinds of video tutorial sites that are shared by professional AGT instructors. ASLU is an excellent resource for new learners. Each item contains a video created by professional instructors. Handspeak is another good video resource and online dictionary.
   • YouTube contains all kinds of videos about sign language. Be aware that on the internet anyone can create and share anything, regardless of whether they know about it or not. Watch for misinformation and incorrect techniques.
7. Download an app. With the rise of smartphones, it has never been easier to always carry a dictionary and study guide with you. Both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store offer several options to choose from, some are free and others cost a few dollars.
   • Apps are great for quickly looking things up and some also include videos with guidelines.
   • Study guides and dictionaries exist, so test some to find what works for you.
   • Look for apps that get 4 & 5 stars in the reviews. Check out some user reviews to see how useful other people find the app.

Part 3 of 3: Practical experience

1. Familiarize yourself with Deaf culture. To master AGT, you will have to focus on the deaf culture. Because deafness is rarely passed on from parent to child, the deaf culture is one of the few cultures in which a child does not learn cultural practices from his or her parents. Instead, this culture evolves from schools for the deaf and community gatherings.
   • In deaf culture, deafness is not considered a disability that needs to be cured. The terms "stupid" and "stupid" are culturally insensitive and should not be used.
   • In general, deaf communities are quite closed and difficult to integrate into. But persistence and a humble attitude will help make deaf friends. Once they know that you are sincere and that you would like to learn their language through them, many deaf people will begin to accept you and teach you "the tricks of the trade" so that you can get to know their unique culture.
   • Deaf culture is based on strong literary traditions, especially poetry.
2. Practice with a partner. You cannot learn AGT simply by reading a dictionary or watching some videos. Find a partner to practice SGB on a regular basis, as this will be crucial to improve your intelligibility, speed and comprehension.
   • Hang a card on a board in your school to search for an AGT partner.
   • Have a friend or family member learn AGT with you so that you have someone to practice with in everyday situations.
3. Communicate with a deaf person. The goal of learning AGT is to be able to communicate fluently with someone who is deaf. Once you start to feel comfortable with standard "sayings", you should leave your comfort zone to talk to someone from the deaf community.
   • Find out which Deaf community events are taking place where you live, such as art happenings, film screenings, or get-togethers.
   • Visit Deaf Coffee Chat. They are usually (but not always) aimed at beginners and you will likely find deaf people who will be happy to chat with you.
   • Be friendly and ask if someone would like to have a standard conversation with you.