Does anyone have any tips of how to better learn ASL?

Question

I've wanted to learn ASL ever since the first time I met a deaf person at my work in cosmetic retail and I wasn't able to help them. That was about 3 years ago and at the time I only learned the alphabet. Unfortunately I've only just started learning words and sentences. I can sign basic things that will help at work and I can fingerspell decently (just a little slow at moving my fingers), but it's so hard to really learn when there's nobody to practice with. I live in a little city with a medium population. Back in 2011 the college had ASL classes, but because of low interest the classes were cancelled and haven't been brought back. I searched on my Facebook pages for my city and there were 2 results for ASL, both wete asking where to learn it and all the comments said we have to go to the next big city (5 hours away) to learn it because there aren't any places in town to. One woman in specific said her parents were deaf so she wouldn't mind teaching people who wanted to learn. I sent her a message but she moved a couple years ago. I also looked on my city's "official" Facebook and website that posts things going on in the city and there's nothing. I'm in school to be a teacher and I plan to move to a bigger city when I graduate. But I won't graduate for 4 more years (5 year program), so I don't want to only start learning when I move. Also, if when I'm a teacher I have a deaf student in my class, I want to be able to sign while teaching to accommodate them. My boyfriend is learning with me and sometimes he and I will sign things to each other, but neither of us are good and we're not even sure if we're doing it right. Thanks!

Answer 1

Katelin,

If you do not have access to classes in your area you should consider online tutoring. Sign Language tutoring is one of the most popular subject areas offered on Wyzant. There are a some resources available on the internet which you can find with a search but as you have mentioned in your question without an expert to check and give you feedback you don't know if you are learning ASL properly. Why not consider online tutoring? I would be happy tow work with you.

Answer 2

Cathleen,

I am happy to hear that you are interested in learning ASL. Wyzant offers this subject area for one-on-one tutoring so one option would be for you to start taking online lessons with a tutor. I certainly would be happy to tutor you if you wish.

Your desire also to take a class is also an effective way to learn ASL. Having the interaction of other students and the direct interaction with your teacher in the classroom is very helpful. Some students I have tutored on Wyzant are also taking classes and use tutoring for assistance and practice with their classwork and homework. That can be an effective strategy. So when you move and are able to take classes at your local college this will be a good way to learn ASL.

You should expect that learning ASL will be similar to learning any other language. It will take time to become proficient but depending on your purpose you can learning to a conversational level in 2 - 4 semesters of instruction.

You seem to be very motivated and wanting to get started right away so I would suggest that you consider Wyzant online tutoring. I would be happy to discuss this with you further and even schedule a free half hour session to get acquainted and determine if you would like to continue tutoring in ASL with me.

Regards and best wishes,

Bill Newell