Learning · 15 recordsLearn sign language

Sign languages are full languages with their own grammar, and most countries have their own, so the first step is choosing the right one. This starts with fingerspelling and everyday signs, adds a class with a real teacher, and looks for Deaf community events early, because a language learned only from videos stays one-directional.

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✦ Everything it creates

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Goal

A basic conversation in sign language Month 4

With a fluent signer, not just an app.

Start with the right language Week 4

The one used where I live, and a real teacher.

  • Confirm which sign language is used where I liveDo firstDay 2
  • Learn the fingerspelling alphabetDo firstDay 10
  • Sign up for a class or course with a teacherDo firstWeek 3
  • Learn fifty everyday signsWeek 4

Use it with people Month 4

Reading signing as well as producing it.

  • Find a local Deaf community event or signing groupDo firstWeek 6
  • Introduce myself and hold a short exchangeDo firstMonth 2
  • Watch a signed video without captions and note what I followedMonth 3
  • Hold a five-minute conversationDo firstMonth 4

Routines

  • Practise signing for fifteen minutesdaily
  • Watch fluent signersweekly
Skills
  • Sign languageBeginner → Intermediate

    Log classes and practice. Time spent watching fluent signers counts too; reading signing is half of the language.

✦ It comes with a note

A language, not a code

Sign languages have their own grammar, and facial expression is part of it. Most countries have their own: ASL, BSL and Auslan are different languages.

Apps teach vocabulary. Conversation needs other people, which is why a teacher and a community event are dated early rather than saved for when I feel ready.

✦ Questions

Learn sign language, answered.

The one used where you live, or by the people you want to talk to. American Sign Language, British Sign Language and Auslan are separate languages that are not mutually intelligible, so this matters more than it might seem.
They are good for vocabulary and fingerspelling, and weak on reading other people's signing, facial grammar and conversation. That is why this plan adds a class with a teacher and in-person practice rather than relying on an app.
Basic conversation typically takes several months of regular practice, and fluency takes years, as with any language. Daily practice and signing with fluent signers early are what make the difference.
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