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American Sign Language (ASL) Classes Near Me

Discover a variety of engaging and interactive American Sign Language (ASL) classes that will teach you the essential skills to communicate effectively with the deaf community. Learn through hands-on instruction and gain the confidence to engage in meaningful conversations.

American Sign Language (ASL) Classes Coming Up in NYC

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Introduction to American Sign Language

Borough of Manhattan Community College See all classes by this school @ 25 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York, NY

This course will include a high level of communication as possible towards the target language of American Sign Language (ASL). The goal of the course is to keep our voices off and eyes open as we practice our receptive (visual) skills as well as our productive skills. "Introduction to American Sign Language" will provide students with a head start in an ASL introduction course.  For students who have previous exposure to ASL, this will be...

(178) Beginner 18 and older
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$450

8 sessions

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American Sign Language Beginner

York College CPE See all classes by this school @ 94 - 20 Guy R Brewer Blvd, New York, NY

American Sign Language is the third most used language in the World. Explore this beautiful language, build basic vocabulary, practice the manual alphabet,  and develop skills for communication. This course is for true beginners. Textbook Requirements: - A Basic Course in Sign Language (spiral) 2nd edition ISBN:978-0932666420 - A Loss for Words, by Lou Ann Walker ISBN: 978-0060914257

(64) Beginner 18 and older
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$270

8 sessions

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ASL 1: Basic

ASL NYC See all classes by this school @ 145 Front St, Brooklyn, NY

In a Basic class you’ll find a new approach to learning American Sign Language (ASL). Have you tried learning from a book or through online instruction and still have no clue? This course teaches shapes, numbers, the alphabet, and introductory level conversations to enhance your ability to build upon the language. What we love: The goal of ASL Classes’ energetic teachers is to get you “off the page” and signing confidently in the target...

(11) Beginner 17 and older
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$200

5 sessions

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Level 1 ASL

Sign Language Center See all classes by this school @ 39 E 30th St, New York, NY

Embark on a journey of discovery as you delve into the captivating world of American Sign Language and Deaf Culture. From mastering basic ASLary to understanding spatial use and gestures, this immersive course at the Sign Language Center will equip you with the fundamental language skills needed to interact with the Deaf community.

(51) Beginner 16 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$231.85

6 sessions

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Fingerspelling Workshop

Sign Language Center See all classes by this school @ 39 E 30th St, New York, NY

An intensive workshop on becoming comfortable using fingerspelling. This workshop is also designed to let you learn or develop skills on how to use your face in a way that is grammatically correct in ASL and become more aware of your own facial expression as well. Activities are provided for practice and review opportunities. This workshop is for students beginning to advance and focuses on improving reception, production and articulation of fingerspelling....

(51) All levels 16 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!

American Sign Language (ASL) Classes Coming Up in Los Angeles

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American Sign Language, Level 1

Los Angeles City College See all classes by this school @ 855 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Have you ever wanted to learn how to sign, but don’t know where to start? This is the class for you to unfold your potential signing skills. Students will learn the basic language structure of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture through fun activities. This is a combined course designed to introduce you to American Sign Language (ASL) and Finger spelling as it is used within Deaf Culture. You will also learn how to use facial grammar,...

(818) Beginner 18 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$55

5 sessions

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American Sign Language

West Los Angeles College See all classes by this school @ Fine Arts Bldg, Los Angeles, CA

Learn the language and customs of the deaf community in this class designed for beginners but open to all levels. Practice basic hand signal skills, finger-spelling, facial expression, body language and movements for conceptual signs. You’ll have fun learning introductory sign language skills.

(58) All levels 18 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$69

6 sessions

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American Sign Language (ASL) Classes Coming Up in Chicago

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American Sign Language for Gardeners

Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

Discover the art of American Sign Language with Justin LeBlanc as he teaches the basics of signing an introduction and vocabulary words related to the garden. Unleash your creativity and communication skills through this beautiful and expressive language.

(133) Beginner 18 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!

American Sign Language (ASL) Classes Coming Up Online

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American Sign Language, Level 2

Los Angeles City College See all classes by this school @ Live Online

Have you ever wanted to learn how to sign, but don’t know where to start? This is the class for you to unfold your potential signing skills. Students will learn the basic language structure of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture through fun activities.  This is a combined course designed to introduce you to American Sign Language (ASL) and Finger spelling as it is used within Deaf Culture. You will also learn how to use facial...

(818) Intermediate 18 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$65

5 sessions

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ASL (Total Beginner)

ABC Languages SF See all classes by this school @ Online Classroom

Learn American Sign Language from the comfort of your own home with expert instructors at ABC Languages SF. Start speaking from your very first lesson and gain the tools you need to understand and absorb the language. Whether you're preparing for a trip abroad or a long-term language learner, this course is designed for total beginners with little or no background in ASL.

(3) Beginner 14 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$350

8 sessions

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American Sign Language for Adults

Los Angeles City College See all classes by this school @ LACC Online Classroom, Los Angeles, CA

American Sign Language for Adults Have you ever wanted to learn how to sign, but don’t know where to start? This is the class for you to unfold your potential signing skills. You’ll learn the basic language structure of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture through great activities. This is a fun introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) and Finger spelling as it is used within Deaf Culture. You will also learn how to use facial...

(818) All levels 18 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$55

5 sessions

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American Sign Language for Youth (Ages 8-16)

Los Angeles City College See all classes by this school @ LACC Online Classroom, Los Angeles, CA

American Sign Language for Youth (Ages 8-16) Have you ever wanted to learn how to sign, but don’t know where to start? This is the class for you to unfold your potential signing skills. You’ll learn the basic language structure of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture through great activities. This is a fun introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) and Finger spelling as it is used within Deaf Culture. You will also learn how to...

(818) All levels 8 - 16 years old
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$55

5 sessions

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American Sign Language: Module 1

Continuing Professional Studies at Bank See all classes by this school

This course offers an introductory immersion approach to American Sign Language (ASL) in communication with deaf persons. ASL may also be explored as an alternate means of communication with hearing children with language disorders who may be delayed in acquiring spoken English. Sessions will focus on aspects of deaf culture and the vitality and rich potential of American Sign Language communication. ASL lab practice opportunities will be built...

(17) Beginner 18 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$425

4 sessions

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Reviews for American Sign Language (ASL) Classes

American Sign Language (ASL) Classes are rated 4.3 stars based on 1,333 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.

  • Level 1 ASL

    Reviewed by Daniel H. on 9/14/2022
    From the very first moment I was in class, we were all learning. Robert was an amazing instructor and was very knowledgeable about getting us students engaged. I am so happy that I chose to take Level 1 and am excited about continuing this journey I have started out on and will see where this road takes me. If you decide to take these courses, you won't be disappointed!
  • Level 1 ASL

    Reviewed by John R. on 7/11/2022
    My 19 yo daughter was struggling after coming back from college during the pandemic and we had always talked about learning sign language. I spent more time watching her during the classes and it was difficult at that time of our lives to concentrate/study outside of class. I was very impressed with our instructor Jamil. I feel that if we were in a better place we would have gotten more out of it and definitely would have been able tp go on to the next class. I feel the format was very good, I would recommend it to others and (again) Jamil was great
  • Level 1 ASL

    Reviewed by Yvena L. on 6/1/2021
    Great teacher. Very professional
  • Level 1 ASL

    Reviewed by Anne L. on 4/6/2021
    Roderick was a fantastic instructor and we came back for ASL 2! The class was comprehensive, easy to follow, and interactive so the two hours each week flew by. Highly recommend!
  • Level 1 ASL

    Reviewed by Pati S. on 3/31/2021
    I enjoyed the class immensely and I learned a lot! Roderick was an excellent teacher and very personable.
  • Level 1 ASL

    Reviewed by Aicha R. on 3/28/2021
    Was good experience and I learned a lot from teacher Melisa. Thank you!
  • Level 1 ASL

    Reviewed by Vierka V. on 10/24/2020
    I have no prior knowledge about ASL whatsoever. Regardless, I found this class interesting and worthwhile. It was also fun!
  • Level 1 ASL

    Reviewed by Mary A T. on 2/14/2020
    I loved every minute!! Both teachers were patient and kind with this old girl!! I am soooo slow!! Learning about the Deaf Culture was amazing! Looking forward to continuing!! Mary Ann Tsoirounakis
  • Level 1 ASL

    Reviewed by Rebecca P. on 2/11/2020
    So amazing. Worth every penny
  • Level 1 ASL

    Reviewed by Diana M. on 12/10/2019
    Great class. I took this class with my daughter who wants to be a teacher for special needs students. Our teacher Shelly was amazing. We learned so much in every class and retained it. We are signed up for level 2. I hope we have Shelly again. I would highly recommend.
  • Level 1 ASL

    Reviewed by Margaret M. on 12/10/2019
    I took the level 1 ASL class. It was a great class. Shelly was our teacher and she was excellent. We learned so much every class and she made it very easy to follow and remember. I am already signed up for level 2. I highly recommend.
  • Level 1 ASL

    Anonymous review on 10/26/2019
    Jamila was our instructor and he was fabulous. Taught with humor and we covered an incredible amount of information.
  • ASL 1: Basic

    Reviewed by Ben W. on 10/23/2019
    sorry I missed the last class. It was so fun to start learning this new language w a creative funny teacher. When I can I’ll be back for ASL 2!
  • Level 1 ASL

    Anonymous review on 10/21/2019
    I learned WAY more than I was expecting to in this level 1 6 week course. I also learned ASL history and deaf culture and now have a greater appreciation and understanding of both. There are so many great things about Sign Language Center that I loved and are the reasons I'll be signing up for level 2 (I was only planning on doing 1 level only, but I now want to continue and learn more!) Due to my busy schedule, I was unable to commit to the same day and time every week and SLC is very flexible and I was able to make up the class at a different day and time. I've had 3 different instructors and they were all GREAT. Everyone is very patient and understanding and committed to making sure you learn, and learn ASL correctly! Alan (who I believe runs SLC) is very helpful and always quick to respond via email or text. If you're interested in learning ASL I highly recommend this place. All of my classes were also really funny. The instructors have a great sense of humor which made learning fun and easy. Thank you guys and I look forward to level 2!!!
  • Level 1 ASL

    Anonymous review on 10/17/2019
    Great, great, great! Learned so much, met nice people, teacher (Jamil) was amazing! I can’t wait to continue to the next level!
  • Level 1 ASL

    Reviewed by Jacob R. on 10/15/2019
    Truly mindblowing class. As a hearing person, it was fascinating learning not just ASL, but also about deaf culture and history.
  • American Sign Language Beginner

    Reviewed by Jaelice M. on 9/23/2018
    I enjoyed leaner ASL and Pro. Shirley Nunally was so efficient and thorough. She made the class interesting and introduced the deaf to me in a way I never considered before. If it's possible for her to teach a level 2 class I am interested . Thank you, when will I recieve my certificate of completion. I need it for school.
  • Level 1 ASL

    Reviewed by Jillian E. on 3/27/2018
    I loved this course! The Sign Language Center and my teacher were great. I signed up for three more semesters!
  • ASL 1: Basic

    Anonymous review on 2/7/2018
    Loved it. Jeremy is a wonderful, patient teacher. Can’t wait for the next course!
  • ASL 1: Basic

    Reviewed by Tra H. on 2/4/2017
    Great class! We really enjoyed Jeremy's class. He was patient and thorough. Great teacher and totally deserves the best ratings.

Discover the Best ASL Classes Near Me

American Sign Language (ASL) is a language for the eyes, in contrast to most languages, which are geared for the ears. ASL is a language separate from others in that it is intended to help people communicate through hand motions, shapes, and placement in conjunction with facial expressions and body movements. This visual language possesses its own grammar and syntax system. Many high schools, universities, and other educational institutions in the United States accept ASL as a foreign language requirement needed for graduation.

As with many languages, ASL possesses accents and dialects depending on where an individual lives or whatever group or socio-economic environment may affect a person’s way of communicating, including age group and other factors.

However, ASL is not a universal language as other countries and regions throughout the world have their own sign language, including the BSL (British Sign Language) and the FSL (French Sign Language), which also possess different dialects, much like many spoken languages. People communicate using ASL mainly in the U.S., areas of Canada, and part of Africa and Asia.

Why You Should Learn ASL

People should want to learn ASL for several reasons. As with any person picking up any new language, learning ASL contributes to improving brain functions by opening up new ways of thinking along with new methods for communicating. Of course, the main reason for learning ASL would be for helping someone who is deaf or experiencing substantial hearing loss or who may have loved ones who are deaf or hearing impaired. However, acquiring skills with ASL can also be used to help in community functions or lead to finding work as an interpreter or in education. Careers related to skill in ASL include education or providing interpretive services for churches, government meetings and conferences, and broadcasting.

Knowledge in ASL allows individuals with or without a hearing impairment to become involved in a variety of activities by expanding their horizons. As stated, the ability to communicate using ASL allows for meeting new people, giving back to the community, or finding a new career.

5 Ways to Learn ASL

ASL has become accepted by many universities as a foreign language for meeting course requirements in order to graduate college. Skills with ASL can open opportunities not only as a new option for communicating but also creates new possibilities for socializing and contributing to the community through local churches or other avenues as well as finding careers as interpreters or educators.

There are several methods for learning ASL, including in-person courses taught inside classrooms, live online training using electronic devices, on-demand classes, free and low-cost online seminars, and online video tutorials that are also usually free.

In-Person Classes 

The benefit of learning ASL inside a classroom is that the environment provides direct personal interaction. Because American Sign language is a visual language, being able to go over finger spelling, facial expressions, body movement, and other optical signals that can help in the learning process.

Live Online Courses

Learning American Sign Language through a live online course offers a convenient option by providing flexibility for anyone with a busy schedule. Live online courses can provide hands-on training from expert instructors that can give students the same level of education that they would get from sitting inside a classroom without ever having to leave home.

On-Demand Training 

Finding on-demand courses allows anyone interested in ASL to learn at their own pace and at their own time. For example, Udemy offers the Learn & Master Sign Language course that trains participants in mastering ASL through 47-hours of on-demand video training. Upon completing this course, students will develop a solid foundation with the visual language. Training provides lessons including a vocabulary video index for each word taught within a specific lesson along with fingerspelling practice at different speeds, learning about numbers, book activities, narrative practice, dialogue practice, and highlights and tips on Deaf culture. This on-demand course costs $49 for 25 lessons through 47-hours of video training. Students receive a certificate upon completing the course.

Free and Low-Cost Online Seminars

There are plenty of free and low-cost online seminars available for learning ASL. Those interested can take advantage of American Sign Language Level 1, which Skillshare offers as an online training seminar for free with a 30-day trial. This course trains students in the basics for ASL with lessons including the origins of American Sign Language, the sign alphabet and fingerspelling, family signs, verbs, and key nouns. Topics discussed include colors, animals, foods and drinks along with professions and careers related to ASL. 

Video Tutorials

Anyone interested can find video tutorials through several outlets, including online education providers or social media platforms like LinkedIn or YouTube. For example, Lifeprint.com, an online American Sign Language resource center, provides a variety of free self-study materials, lessons, and information as well as formal tuition-based courses along with free courses related to ASL. This includes Interviewing in ASL (part 1) American Sign Language, which is a free video tutorial that provides tips on using ASL in job interviews.

In-Person ASL Classes

There are plenty of online courses available for learning about ASL. However, many people simply feel more comfortable learning something new inside a classroom with an instructor standing right there in front of them. For those individuals, there are ASL courses throughout the country that provide in-person training. 

In-person training offers the benefit of learning among others while being able to make eye contact or pick up on subtle gestures, which is especially important in a course about learning a visual language. Another benefit of occupying a classroom is the advantage of being able to personally interact with an instructor and classmates. While there are obviously several other advantages for choosing online learning over having to travel somewhere to get to a classroom to learn in person, the interpersonal experience of being there is hard to argue against.

New York City Courses

Anyone interested can learn ASL from the Sign Language Center, located at 39 E. 30th Street – Suite 2R in New York City, for the Level 1 ASL course, which provides students with an introduction to ASL and Deaf culture. This course provides lessons for developing a strong basic vocabulary with an emphasis on syntax and grammar. Training will emphasize best practices with fingerspelling along with understanding space and gesturing.

This six-session course costs $225. 

Prerequisites: This beginner-level class requires no prerequisites. 

Some students may choose to attend the Sign Language Center to enroll in the Conversational Class, which focuses on conversation to enhance fluency with signing for new learners. This course places an emphasis on storytelling that leads to a better comprehension of the visual language through comfort and familiarity. 

This six-session course costs $200.

Prerequisites: This course has no prerequisites but is listed as advanced, which indicates that some experience in ASL may be necessary.

Los Angeles Courses

People living in Los Angeles can enroll at Los Angeles City College, located at 855 N. Vermont Avenue, for American Sign Language, Level 1, which trains students in the basic language structure for ASL and Deaf culture using a variety of methods. Lessons emphasize fingerspelling, facial grammar, facial expression, body language, and receptive skills for communicating using ASL.

This five-session course costs $65.

Prerequisites: While this course lists no prerequisites, it does require the American Sign Language Workbook: Exercises to Build Your Signing Vocabulary

Students may also be interested in taking the American Sign Language for Teenagers and Adults course from East Los Angeles College, located at 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez in Los Angeles that trains participants in the basic language structure for ASL. Training includes lessons on fingerspelling, facial expressions, and receptive skills for communicating with ASL.

This five-session course costs $80.

Prerequisites: While this course lists no prerequisites, it does require the American Sign Language Workbook: Exercises to Build Your Signing Vocabulary.

Boston

People living in Boston who would like to learn sign language can enroll with Signing Basics, located at 102 Princeton Street at Amherst Street, for ASL Level 1, which trains beginner-level students in the basics of American Sign Language through class sessions and homework assignments.

This ten-session course costs $285.

Students will learn using the book Singing Naturally along with supplemental DVDs that support training.

Prerequisites: This beginner-level class requires no prerequisites.

San Francisco

Individuals interested in learning ASL can find training at ABC Languages SF, located at One Embarcadero Center in San Francisco, which offers ASL | Total Beginner. This course trains students who have little or no experience in ASL for learning the language. Lessons emphasize communicating with the deaf or hard-of-hearing who may be family members, friends, colleagues, or students. Skills in American Sign Language can be used for simply participating with the deaf and hearing impaired in community activities or pursuing careers in education or as an interpreter working at a corporation, government agency, or in the media.

Through this course, students will learn basic ASL conversational skills, grammar, and vocabulary for developing a better understanding of the language for personal and professional goals.

This eight-session course costs $375.

Prerequisites: This beginner-level class requires no prerequisites.

Chicago

Anyone living in Chicago can attend Wilbur Wright City Colleges of Chicago, located at 4300 N. Narragansett Avenue, for Sign Language for Legal Professionals, which provides training for people working in the legal system in the ASL skills needed to work fluidly with clients or colleagues who may be deaf or hearing impaired. This course is geared towards lawyers, law students, government administrators, court officers, criminal justices, and others who have responsibilities related to the legal system and are obligated to assure all citizens of being able to communicate in order to understand their rights. 

This course emphasizes properly communicating with deaf clients through gestures, legal signs, and using interpreters from government and private agencies. Lessons for ASL include legal terminology and legal vocabulary and questions. 

This five-session course costs $125. 

Prerequisites: This beginner-level class requires no prerequisites. 

San Diego

In San Diego, the Baby Garten Studio, located at 1947 30th Street, offers Baby Sign Language Basics, for teaching infants ASL, which can have a positive effect on a baby’s cognitive development. Parents and children will learn new signs through daily routines and other activities that contribute to an infant’s communication skills while simultaneously creating a bond among the family members. Baby Garten’s parenting lessons include music, stories, puppets, parachutes, and bubbles, which are all taught using ASL. 

This eight-session course costs $156.

Prerequisites: This class requires no prerequisites.

During the winter cold and flu months, one parent per baby is allowed to participate in indoor classes in order to maintain a safer training environment.

Atlanta

People living in Atlanta can enroll at Clayton State College, located at 2000 Clayton Street Boulevard in nearby Morrow, Georgia, for American Sign Language Receptive/Expressive, which helps those who have basic training in ASL improve on receptive and expressive language skills. This training helps students engage through creating real-world scenarios that challenge their current skills by building confidence and competence.

This course costs $199.

Prerequisites: Students should have completed the ASL 2 course or its equivalent.

Virtual ASL Classes 

For anyone earning a living working in any busy city in North America, it’s understandable that some people might not look forward to getting back out into traffic after a long day at work to find a classroom for learning a new language. This is why virtual learning provides an appealing option. Live online courses offer hands-on lessons for learning ASL from expert instructors who can help new students learn this visual language for socializing or helping with a new career without having to leave the comforts of home.

Virtual Learning provides a convenient option for training in sign language in order to communicate with and contribute to the Deaf community for personal, social, or professional reasons.

Anyone interested in learning ASL through live online training can enroll at Continuing Professional Studies at Bank Street for the American Sign Language: Module 1 course that provides beginning students with immersive training in ASL. The main objective of this course is teaching participants how to communicate fluently with the deaf and hearing impaired along with exploring alternative methods for communicating with children who may have no hearing disorders but might have other difficulties with comprehending spoken English. This class also explores aspects of Deaf culture along with how ASL is an essential component in everyday communication.

This four-session course costs $425.

Prerequisites: This beginner-level class has no prerequisites.

In order to participate in this course, students will need to have an Internet connection and administrative access available on their computers or laptops.

Students can enroll with Los Angeles City College for the online American Sign Language for Adults course. This program strives to help participants feel more comfortable about learning how to sign for communicating with the deaf and hearing impaired. Students will learn about the basic structure of ASL with an emphasis on Deaf culture. This course also emphasizes fingerspelling, facial grammar, facial expressions, and receptive skills for communicating through sign language.

This five-session course costs $55.

Prerequisites: This beginner-level course lists no prerequisites.

This course requires the book American Sign Language Workbook: Exercises to Build Your Signing Vocabulary.

People can attend the Sign Language Center for the Level 6 ASL online course. This program immerses students in not only learning about sign language but becoming familiar with Deaf culture. This course is designed for participants with advanced ASL training. The course includes using ASL-related media, including film, vlogs, and Deaf humor along with discussing Deaf culture related political topics, education, and social events. Students will also discuss Deaf idioms, slang, and related topics for creating ASL dialogue.

This six-session course costs $225.

Prerequisites: Students must have completed ASL Levels 1 through 5 courses.

Private Group ASL Classes

Anyone interested can use CourseHorse for staging live online group classes covering various topics. While there are no ASL-related group activities listed among CourseHorse team building events, anyone interested can use the school’s contact form to request options related to ASL, including booking private events.

ASL has become accepted by many universities as a foreign language for meeting course requirements in order to graduate college. Skills in this visual language can open up opportunities for not only options with communication but for also creating new possibilities for socializing or contributing to the community or local churches as well as careers as interpreters or educators.

What Will I Need to Learn ASL?

Learning any new language will always present a few difficulties. However, there are a few steps any new student can take with learning ASL or any new language for that matter.

Most people want to learn ASL for communicating with deaf and hard-of-hearing people, which provides not only new communication options but new opportunities for connecting with others or finding new careers. Enrolling in ASL courses is an obvious first step. Anyone interested can enroll in courses at local colleges, find free online seminars, or watch video tutorials.

There are plenty of opportunities through online courses, which can be found through resources like CourseHorse, which is an education site that works with education providers to offer a variety of classes in various locations or through virtual learning.

In learning sign language, it’s a good idea to connect with people involved in the Deaf community in order to gain familiarity or seek advice for learning ASL. New learners should also look for books related to sign language as well as YouTube videos.

It should be noted that learning ASL is more than simply learning finger signing. Part of the language itself includes facial expressions and body motion. Therefore, it would be a good idea to pay attention to facial expressions, which is among the keys for communication through ASL. Much of how people communicate using ASL, or any language for that matter, involves how others express feelings or moods through their faces.

Finally, because hand motions are the key to sign language, learning and practicing fingerspelling is crucial to mastering signing. Memorizing how to signify letters of the alphabet is key to grasping sign language.

Is it Difficult to Learn ASL?

Learning any new language can be difficult simply because a person has to learn new patterns and rules inherent with communicating. As with any language, ASL has its own rules for grammar and syntax, so it’s essential that new students get comfortable with basic techniques for communicating through signing, which includes fingerspelling, facial expressions, and body language. It should be noted that ASL differs from the English language in that it is a visual language not phonological or phonetic. However, the rules of syntax and grammar still apply despite ASL being seen and not heard for communicating. Despite that difference with spoken language, ASL possesses its own grammatical structures and syntax that creates a rich, complex method for communication.

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