American Sign Language (BIA) is one of the most beautiful languages in the world, but it's also easy to misunderstand. Learn sign language with the same respect and expectations as learning a foreign spoken language. BIA is used in the United States and Canada. Other sign languages are spoken throughout the world, including Malaysia, Germany, Austria, Norway and Finland. This article will teach you tips on learning this beautiful form of communication.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Things to Know
Step 1. Know the position of the hands
Most signals in BIA are generated in the space between the temples and the pelvis. Much sign language is done in a “neutral” position, at mid-chest height.
- The location and orientation of the palm is very important! When learning sign language, pay close attention to the location of your hands, and the direction your palms are facing. This affects the meaning of the signal made.
- Comfort is also very important. Arthritis and tendonitis can make some cues impossible. If it hurts, adjust your position slightly.
- Be aware that BIA is not only performed with the hands and fingers, but involves the entire body, including the upper torso, arms, and head. Face is very important! Facial expressions can communicate many things. For example, a raised eyebrow when making a gesture means that you are asking a question.
Step 2. Don't rush
Learn slowly and not in a hurry. This helps you master the movement and makes it easier for the other person to understand it.
Step 3. Learn fingerspell in BAI alphabet
Fingerspelling is often used in BIA, especially for proper nouns (nouns that start with a capital letter). It's also important to spell words that you don't know the sign for. Read this article to find out how to spell by finger in detail using the BAI alphabet.
Step 4. Practice the "hello" gesture
This gesture is universally used to greet someone. This gesture is similar to waving to someone.
- Bring your right hand up to your forehead, with your palm facing away from you.
- Move your palms away from your body in a waving motion.
Step 5. Practice the "goodbye" gesture
How you say goodbye in a BIA really depends on the situation and the formalities required.
- Goodbye can also be said more casually with a simple wave, nod, or "thumbs up" (like an "okay" gesture).
- You can also make a "see you later" gesture by pointing your middle and index fingers in a "V" shape, then at the person you're talking to with your index finger.
Step 6. Learn the "thank you" gesture
This gesture is very important and useful for thanking BIA training partners.
- Open your right hand into a flat palm, close your fingers together with your thumb sticking out.
- With your palms facing you and your hands facing up, begin the movement with the tips of your fingers touching your chin.
- Move your hands from your chin straight ahead and arch them down.
- Nod when you move your hand.
Step 7. Know how to ask "How are you?
This cue can be a great conversation starter and is easy to learn. It is broken down into two cues: "what" and "you" with question implications.
- Hold both hands at chest level in a relaxed "thumbs up" position with both thumbs pointing at your chest.
- Turn both hands outward while keeping them in the same space in front of the chest and maintaining the shape of the hands.
- Point at the other person with the right hand held in the upper chest.
- Furrow your brows when you finish the phrase, which indicates a question and you're waiting for an answer other than "yes" or "no."
Step 8. Increase vocabulary and phrases gradually to your knowledge base
Knowing the alphabet is a great first step, but most signs are done with phrases, just like in any other language. Build your vocabulary slowly, and take the time to master each word and phrase over time. Add and practice new vocabulary consistently with other people who are fluent in BIA so that you become more proficient in this sign language, just like learning any other foreign language.
- Learn the signs for numbers. Knowing how to count is a very useful skill in any language.
- Learn how to reference locations. This gesture will come in handy when you're going to a new place and you speak a lot of sign language with new people.
- Learn how to express time and day. This skill is very useful when making plans with the other person.
Method 2 of 3: How to Learn
Step 1. Buy a good sign language dictionary
A dictionary is an essential tool in learning any language, and sign language is no exception. A good dictionary will allow you to look up clues you don't understand, as well as be material for studying.
- Look for a dictionary with easy-to-understand illustrations and descriptions.
- Try using an online dictionary, which includes a sign language demonstration video.
Step 2. Take a class from a deaf instructor
In class, you'll find several people to practice sign language with, as well as provide feedback on your performance.
- There are some colleges that will allow you to take classes without being registered as a student. Try checking local colleges for programs on offer.
- Community programs such as local libraries and recreation centers can offer BIA study classes for those who are interested.
Step 3. Purchase a study guide
While the dictionary will show you how to sign each word or phrase, the study guide will teach you sign language in a more practical way. Study guides will provide more instruction than a dictionary, and will help you learn basic conversation and sentence structure in sign language.
Step 4. Look for online sources
You can find lots of information about sign language, Deaf culture, and much more on the internet.
- There are many sites that contain video tutorials made by professional BIA instructors. ASLU is very suitable for new students. Each entry has a video from a professional instructor. Apart from that, Handspeak also contains many videos and online dictionaries for learning BIA.
- You can also find a variety of sign language videos on YouTube. Just remember that just because the tutorial is on the internet doesn't necessarily mean that the author fully understands what it's doing. Beware of misinformation and inappropriate techniques.
Step 5. Download the app
Thanks to the power of smartphones, dictionaries and study guides are easy to carry around. The Google Play Store and Apple App Store have many sign language learning apps to choose from, ranging from free to paid ones.
- Apps come in handy if you need a quick reference, and some videos come with instructions.
- There are lots of dictionary apps and study guides to download so try a few to find the best one.
- Look for apps that have 4 and 5 stars. Browse some user reviews to help ensure the quality of this app for others.
Method 3 of 3: Gaining Practical Experience
Step 1. Familiarize yourself with the Deaf culture
To be able to speak BIA fluently, you need to explore the culture of the Deaf. Since deafness is rarely hereditary, the Deaf culture is one of the few cultures in which the child does not learn cultural traits from parents. Instead, this culture evolved from deaf schools and community gatherings. Sign language is one small aspect of the overall Deaf culture.
- In Deaf culture, deafness is not seen as a defect that needs to be corrected. The terms "mute" and "stupid" are very insensitive and should not be used in this culture.
- In general, the relationship between individuals in the Deaf community is very close and at first difficult to enter. However, fortitude and humility will help you make friends with the deaf. Once they know that your desire is genuine and are passionate about learning about them and their language, many deaf people will begin to accept you and show you the ways of their unique culture.
- Deaf culture is built on a strong literary tradition, especially in poetry.
Step 2. Practice with a partner
You can't learn BIA just by reading a dictionary and watching videos. Finding a partner to practice BIA regularly is also important in improving your clarity, speed, and sign language comprehension.
- Post a bulletin on the school bulletin letting you know that you are looking for a sign language study partner.
- Find a friend or family member to study BIA with so that you have a practice partner in your daily life.
Step 3. Communicate with the deaf
The purpose of studying BIA is to be able to communicate with deaf people. Once you're comfortable with basic gestures, try interacting with someone from the Deaf community.
- Look for Deaf community events held in your city, such as art shows, film screenings, or get-togethers.
- Open the Deaf Coffee Chat Room. These sites are usually (though not always) designed for beginners and you will be able to find Deaf people willing to chat with you.
- Be polite and ask if someone would like to have a casual chat with you.
