American Sign Language: A Complete Guide

American sign language, or ASL, is a beautiful language that is growing in popularity every day. It is estimated that there are now more than two million American Sign Language speakers in the United States. If you are interested in learning this unique and expressive language, or if you are already a speaker and want to improve your skills, this guide is for you! In this guide, we will discuss the history of American sign language, its grammar and structure, and some common phrases and expressions. We will also provide a few tips for learning American sign language on your own. Let’s get started!

History of American Sign Language (ASL)

The history of American Sign Language (ASL) is a fascinating and unique one. ASL developed from a combination of other sign languages, including French Sign Language, British Sign Language, and Native American sign languages. It is believed that ASL began to develop in the early 1800s, though some scholars believe it may have arisen earlier.

One of the first recorded instances of ASL was in 1817, when Dr Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet met Laurent Clerc, a deaf Frenchman who had been trained in signing. Gallaudet was so impressed by Clerc’s skill that he decided to learn signing himself so that he could teach it to others. This marked the beginning of formalised instruction in ASL.

What are the Basics of ASL?

One of the most common questions people ask about American Sign Language (ASL) is what are the basics? ASL is actually quite a complex language with its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. However, there are some basic signs that every ASL learner should know. 

In this blog post, we will go over some of the most essential ASL signs to get you started on your journey to learning this beautiful language!

Some basic ASL signs include:

• Hello/Goodbye: To sign hello or goodbye in ASL, simply wave your hand back and forth in front of your chest.
• Please/Thank you: To sign please in ASL, put your palm up near your chest and then move it forward. To sign thank you in ASL, put your palm up near your chest and then move it down.
• Yes/No: To sign yes in ASL, nod your head up and down. To sign no in ASL, shake your head side to side.

These are just a few of the most basic ASL signs that every learner should know. Learning even these simple signs can help you begin to communicate with others in the Deaf community!

How to Learn American Sign Language?

One way to learn American Sign Language (ASL) is to find a local class or workshop. There are many resources available online and in libraries that can help you find a class near you. Another great way to learn ASL is to find a tutor. 

There are many tutors who specialise in teaching ASL, and they can often be found through online directories or word-of-mouth. Finally, there are a number of self-study resources available online and in print that can help you learn ASL at your own pace. Whichever method you choose, make sure to practice regularly so that you can become proficient in the language.

The Benefits of Learning American Sign Language (ASL)

There are many benefits to learning American Sign Language (ASL). For one, it can improve communication with deaf or hard-of-hearing friends, family, and colleagues. Additionally, ASL is a visually expressive language that can be used to supplement spoken languages. 

It is also a beneficial skill to have in general, as signing proficiently can make you more employable and marketable in a number of industries. Finally, learning ASL can be fun! It’s a unique way to interact with the world around you.

 Whether you’re looking to improve your communication skills, expand your employment prospects, or simply have some fun, learning ASL is a great option. You can also learn another sign language which is BSL by mastering bsl fingerspelling alphabet.

Conclusion

American Sign Language has come a long way in the past few years. There are many online resources to help you learn ASL, and with more people learning the language every day, the future of ASL is looking bright. We hope this article has helped you get started on your journey to learning ASL. Are there any other resources you would recommend for beginners? Let us know in the comments!