Learning the Sign Language
Learning the sign language
Learning of sign language takes a lot of commitment and practice. Just like the case of learning any new language, one has to devote hisherself to the efforts of learning the sign language. There is no direct correlation between the spoken language and sign language as the two differs in the sense that sign language uses concepts to communicate as opposed to the use of words as the case of the spoken language. Though it is possible to translate between the two languages, the interpretations will not reflect a direct translation. There are different systems of sign language but the American Sign Language (ASL) is the most commonly used by the deaf adults. Sign language can be learnt even though it requires great commitment from the one interested. There has been an argument that one does not have to be raised by deaf parents in order to learn the language. The sign language can be learnt through class room, videos, reading books, via the internet, and through socialization among other ways (Woods, 2010).
Ways of learning the sign language
Sign language can be learnt through various ways amongst which is learning from reading books. There are many books containing signs and interpretations and one can buy these books and take time to read and understand the sign language. There is one thing that the buyer must consider before settling on the type of book to buy. There are many books on the market and therefore the buyer has to select the best book that offers detailed explanations with good visual signs that indicates the movement and direction of the signs (Woods, 2010).
In addition to books, some individuals may choose to learn the sign language through video technologies. There are numerous DVDs in the market with information regarding the sign language including the alphabets and the signs. The main shortcoming of the book and video model of learning sign language is that the learner has no one to ask for clarifications in areas that have been inadequately explained. The internet also provides another avenue through which one can learn the sign language. There are several sites on the internet that provides useful information that can guide the learner in conceptualizing the sign language. There are also websites with videos of the deaf people communicating and one may find the internet as a resource material in learning the sign language. Viewing sign language videos over the internet requires one to be having a firm foundation in the language regarding the alphabets before viewing the videos. It is therefore important for one to have learnt the basics of the language maybe through books or video clips before accessing the internet videos (Tan, 2010).
Another way to learn sign language is by taking classes at any local learning resource center that may include a community college or university. Community centers and public organizations that may be offering sign language classes often hosts a sign language club that one can join. Taking classes will definitely expose the leaner more to the deaf experience since the tutor should be having some first hand information about events that touches on the deaf. Taking classes comes with its advantages as the teacher is always there to offer guidance and explanations to students where necessary. One is also able to share his or her experiences with the classmates through discussions and debatable issues (Todd, 2010).
After one has acquired the basic skills of the sign language, it is usually advisable to take practical lessons by volunteering at the community centers specializing with the deaf. This practical experience will enable a learner to learn more regarding the sign language and how to properly use the signs as learnt in a classroom environment. In an attempt to learn from the deaf, one has to observe the required etiquette. For instance, it is not advisable to stand and stare at the deaf when they are conversing in an effort to learn from them but instead try to initiate a conversation with them no matter how bad you could be at the language. Some deaf people will understand and try to interpret whatever you might be trying to explain. Learning the basics provides the foundation for fluency in the language whereas being around the deaf people accelerates the speed at which one can learn the language (Todd, 2010).
Some people have argued that the best way to learn sign language is by making friends with a deaf person. By becoming friends with the deaf, one has the opportunity to learn the sign language with a much faster pace as compared to any other model of learning the sign language. It has been argued that the children brought up by deaf parents have turned out to be great masters of the sign language (Woods, 2010). Learning of the sign language goes beyond simple mastery of communicating in sign language to include learning about the culture of the deaf (Tan, 2010).
Conclusion
Learning any new language comes with its challenges but the challenges are even more when the language does not provide auditory information to the student. There are numerous ways in which one can learn the sign language as shown above but if I was to be asked about the best way to learn the sign language, I will definitely root for socialization. Learning from books often does not provide clear information while videos are not designed to answer any questions that one may raise. The internet is even more confusing whereas taking classes will only provide the basis for the language. It is by making close contact with the deaf that one will able to comprehensively make an understanding of the sign language and the culture of the deaf since language does not develop in a vacuum. Watching the deaf people communicate and getting involved in their conversation provides the best model in learning of the sign language.
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