ASL Resources

4 things to know about learning sign language

1. Different regions have their own unique sign variations. One of the most widely-used variations of sign language is ASL (American Sign Language), but there are others, such as Australian, British, and New Zealand, as well as over 20 sign languages in Africa. Look into your own area and figure out which variation is used where you live, or where you think you would most likely be communicating with others.

2. There are slang signs in ASL the same way spoken languages have slang words. The same as how spoken languages have slang words, sign languages have their own slang. ASL even has signs for words like “emoji” and “selfie.” Some people consider these signs to not be “proper” signs, just as how some people would argue that slang words aren’t proper language. If you’re using sign language to have a casual conversation, you may want to try adding a few slang signs to your sign language vocabulary as well.

3. Sign language is acquired and learned the same way as other new languages are learned. Some people may think that learning sign language will either be easier or harder than learning a spoken language. However, sign language is learned just the same way as any other language, regardless of the fact that it uses hand gestures rather than spoken word.

4. Finding someone to practice with can really help with your success. Though it’s possible to learn sign language on your own by using one of the websites or apps we’ve recommended, it’s a good idea to find someone else who knows sign language to practice with them and test your learning. Apps

 The ASL App - In App Purchases- Available on Apple and Android

 American Sign Language Guide - Available on Apple

 Sign School - Available on Apple and Android

 ASL - Available on Apple

 $ MarleeSigns (app is free but, most content costs)- Available on Apple

 Signing Savvy- Available on Apple and Android

 ASL Dictionary- Available on Apple

 YouTube - subscribe to Deaf YouTubers, search for classes. Download them through $ YouTube Red.

 $ ASL Translator- Available on Apple

 $ ASL Dictionary- Different app than other ASL Dictionary- Available on Apple

 $ Baby Sign Language Dictionary- Available on Apple and Android

 Hands on ASL– In App Purchases- Available on Apple and Android

 $ ASL Fingerspelling- Available on Apple

 We Sign Basic- School related signs- Available on Apple

 $ Signing Exact English- Available on Android

 Memrise- In App Purchases- Available on Android

$= Cost Associated

Visit Duxbury Free Library social media for more ASL videos. Also, check out our kit when available. Websites

 $ International Open Academy ( 2 levels)

 Galludet University- ASL Connect - Offers in depth paid classes also

 Sign Language 101- Does take donations

 Start ASL- Offers in depth paid classes also

 Lesson Tutor

 Expert Village- You Tube channel teaches basics

 ASL Pro- Accepts donations. Site looks very plain

 Life Print- Offers in depth paid classes also

 Babies and Sign Language- For Babies almost exclusively

 Signing Savvy- Also an app

$= Cost Associated

Resources collected from https://techboomers.com/best-sites-and-apps-to-learn-sign-language https://www.meriahnichols.com/learn-asl-online/ https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/47829-The-best-apps-for-learning-sign-language https://www.androidauthority.com/best-american-sign-language-apps-asl-apps-for-android-867887/

The library is not associated with these websites and companies. All views expressed are not the views of the library.