American Sign Language

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by SteveFoerster, Nov 27, 2023.

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  1. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Good morning, hivemind: does anyone here know of any particularly good resources for learning American Sign Language (ASL)? Doesn't have to be free, doesn't have to be for credit.
     
    SteveFoerster, Nov 27, 2023
    #1
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  2. JoshD

    JoshD Well-Known Member

    There is an app called “ASL Sign Language Pocket Sign” but I have not utilized it. A friend of mine worked at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf and I remember her talking about it.

    Off topic but I have no idea why they put Sign Language after ASL. Lol
     
    JoshD, Nov 27, 2023
    #2
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  3. Jonathan Whatley

    Jonathan Whatley Well-Known Member

    Jonathan Whatley, Nov 27, 2023
    #3
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  4. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    https://www.lifeprint.com/ is an excellent resource. The design and layout of the site leaves a lot to be desired, but the information is top notch. Especially when it comes to describing ASL grammar. The vast majority of second language ASL learners don't really "get" that ASL is its own distinct language and not visual English. Along with it, I recommend watching Bill Vicars' YouTube channel. https://youtube.com/@sign-language

    For learning signs, I suggest https://www.signingsavvy.com/ and https://www.handspeak.com/. I'll add the caveat that you'll sometimes find signs on both of those sites that you'll likely only rarely, if ever, see any Deaf person use in real life. Also, there are so many regional variations of signs that you'll probably never learn unless you regularly interact with your local Deaf community.

    There was a website that did a great job of giving suggestions for specialized ASL vocabulary, but I can't find it at the moment. I'll see if I can dig the link up from the depths of my browsing history and share it here.
     
    Maniac Craniac, Nov 27, 2023
    #4
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  5. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Many thanks to you all!
     
    SteveFoerster, Nov 29, 2023
    #5
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  6. nosborne48

    nosborne48 Well-Known Member

    I've used ASL interpreters in court and it's an amazing skill. Most of the really skilled interpreters grew up with deaf parents or siblings. It’s truly a language in its own right.
     
    nosborne48, Nov 30, 2023
    #6
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  7. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Johann, Nov 30, 2023
    #7
  8. Mac Juli

    Mac Juli Well-Known Member

    Fake sign language?! That's awful.

    Only known exception (at 0:35):

     
    Mac Juli, Nov 30, 2023
    #8

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