One of the most beautiful and heartfelt languages to ever exist is the sign language. So, if you ever want to be swept into the world of sign language, then do not hesitate to enroll in the free online American sign language classes that will be curated in this blog post.
If this is your first time hearing about sign language and you are wondering what sign language is, set your worries at ease, because everything about sign languages will be broken down here. Sign language is simply the language that deaf individuals use to communicate with either their counterparts or with people without hearing impairments who also know the sign language well. It is a manual communication commonly used by people who are deaf.
Individuals that are deaf are in all cases also dumb because the fact that they cannot hear themselves speak makes it difficult for them to communicate through speech. In most cases, they communicate by writing on a book or paper or by typing the words they want to say on their cell phones
Sign language is not universal as people who are deaf from different countries speak different sign languages. The gestures or symbols in sign language are organized linguistically. Each gesture is called a sign. The first time I came across the sign language was in a Korean series I was seeing and I was very intrigued by the movement of the hands and facial expressions which usually showed all the emotions that were felt. It was beautiful and amazing to see deaf people communicate and express themselves fully and be understood by whoever they are communicating with.
Also, because they communicate in the Korean language, I can kill two birds with one stone by learning both the Korean language and sign language skills. The Korean language can be learned with the help of some of the free online Korean classes available. These classes are provided by different popular online language learning platforms like Duolingo, Loecsen, Busuu, Memrise, and other popular language learning websites.
Other languages are also available for you to learn like the German language courses and Italian language courses if you are interested in delving into the world of German and Italian language. Since this article is focused on free online American sign language classes, let’s start by talking about American sign language classes.
About American Sign Language Classes
American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual and manual language used by deaf communities in the United States. This language has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, with grammar that differs from English. It is expressed by movements of the hands and face.
In sign language, the shape, placement, and movement of the hands, as well as facial expressions and body movements, all play important roles in conveying information. The brain, on the other hand, processes this information through the eyes.
This language is the primary language of many North Americans who are deaf and hard of hearing and is used by some hearing people as well. American sign language classes are designed to give you, the learner, a language foundation in American sign language. People enroll in these classes for different reasons, but at the end of the day, they just have one goal in mind, to learn American sign language and be good at it
These classes are often hosted live or pre-recorded, and the students learn by joining any of them and following through till the end. Free online American sign language classes are often a series of introductory classes and videos. Most providers offer these classes as a form of preview for their main courses, while others just offer them solely for free. No requirement or qualification is needed to join the classes, all you need is your phone or laptop and a steady network connection.
Free online American sign language classes
The free online American sign classes offered by different online learning platforms will be listed and discussed here. They are as follows;
- Sign Language 101
- Gallaudet University – free online ASL classes
- Sign School
- Signing Savvy
- Lesson Tutor
- Start ASL
- Live Online Classes by Take Lessons
1. Sign Language 101
On this website, you will find a series of free online American sign language classes. Some are free while the rest are paid, with previews available. In this ASL Level 1 class, Dr. Byron Bridges will walk you through the basics of American Sign Language by sharing language tips and introducing you to the deaf culture. There are over 50 free videos cutting across numbers, common phrases, and antonyms. If you are looking for a wholesome website where you can learn ASL in one sitting without having to look elsewhere for continuing videos, then this is it for you.
2. Gallaudet University – free online ASL classes
Gallaudet University is a bilingual and multicultural higher institution that provides a learning platform and community for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Their free online American sign language classes cover all the introductory ASL topics from basic vocabulary to numbers and games. For those who are new to sign language learning, this might be a great place to start as the institution allows you to connect with the rest of the deaf community where you get to practice all you are learning with your peers. The University also has paid online ASL classes that cover nearly everything including how to create narratives, dialogues, and short stories using ASL. You might want to add this to your wish list just in case you catch extra cash flying around. I promise you, it will be worth your every dime.
3. Sign School
Sign school provides a flexible way to take your free online American sign language classes. Their mobile and desktop apps make it possible to learn at any time and from anywhere. There are a variety of topics you can choose from, and you are at liberty to choose topics that are tailored to your learning needs. Sign School engages you in active learning with interactive exercises, quick lectures, and reviews. Their resources and tools make learning ASL super easy and fun! Here are a few of the tools you might want to explore
Dictionary: Search by sign, topic, or hand shape.
Sign of the Day: Have a sign delivered to your inbox daily.
Learning Games: Review signs by topics or handshapes.
4. Signing Savvy
This is not really a class but it is a very resourceful website for learners of ASL. It contains an ASL dictionary, word lists, blog articles, tutoring resources, printable posters and handouts, and a lot more fun learning tools that you can use as you take other ASL classes.
The dictionary is my very best tool of all. For every sign in the dictionary, there’s an incorporated video to better demonstrate its meaning. There are also memory aids to help you remember your learnings. Printable posters, handouts, and a lot more. To access these resources, you are required to create a free membership account, otherwise, your access will be limited.
5. Lesson Tutor
Lesson Tutor is the perfect learning website for anyone looking for a wholesome learning experience. It has printable tools and other free resources you can use for educational purposes. The website has been organized in such a way that you will not spend a lot of time trying to navigate around it. Categories have been created for a seamless learning experience, this includes lesson plans, teaching and study notes, and printable worksheets. Classes on Lesson Tutor are article-based with illustrations to help you understand better.
6. Start ASL
If you are looking for free online American sign language classes with a blended form of learning, then you have come to the right place because Start ASL offers encompassing written content augmented with videos from YouTube. If you prefer written content over any other form of content, then this is for you. The articles have been written to pass information seamlessly and in a way that learners cannot help but understand and flow with. At the beginning of the ASL 1 – Unit 1 class, you will be provided with learning materials and resources to aid your learning. This unit will teach you basic vocabulary, phrases, and how to fingerspell.
7. Live Online Classes by Take Lessons
Take Lessons is an ASL website that offers 7 weekly live classes every month with on-demand videos to support you, all for free. With up to 8 classes available, you can join, and begin your journey towards learning your new skill.
If you’ve long wished for classes where your instructors will be involved in your learning at every step of the way and give feedback, then this one is for you. It provides a friendly and collaborative environment surrounded by a community of students who are as committed as you are.
Conclusion
Get yourself immersed into the world of sign language by enrolling in any of the American sign language classes that I have talked about.
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