Deciding on mastering the treasures of deaf culture is one of the most important decisions. Sign language stands alone as the fourth most frequently used language in the U.S. and many people decide on learning it for the benefit of knowledge or for communication purposes. No matter the reason, sign language classes can offer a great opportunity for real-time practice with sign instructors. Besides, interaction with members of the deaf community in cultural events and social activities as a part of sign language instruction can be a great way to practice signing skills.
One of the most common places to start learning sign language is universities and local colleges. There are many colleges that offer sign language classes. Among them, the most popular are Gallaudet University, Boston University and University of New Mexico that offer Master of Arts and PhD degrees in Sign Linguistics. However, for people who are interested in learning sign language as a second language, there are credited and uncredited sign language classes as well as continuing education programs.
Often, schools for deaf or hearing impaired children provide sign language classes for parents. Such classes facilitate communication between parents and their children and enable parents to understand their children’s emotionality and way of thinking. As deaf children are unable to express their thoughts with acoustic sounds, they need to be able to use sign language as a means of communication and be understood by their closest family members.
A private instructor of sign language or sign language interpreters is another alternative to familiarize oneself with sign language. The great advantage of this method is that students get highly individualized attention and practical study time. The only reservation in such an option could be the fact that hiring a private instructor to learn sign language could be rather expensive.
Social service organizations can be of great help in offering sign language classes. Interpreting agencies, local speech and hearing centers, State commissions for deaf and hearing impaired individuals, resource centers for deaf people and people with hearing deficiency, all are organizations that commonly offer sign language classes.
Besides, in the context of community service, there are public libraries and adult education centers that offer sign language courses. Moreover, country recreational programs may provide sign language classes. These are very good options for tight budget solutions in a group setting because students get the benefit of group conversation and practice. On the other hand, such groups are not well structured and this may hold back people who keep on a scheduled task.
Regardless of what method one would choose to learn sign language, becoming skilled and experienced in sign language requires methodical and expressive practice. Besides, without commitment, enthusiasm and constant practice, any effort might ultimately be a waste of time.
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