Learning sign language is quite challenging. Whether it is learned as a means of communication or as a foreign language, the most important step is to be perceived as a living organism, as an energetic language that differs from any spoken language. Sign language follows its own rules for grammar, sentence structure and punctuation, has its own accents, idiomatic expressions and jargon and reflects a broad part of the intellectual and artistic activity associated with the deaf population. Besides, factors that affect the variety of usage of sign language are ethnicity, gender, and age.
In this context, a very good start to learn sign language is to attend classes. Using visual mediums such as DVDs or software or reading books is not a bad choice. However, because sign language is three-dimensional, hand movements, facial expressions and body postures are better learned in a classroom with an instructor. For instance, sign language is often modulated by facial expressions such as raising or lowering eyebrows or poking the tongue through the teeth. These modulations cannot be accurately reflected on a book or a DVD. Besides, depending on how the instructor modulates the movement, the word has a different meaning. It also greatly depends on the manner and the speed in which the movements are performed. Yet, books, DVDs and sign language softwares are two-dimensional and therefore they cannot convey the meanings precisely.
After having taking some basic knowledge of sign language, the best way to master it is socialization. People who become fluent in spoken languages are, in effect, surrounded by the language for a long period of time. Socialization offers the great opportunity to watch how deaf and hearing impaired individuals communicate in their unique way with their own sign language using own body postures in their own cultural events and own locations. One very helpful way to socialize into deaf communities is immersion programs during which people interested in learning sign language may travel to the country of origin of the language.
Socializing with deaf people on a regular basis not only offers the opportunity to learn sign language, but also to learn different forms of sign language. Deaf or hearing impaired people from different regions of the U.S. or from different countries speak different versions of sign language and therefore they cannot communicate properly. For instance, American Sign Language (ASL) is different than British Sign Language (BSL). In effect, learning sign language is like learning any spoken language. Therefore, socializing with deaf communities is a great opportunity to hear different ways of speeches and pronunciations as well as different levels of education. Besides, sign language is not only about hand movements and gestures, but encompasses also body language. And this can only be absorbed by socialization; by personal contact; by intermingling with deaf people.
However, regardless of what method one would choose to learn sign language, commitment and practice are definitely required. Without these elements, any effort might be almost a waste of time.
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