Imagine for a moment, if you can, living in a world without laughter. Then imagine a world with no music. Finally, imagine a world with no sound. What if you were unable to speak? How would you find a way to tell your lover or child that you love them. Communicating over the telephone could be remedied by the use of a specialized TTY relay service or by using a text messaging service. Online instant messaging services could also help, but only two choices remaining for face to face communication: note writing, which is time consuming, or the use of sign language. Sign language is a series of hand gestures that represent whole words or letters of the alphabet. Learning sign language is important and useful in a variety of settings and occupations, and there are various ways to learn sign language.
1. Learn in a Classroom. Many colleges and community centers offer courses in American sign language. These classes typically teach the entire alphabet as well as common word signs and phrases.
2. Learn from Video. Thanks to video sites such as Youtube and the affordable cost of CDs and DVDs. These can range from short tutorials on single letters or signs, to full blown courses.
3. Learn by Reading a Book. This method is no longer as common due to video production, but before the mid 1990s, many books on the American sign language had been published. These books usually featured illustrations and text to teach the appropriate hand movements.
4. Learn Online. There are many websites that teach sign language for free, utilizing audio and video instruction as well as written instruction. They may provide even provide testing materials.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice! Try to find an organization or individual already learned willing to help you practice.
No comments:
Post a Comment