Learning Words and Sentences

Of course, like in any language, once you master the alphabet, it's time to learn to words and begin forming sentences. There are numerous website dictionaries that provide instructions on how to form most signed words in great detail. But once you begin to read, you realize how in depth signing really is. For this reason, it is advised that you take a live class with an experienced instruct to make sure you are using your body correctly in communicating messages.

But for the sake of learning beginner words, I can suggest typing in "learning sign language words" in the search engine to pull up a variety of sites on how to sign different words with detailed instruction included. One of these sites is the American Sign Language Browser. It has a massive index of words and short phrases, organized alphabetically, and with instruction on exactly what movements to use to sign the word correctly. It also has a virtual hand that signs at the same time.

Once you're ready to get into forming sentences you will want to try Lesson Tutor, a website that also goes into detail about how to sign words, but it also teaches how to form sentences.

Teaching Infants and Small Children

After reading this section heading, you're probably thinking, "Yeah, right! You can't teach an infant sign language!" But studies are showing that you can - at least the simple forms of communication. Though infants are not capable of speaking, they are in the midst of the most creative time in their lives - where learning is truly fundamental. From the time they are born until around the time they begin kindergarten they are learning from their surroundings and watching the people around them for guidance. So this is the PERFECT time to teach any child who doesn't know how to read, or even speak, sign language!

Just as small children learn the meaning of "No!" or have learned to cry to get their bottle, they can learn to communicate their feelings through signing. Some babies have learned as early as 9 months to sign for what they want. While I'm sure methods of teaching can be very different depending on the child, one suggested way of teaching a signed word to a child is to say it while performing the action. For example, the signed word for "eat" is the action of put your hand to your mouth as if you are feeding yourself by hand. To teach this to a child, you can say the word "eat" at the same time that you are performing the action. Then you can reinforce it by performing the action each time you give the baby something to eat. In time, the baby will learn the signed word is to be associated with eating and can begin to ask for food that way.

Learning sign language can be very beneficial whether you need it for your life or not. It will enhance you communication abilities and open you up to a new world you once were shut out from. While you may think it is too challenging or time consuming to take on, it doesn't hurt to pace yourself and try. After all, you never know when you may be called on to help someone and the only way you can communicate with them is through sign language.

Page 2 of 2 :: First | Last :: Prev | 1 2 | Next