American Sign Language

What is American Sign Language (ASL)? Is it hard to learn?

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language comprised of hand and body movement, paired with facial expressions, that is rapidly growing in popularity. If you are a motivated and committed student, learning sign language isn’t any more difficult than learning a spoken language.

Here are just a few of the reasons (professional to social) why it’s a great idea to learn sign language:

• Increase your brain power! Learning a new language, including ASL, has been found to enhance cognitive processes such as problem-solving and memorization.
• Using signs helps young children develop fine motor skills and muscle memory more quickly.
• Knowing a second language is an added bonus on any resume
• Gain a better understanding of the Deaf culture
• Open the door to countless opportunities for new friendships within the Deaf community.
• Make your recreational activities more fun. You can use sign language while on a nature walk to avoid disturbing the wildlife, or while camping to have long-distance conversations using binoculars.

In this class, students will be taught American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary and grammatical structures. Students will learn the ASL fingerspelling system, the use of gestural devices, and how to appropriately use the signing space in ASL. In addition, students will learn about Deaf culture in the United States.

This class is intended for students aged 14 and up.