Anybody know any good resources to help learn ASL?
Why, as a matter of fact, I do!
For basic vocab, here is an on-line dictionary with video:
http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htmAnd here is another, no video but really clear pix and some good explanations (you can browse the resources on the main page or hop straight to the dictionary):
http://www.lifeprint.com/For deaf community events in NY, try here:
http://deafness.about.com/od/travel/a/nycdeaf.htm If you have any spare time (ha!), I highly recommend an introductory class on ASL, which should give you info about the culture and the local community as well as jump-start you on the language itself. Community colleges often offer these. If you can find one that uses the Vista curriculum (Signing Naturally), I strongly recommend it.
And a couple of other tips:
- Most baby-sign books contain a lot of made-up signs. If you want to learn real ASL, don't use them.
- Be alert to the difference between ASL and "signed English." ASL has its own grammar, which is quite different from English. Also, there is not always a one-to-one match between English words and ASL signs (just like between any two languages).
Please contact me off-line if you have further questions!
Meg
