Learning sign language always seemed to be an intimidating prospect to me because I struggled so much in my Spanish classes. I'd always heard that learning to sign is like learning a new language - even if you already speak the language that is signed - because of the new hand movements and gestures you have to learn. But people like me would be happy to find out that there are tons of websites available that provide hands-on instruction to get you started. This was good news to me, because even though I've learned the basics, I'm still a "newbie"! If you're interested in learning more about sign language, or even want to brush up on skills you've already learned, why not join me in venturing to these informative signing websites? Let's get started!

American Sign Language (ASL) Browser

The ASL Browser is a cool site for those who are trying to remember how to sign specific words and need help. The browser is set up alphabetically, providing a dictionary of words to choose from. For example, if you want to know how to sign the word barbeque, you simply click on the letter "b" among the letters to choose from in the bottom frame. After clicking the letter, you will find a selection of words show up alphabetically in the right-hand frame. Scroll to the word you are looking for (in this case, barbeque) then watch the hand in the middle frame perform the action. There are also words positioned to the right of the picture that explain step-by-step how to sign the word. In this case, the word barbeque is communicated by signing the letters B-B-Q - pretty neat!

Lesson Tutor

Lesson Tutor is a unique learning portal for sign language and the reason is because it is set up more like a school. On the site you can gather free ASL lesson plans, print worksheets and actually acquire curriculum unit studies. The site seems more suited for the serious-at-heart, but from the looks of things, it could be very beneficial to those who want to learn a few fundamentals as well. It certainly doesn't hurt to try it out - it's free for goodness sakes!

A Basic Dictionary of ASL Terms (Mastertech.com)

This website works to briefly explain the fundamentals of sign language. First they explain that you will need to learn the basics of signing, meaning you need to learn your letters and numbers. They provide a page you can visit that will teach you, through instruction and animated examples, how to sign the letter or number. After you have learned these fundamentals, you can visit their dictionary that is organized by letter and teaches you how to sign specific words.

ASL University

Like Lesson Tutor, this unique site is also geared more toward the serious learner but they encourage all visitors (students, parents, teachers, and everyone else) to take advantage of their services. ASL University offers step-by-step lessons in 7 free courses on topics ranging from culture to religion - and of course they offer courses that teach you how to sign. Some of the courses offer up to 20 lessons within them - I did mention they're free, right? In addition to the step-by-step lessons, the site also offers numerous resources, including an online ASL dictionary, ASL font downloads, jokes, and dozens of finger spelling quizzes. This site encourages learning more than just the words of ASL; it encourages that its visitors learn the culture as well. So when you visit the site, be prepared for a full experience!

Hand speak

Hand speak is an all-inclusive website specializing in the various ways to learn sign language. Like many of the other sites, Hand speak has an ASL dictionary. But the site also has a lot of informative articles about sign language, including those on finger spelling, left- vs. right-handed signing, eye contact during signing, and name signing. They offer an alphabetical listing with pictures to define how to properly hold your hand while signing letters and forming words and sentences, as well as the grammatical details of signing that most people don't know.

One part of the site that I really love is the baby sign section. This area teaches you how to teach infants to sign. You learn that babies doesn't have to be hearing impaired for you to start teaching them to sign. Babies are able to learn this form of communication as early as 9 months old, and many parents have caught on to the trend. Hand speak is willing to help you get started on this journey, however this comes with a cost - you must join the site as a member to get these special benefits. But you never know; it might be worth it. It certainly doesn't hurt to browse the site and decide if it might work for you.

American Sign Language Finger spelling Practice Site.

The last site that I had the opportunity to browse was the ASL Finger spelling Practice Site. This site was an absolute a joy for me - especially since I'm still honing in on my finger spelling skills. As soon as you enter the site, you are greeted by a virtual hand that is finger spelling (spelling words letter-by-letter). If you've learned the ASL alphabet you will be immediately intrigued by the challenge. But if you're slow at processing the hand gestures, you'll quickly realize you didn't know what word the hand had spelled. I found myself pressing replay over and over again but was still getting the answer wrong, then I found I what the problem was. After I reduced the number of letters spelled from "any" to 4 - and then 3, then reduced the speed from fast to medium - and then to slow - Viola! Just like that I was recognizing words in no time (please just let me remain in denial).

Nonetheless, you'll love what the site has to offer. In addition to the quizzes, the site offers printable finger spelling charts (obviously what I need), an ASL online dictionary, and ASL lesson plans for home schooling. Quite a nice playground for those who are in the beginning steps of learning to sign.

Learning the art of sign language has always seemed like a distant dream to me, but after being exposed to the generous wealth of information on these websites, I feel that I can learn, not only the basics of signing, but also the culture and history of the communication form. Hopefully you've been able to gain some information as well, and feel that you will be able to benefit from one of the sites and possibly learn sign language for yourself. I would hate to be the only person adjusting the settings on the finger spelling quiz!