learning ASL?

[wombatclay]

heyla!

DD1 (and dd2 for that matter) wants to move beyond the "Signing Times" series... does anyone have an American Sign Language program they really love? I realize that real world conversations are the gold standard in language learning, but for now it's going to have to be dvd based.

Thanks!

[rockportmama]

Well, we don't use a DVD system, but I do have an ASL dictionary sitting on the shelves in the bathroom. We look up words we're curious about. Sometimes I'll translate really simple books into Signed English. I also like http://www.lifeprint.com/. I've been through the First 100 Signs section & liked it. We've also picked up a set of picture cards with signs on them for $10 @ B&N. I think I paid $8 for the dictionary @ B&N (Random House Webster's Concise American Sign Language Dictionary -- if that matters to you). We had a coupla kids ASL books, but after I learned all the signs I passed them on to my nephew.

PM me if you're selling your Signing Times!

[wombatclay]

'Fraid we'll be keeping the Signing Times... the girls love them and we have more munchkins on the way! The thing is, Signing Times is great for vocab and a few basic phrases (we have all the dvdes, including the newer "sort of" conversational ones), but they don't offer much (yet) in terms of actual free flowikng conversation and the associated rules of grammar. Plus, the girls aren't being challenged to understand... they know what the "right answer" is without really "seeing" the sign.

Several of my friends and family are ASL interpreters, but they don't live locally and they ;earned as teens/adults so they don't know what to suggest other than "find a group". I guess I', looking for the ASL version of berlitz or muzzy or pimBaby or rosetta. Someone must have learned ASL, right?

[tbone_kneegrabber]

Signing Naturally is the program they use in interpreting classes I have taken. However, I will say, its not meant to be used instead of a class. Its the text/dvd for a class, so you are suppose to be learning vocab and grammar in class and then doing your homework with Signing Naturally materials.

[kristin0713]

Signing Naturally is the program they use in interpreting classes I have taken. However, I will say, its not meant to be used instead of a class. Its the text/dvd for a class, so you are suppose to be learning vocab and grammar in class and then doing your homework with Signing Naturally materials.

Ditto. ASL is so different from a spoken language. You really need to be taught and involved with the Deaf to learn it well. Although, finding some Deaf adults in your community, along with something like Signing Naturally and maybe someone to tutor you, could help you learn enough conversationally.

[wombatclay]

can you tell I was nak (and at a funny one finger typing angle to boot) from all those typos? I'm so sorry for the messy post!

I realize that conversation/community interaction is the only real way to learn a language. However, right now that isn't an option for us. It certainly will be possible in a few years, but I'm hoping to find something that can fill the gap till then. The kiddos have the Signing Times series more or less down cold (and they do use their ASL whenever they can... like when my SIL visits) and we watch some YouTube videos so they can practice but I don't want them picking up poor grammar/form from me. (I make my SIL laugh, and my aunt always says she "appreciates my effort" but...ummm....yeah. No where near the fluency of, say, a 4 year old. Not exactly the best model for the munchkins)

I guess we'll just keep going as we have and see if we can find a family with young children... that's part of the difficulty I think. There are local clubs for college aged students, but not surprisingly they're not interested in hanging out with little kids. Actually, given some of the phrases I learned from those same college clubs when I was a student I'm not sure I want the girls hanging out there anyway!

However, if anyone discovers a "bridge" program though I'd love to know about it!

---any reviews of the Bravo ASL program? It's designed for classroom use in middle/high school but the website says they have a home version---

[elizawill]

have you checked youtube? i seriously love youtube. i go there for everything when i need a tutorial or "how to" video...from knitting to cooking to painting to sewing to gardening, etc. i'm sure they have something that is of use to you. it's worth a shot anyway.

[Momma Aimee]

we love ASL

[Casha'sMommy]

Originally Posted by kristin0713

Ditto. ASL is so different from a spoken language. You really need to be taught and involved with the Deaf to learn it well. Although, finding some Deaf adults in your community, along with something like Signing Naturally and maybe someone to tutor you, could help you learn enough conversationally.

I have only a few minutes to chime in but wanted to add my thoughts.
I completely disagree, DD was born with a bilateral and profound hearing loss and not another Deaf person in our family. DD is quite the signer and we do not have a lot of association with the Deaf community. (They tend not to have us due to dd's cochlear implants but that's another conversation.) I think you can learn ASL or Signed English as a family but you have to treat it as a true language not just some signing here and there. Choose a few days a week, to start with, and don't talk during dinner but sign. It's easier to talk with your hands than with a full mouth. If you look for opportunities to turn off your voice and sign you might find that you pick it up rather quickly. We sure did.
GL!

[emilys_mom1]

Originally Posted by rockportmama

I also like http://www.lifeprint.com/. I've been through the First 100 Signs section & liked it.

I second this website. It is what we are using along with the signing Time videos. Look under free lessons. My kids are picking up stuff really fast from the free lessons.

Also, check the signing time website for the sing and sign. Great video to have and then get the cd to play and sign too.