Learn About Starting American Sign Language

What American Sign Language Is and Its History

American Sign Language, commonly called ASL, is a complete visual language used by Deaf and hard of hearing communities in the United States and Canada. Unlike spoken English, ASL uses hand shapes, positions, movements, and facial expressions to communicate thoughts and ideas. Each sign combines specific hand movements with body positioning and facial expression to create meaning. For example, the sign for "happy" involves both hands moving upward near the face while the signer smiles, whereas "sad" uses downward hand movements with a sad expression.

ASL developed naturally over centuries as Deaf people gathered and communicated together. The formal roots of modern ASL trace back to the early 1800s when Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc established the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut in 1817. Clerc, a Deaf educator from France, brought French Sign Language to the United States. This language combined with existing sign systems used by American Deaf communities, creating what became American Sign Language. Over time, ASL evolved as a distinct language with its own grammar, vocabulary, and regional variations.

Today, approximately 250,000 to 500,000 people use ASL as their primary language in the United States. ASL is recognized as a legitimate language, not simply a representation of English. Linguists have confirmed that ASL has its own grammatical structure, which differs significantly from English grammar. Many colleges and universities accept ASL courses to fulfill foreign language requirements because it is a true language system.

Learning about ASL's history helps new learners understand the cultural context behind the language. ASL is not just a communication tool—it is deeply connected to Deaf culture, identity, and community. Many Deaf individuals view ASL as central to their cultural heritage, similar to how spoken languages connect to hearing cultures. Understanding this cultural significance is important for anyone beginning to learn the language.

Practical Takeaway: Before starting ASL, spend time learning about its history and cultural importance. Visit websites of organizations like the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) or watch videos created by Deaf individuals explaining ASL's role in their community. This foundation helps learners approach ASL with respect and proper context.

How ASL Grammar and Structure Differs from English

One of the most important concepts for new ASL learners to understand is that ASL grammar is fundamentally different from English grammar. While English is primarily a linear, word-by-word language read from left to right, ASL uses space, direction, and simultaneous movements to convey meaning. In English, you might say "The cat is on the table," but in ASL, a signer would establish the location of the table in space, then show the cat positioned on that table through hand placement and movement. This three-dimensional approach to communication is called "spatial grammar."

ASL uses what linguists call "topic-comment" structure rather than the subject-verb-object structure of English. This means a signer often establishes the topic first, then provides comments or information about that topic. For example, instead of saying "I went to the store," an ASL signer might sign the concept of "store" first, then add the information that they went there. The facial expressions and body movements during signing also carry grammatical meaning. Raised eyebrows might indicate a question, while lowered eyebrows could indicate a statement or negation.

Hand positioning in space, called "indexing," is another crucial grammatical feature. A signer establishes locations in the signing space in front of them for different people or objects they are discussing. Once these locations are set up, the signer can point to or move between those locations to show relationships and actions. For instance, if a signer places "person A" on their right side and "person B" on their left side in the signing space, they can show A giving something to B by making a giving motion from right to left. This spatial reference system allows signers to clarify relationships without using words like "he," "she," or "it."

Verb inflection in ASL works very differently from English verbs. In English, you change verbs by adding endings like "-ed" or "-ing." In ASL, verbs are inflected through movement and direction. A verb can show who is performing an action, who is receiving it, and how many times it happens all through changes in the sign itself. The sign for "give," for example, changes direction based on who is giving to whom, and the repeated movement can indicate how many times something happened.

Practical Takeaway: When beginning ASL study, focus on understanding spatial grammar and how signers use the space in front of them as a reference system. Practice watching native ASL signers on video and try to identify how they establish topics, use space, and incorporate facial expressions. Do not try to translate word-for-word from English to ASL, as this creates confusion and produces non-fluent signing.

Starting Your ASL Learning Journey: Methods and Resources

Several paths are available for people wanting to learn ASL, ranging from formal classroom instruction to online resources and self-study materials. The most common method is taking ASL courses at colleges, universities, or community organizations. Many institutions offer ASL classes at various levels, from beginner to advanced. Community colleges often provide affordable options, with costs ranging from $300 to $800 per course depending on location. Universities typically charge more, with semester-long courses costing between $1,000 and $3,000 as part of regular tuition. The benefit of formal instruction is that learners receive feedback from qualified instructors, often Deaf individuals who are native ASL users, and they interact with other students, which aids learning.

Online learning has expanded dramatically in recent years. Websites like Lifeprint, SignSchool, and ASL University offer video-based instruction ranging from free introductory materials to paid comprehensive courses. Some online platforms charge one-time fees of $50 to $150 for access to entire curriculum levels, while others operate on subscription models costing $10 to $30 per month. YouTube channels created by Deaf signers provide free exposure to natural ASL, though these vary in teaching structure. Books with illustrations and descriptions of signs are also available; titles like "A Basic Course in American Sign Language" provide reference materials but work best when combined with video instruction since ASL must be seen to be learned properly.

Immersion experiences, while more costly, provide intensive learning opportunities. ASL camps, typically held during summer, range from day programs to residential programs. These programs cost between $200 and $2,000 depending on length and intensity. During these experiences, learners are surrounded by native ASL users and spend multiple hours daily practicing the language. Many learners report significant progress from immersion experiences because they eliminate the ability to fall back on English and force active communication in ASL.

Private tutoring with Deaf individuals offers personalized instruction tailored to individual learning goals. Tutors typically charge $20 to $60 per hour depending on experience and location. While more expensive than group classes or online options, private tutoring allows customized lessons focused on specific interests or professional needs. Many Deaf tutors are available through online platforms that connect learners with instructors worldwide.

When selecting a learning method, consider factors like your budget, schedule, learning style, and goals. Kinesthetic learners who benefit from hands-on practice may prefer in-person classes. Those with scheduling flexibility might choose online courses. Learners motivated by interaction and community often thrive in classroom settings. Research instructor qualifications—prioritize learning from native or fluent ASL users, preferably Deaf individuals, as they provide authentic language models.

Practical Takeaway: Start by exploring free resources like YouTube channels and Lifeprint's introductory materials to determine if formal study appeals to you. Once committed, choose between group classes, online platforms, or private tutoring based on your learning style and budget. Most successful learners combine multiple approaches, using formal instruction supplemented with video watching and practice with native signers.

Essential ASL Vocabulary and Signs to Learn First

Beginning ASL learners typically start with foundational vocabulary organized into categories. Basic greetings and courtesies include signs for "hello," "goodbye," "please," "thank you," and "excuse me." The sign for "hello" involves raising the hand to the side of the head with an open palm and moving it forward slightly. "Goodbye" uses a similar hand position but with a waving motion. These social courtesies, like in any language, form the foundation for polite interaction. Most learners can master these fundamental greeting signs within their first few hours