For the deaf and hard-of-hearing, American Sign Language is a form of communication that allows them to share thoughts and ideas with each other, as well as with hearing friends, family, and coworkers.
American Sign Language, usually referred to as ASL, is a way of using hand signs and gestures, as well as body movement and facial expressions, to express thoughts fluidly and without voice.
However, some people don't realize there's much more to ASL than simple hand gestures. Those who study ASL learn that the elements of the language are Handshape (or Handform), Orientation (or Palm Orientation), Location (or Place of Articulation), Movement (which includes gestures), and Non-manual markers (or Facial Expression). These elements are summarized with the acronym HOLME.
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Because fluidity is important in ASL, grammar and syntax are different than spoken and written English. Many words are omitted in ASL that would be spoken or written so thoughts can be expressed more quickly.
This can make it difficult to learn for some hearing people, since many hearing people have trouble translating the syntax and sentence structure to ASL.
There are many hearing people who learn ASL in order to communicate with non-hearing people. Interpreters, family and friends of the deaf and hard-of-hearing, and others who want to be able to communicate in American Sign Language can learn to sign fluently. This helps bridge the gap between the two cultures, and helps deaf and hard-of-hearing people feel more involved in the hearing world, as well as hearing people feeling more involved in Deaf culture.
The best way to learn sign language is through a video that you can watch on your computer or on your television. This way you can have someone teach you interactively so you can actually see the right signs and ways you should be forming and moving your hands.
A video allows you to take the course at your own pace, when it is convenient for you, and in the comfort of your own home.
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