Learning a new language opens up a world of communication, and sign language is no exception. Whether you’re aiming to connect with the Deaf community, communicate with a loved one, or simply enrich your skillset, the journey to learning sign language can be both rewarding and surprisingly accessible. The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to get started. There are numerous fantastic resources available online that allow you to Learn How To Do Sign Language For Free. This guide dives into the best free online classes, apps, and tools to help you begin your sign language journey today.
Top Free Online Sign Language Classes
For a structured learning experience, online classes are an excellent starting point. These platforms often provide a curriculum, video lessons, and interactive elements to guide you through the fundamentals of sign language.
American Sign Language University (ASLU)
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American Sign Language University (ASLU), developed by Dr. Bill Vicars, offers a wealth of free resources for learning American Sign Language (ASL). Considered a leading online resource, ASLU boasts over 60 lessons, a comprehensive sign language dictionary, and guides for numbers and fingerspelling. To make learning engaging, they provide fingerspelling practice tools, quizzes to test your knowledge, and even word search puzzles to reinforce vocabulary. The lessons are thoughtfully arranged in order of difficulty, mirroring a traditional language learning progression, making it easy to gradually build your sign language skills. For beginners, the “First 100 Signs” video series is highly recommended as a superb introduction to essential signs often used in communication with young children. These introductory videos are complemented by practice sentences, enabling you to immediately apply your newly acquired signs.
Sign Language 101
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Sign Language 101, created by Dr. Byron W Bridges, offers 12 free units packed with essential sign language content and additional free videos. This platform focuses on practical vocabulary from the start, covering greetings, food-related signs, and school-related terms. As you progress, the lessons expand to include emotions and how to engage in basic conversations. Quizzes are integrated throughout the units to help solidify your learning, and it’s worth noting that each quiz allows for five attempts. While the free lessons don’t include certificates or personalized support, they provide a solid foundation in sign language basics. For further learning, Sign Language 101 also has a YouTube channel filled with more video content to supplement your studies.
Start ASL
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Start ASL provides an extensive collection of free resources designed to help you learn how to do sign language for free. Their free ASL 1 course is particularly impressive, offering over 80 lessons. The lessons are primarily video-based, making visual learning easy and accessible. Complementing the videos are printable workbooks, allowing you to practice and reinforce what you’ve learned through exercises and questions. Start ASL’s curriculum is structured to guide you from fundamental signs to more complex aspects of ASL, including conversation practice and storytelling. This progressive approach ensures a comfortable learning curve, suitable for individuals new to sign language.
ASL Connect From Gallaudet University
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Gallaudet University, a highly respected institution for the Deaf and hard of hearing, provides ASL Connect, a program designed to facilitate sign language learning from home. Leveraging Gallaudet’s expertise, ASL Connect offers over 20 video lessons covering a wide range of topics. You can learn signs for colors, letters, and numbers, as well as thematic vocabulary related to sports, family, weather, basic needs, and places. Learning from Gallaudet University adds a layer of authority and trustworthiness to your sign language education, connecting you to a rich legacy in Deaf culture and language.
SignSchool
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SignSchool is a free online platform that offers structured sign language lessons, starting with the absolute basics like fingerspelling your name. The lessons are designed to progressively increase in difficulty, making it suitable for complete beginners. However, SignSchool also caters to learners at different levels. If you already have some sign language knowledge, you can choose to start at the Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced level, allowing for a personalized learning experience. Beyond lessons, SignSchool enhances learning with interactive tools, including a fingerspelling game and a “sign of the day” feature, promoting consistent engagement and vocabulary building. To access the resources, you’ll need to create a free user account, which unlocks a range of tools and lessons to support your sign language learning goals.
Best Free Sign Language Learning Apps
For those who prefer learning on the go, mobile apps offer flexibility and convenience. Sign language learning apps allow you to practice anytime, anywhere, making them ideal for integrating language learning into your daily routine.
The ASL App
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The ASL App is designed for mobile learning, making it easy to learn how to do sign language for free at your own pace. This app focuses on making sign language accessible and understandable, regardless of your location. It covers essential basics like the alphabet, numbers, universal gestures, and colors, along with a wide array of other fundamental signs. To aid in the physical aspect of signing, the app includes hand shape exercises, helping you develop the dexterity and muscle memory needed for clear communication. The ASL App’s structure allows you to jump in and out of learning sessions as your schedule permits, making it a versatile tool for busy individuals.
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Teachers Paradise ASL Fingerspelling Game For Android
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Teachers Paradise ASL Fingerspelling Game offers a fun and interactive way to master the sign language alphabet. This app uses flashcards to visually represent each letter of the alphabet in sign language. You can progress sequentially from A to Z or shuffle the letters for a more challenging review. With over 140 flashcards and numerous activities, this app provides ample opportunity to practice and reinforce your fingerspelling skills. It’s particularly useful for those who benefit from visual learning and gamified education.
Download ASL American Sign Language
Marlee Signs for iOS
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Marlee Signs, an iOS application, uses video demonstrations to teach you how to sign words letter by letter. This app features a comprehensive library of conversation starters, numbers, letters, and common words, making it a valuable resource for practical sign language vocabulary. A key advantage of Marlee Signs is its self-paced learning environment. Instead of following a rigid course structure, you have the freedom to explore and learn what you want, when you want, catering to individual learning interests and needs.
Useful Printable Sign Language Charts
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Printable sign language charts are incredibly handy for quick reference and offline learning. These charts, often displaying the alphabet and numbers in sign language, can be easily kept in your pocket, placed around your home, or used as study aids. They are perfect for memorizing signs offline and reinforcing what you learn through online resources. Having a physical chart can be particularly beneficial for visual learners and for situations where digital access is limited.
Fun Online Sign Language Games
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Online sign language games offer an engaging and enjoyable way to test and reinforce your sign language knowledge. After completing lessons, using apps, or studying charts, games can be an effective method to solidify what you’ve learned in a fun, interactive format. These games often test your vocabulary, fingerspelling skills, and comprehension of signs, turning learning into an enjoyable activity.
Learning sign language for free is entirely achievable with the wealth of online resources available today. From structured online classes to convenient mobile apps, printable charts, and engaging games, there’s a learning tool to suit every preference and learning style. Embark on your sign language journey today and discover the enriching world of visual communication.
