American Sign Language (ASL) is a beautiful and vital language, opening doors to communication with the Deaf community and enriching your understanding of language itself. Whether you’re driven by a desire to connect with deaf friends, family members experiencing hearing loss, or simply a fascination with visual communication, learning ASL can be an incredibly rewarding journey. While immersive, in-person classes are often considered the gold standard for language acquisition, they aren’t always accessible due to time constraints or financial limitations. The good news? You can absolutely begin your ASL learning journey for free, right from the comfort of your home.
This guide dives into the best online resources where you can Learn Asl For Free, offering structured lessons, interactive tools, and engaging content to get you started. While online learning may not fully replicate the dynamic of a classroom environment, the resources listed below provide a fantastic foundation and can ignite a lifelong passion for sign language. Forget expensive courses – let’s explore how you can learn ASL for free today!
Top Free Online Resources to Learn ASL
Navigating the world of online ASL resources can be overwhelming. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of top-notch platforms that offer free content, allowing you to learn ASL for free and effectively.
ASL University
When searching for recommendations for free sign language education, ASL University, created by Bill Vicars, consistently rises to the top. It distinguishes itself from many other websites by offering a remarkably comprehensive and well-organized learning experience. Boasting an impressive 60 lessons, ASL University delves into everyday topics ranging from food and clothing to emotions and family. Each lesson is enhanced by a substantial 40-minute video, showcasing natural two-person conversations using the vocabulary being taught. Crucially, each vocabulary word within the lessons is hyperlinked; clicking on a word instantly brings up a short video demonstrating the correct sign.
Bill Vicars, the creator, is deaf and brings a wealth of experience to the platform, having taught ASL at California State University, Sacramento for many years. Although named “University,” ASL University is not an accredited institution, but it stands as an exceptional website. Its informative and engaging lessons are ideally suited for beginners seeking a reliable and structured starting point to learn ASL for free. For anyone serious about building a solid foundation in ASL vocabulary and basic conversational skills, ASL University is an invaluable free resource.
StartASL
StartASL adopts a “freemium” model, meaning that while not all of its content is freely accessible, it provides a substantial amount of valuable information without requiring payment. The free lessons primarily concentrate on practical conversational skills and grasping the fundamental structure of ASL. While they might not delve into advanced grammatical nuances, they offer a solid introduction to basic communication. A notable feature is the accompanying workbooks, available for free download after signing up with an email address. These workbooks enhance the learning experience, especially for those who prefer a hands-on approach and like to reinforce their learning by writing.
These workbooks are particularly beneficial for learners who have printing capabilities and appreciate the tactile act of writing down information to aid memorization and practice. As the name suggests, StartASL is tailored more towards those at the very beginning of their ASL journey and may not cater to more advanced learners seeking in-depth study. However, if ASL University’s detailed approach feels overwhelming initially, StartASL can provide a gentler, less intensive entry point, perfect for sparking and nurturing your initial interest in sign language and learn ASL for free in a less daunting environment.
The ASL App
Many online ASL learning resources are primarily designed for use on desktop computers or laptops. The ASL App, available for both iPhone and Android devices, offers a welcome alternative for those who value the flexibility of learning on their smartphones or tablets. While it may not offer the same level of interactivity as some other options, The ASL App stands out for its ease of use and accessibility, making it particularly appealing to younger learners or anyone who prefers mobile learning.
The app offers free lessons covering foundational elements such as numbers, the alphabet (ABCs), and a few other basic vocabulary sets. For users wanting to expand their learning, the app offers “bundles” focused on specific themes, which can be unlocked for a small fee of $1 each, or users can opt to purchase the entire collection for $10. A notable personality associated with the app is the renowned model and deaf activist Nyle DiMarco, who is featured as one of the sign language demonstrators, adding a recognizable face to the learning experience. The free content provides a decent starting point, and the paid expansion packs cover a diverse range of topics, including some less commonly found in other resources, such as vocabulary related to the outdoors and LGBT pride month, providing a well-rounded and accessible way to learn ASL for free on the go.
SignSchool
SignSchool offers a unique approach to online ASL education by allowing users to adjust the difficulty level of lessons to match their current skill level—Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced. The core learning activity in SignSchool involves watching videos of individuals signing and then testing your comprehension through quizzes about the signed communication. Beyond traditional lessons, SignSchool provides supplementary tools designed to enhance the learning process, including features for learning to sign your name and even a fingerspelling game to hone your receptive skills.
During testing, it was noted that a couple of webpages experienced loading issues, suggesting that the platform might benefit from some technical updates. However, overall, SignSchool presents itself as a valuable platform that can effectively complement and enrich your broader language learning strategy. While the website prompts for an email address to create an account, access to the learning resources remains free of charge. For those looking for consistent practice, SignSchool offers an optional “sign of the day” email subscription. Furthermore, with dedicated apps available for both iPhone and Android, SignSchool extends learning accessibility to mobile devices, allowing you to learn ASL for free anytime, anywhere, with a focus on interactive learning and personalized difficulty levels.
TikTok
Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have emerged as unexpected yet powerful avenues for informal language learning. Following accounts that specialize in sign language content can be an engaging way to immerse yourself in ASL within a casual, everyday context. However, it’s important to approach learning through platforms like TikTok with a degree of caution. While many creators produce content with sincere intentions, the accuracy of informally created videos can vary. Therefore, it’s advisable to cross-reference information learned on TikTok with more established, reputable resources to ensure correctness.
Searching on TikTok using relevant keywords or hashtags is an effective way to discover a wealth of ASL-related content. Hashtags such as #LearnASL, #LearnToSign, and #SignLanguage are popular starting points, each boasting millions of views and leading to a wide array of educational videos. To organize their content for viewers, creators frequently compile thematic educational videos into playlists, often prominently featured near the top of their profile pages, making it easier to navigate and learn ASL for free through short, digestible videos.
For instance, Jon Urquhart’s TikTok account (@drunkcrier) features a playlist called “Worst Mistakes in ASL,” which humorously highlights common errors and clarifies potentially confusing signs (note: PG-13 content). Zoey Hendrix (@zoeysensei), an experienced ASL teacher, creates videos covering a wide spectrum of vocabulary, from signs for medical terms like diabetes to astrological signs. Phelan Conheady (@signinngwolf) offers a different perspective; while not primarily focused on teaching, their videos provide valuable insights and cultural context from a young member of the Deaf community. TikTok offers a dynamic and accessible entry point to learn ASL for free, but remember to verify information and supplement your learning with more structured resources for a comprehensive understanding.
YouTube
Given that sign language is inherently visual, YouTube naturally becomes a rich repository of free ASL learning content. Numerous experienced ASL instructors and educational channels host their videos on YouTube, offering a vast library of lessons and resources readily available at no cost. If you appreciate the teaching style of Bill Vicars from ASL University, you can directly subscribe to his YouTube channel for access to longer, more in-depth lessons, which are especially convenient for viewing on smart TVs or larger screens. Beyond instructional videos, YouTube also hosts a collection of documentaries that delve into the history of ASL and Deaf culture, such as the insightful Signing Black in America and Through Deaf Eyes, providing valuable cultural context to your language studies.
YouTube logo, a video platform hosting free ASL learning channels like ASLMeredith and documentaries about deaf culture.
Among the many excellent YouTube channels for ASL learners, ASLMeredith stands out for her engaging presentation style and deep knowledge of sign language. Her channel is a favorite for many learners seeking clear and practical sign demonstrations. The Learn How to Sign channel is another valuable resource, particularly for beginners, offering entry-level videos like “150 Essential ASL Signs,” which is a great starting point for building foundational vocabulary. For those interested in exploring sign languages beyond ASL, the Commanding Hands channel offers an introduction to elements of British Sign Language (BSL), broadening your understanding of visual languages globally. YouTube’s extensive library makes it an unparalleled platform to learn ASL for free through video-based instruction and cultural exploration.
Start Your Free ASL Journey Today
Learning ASL for free is absolutely achievable with the wealth of online resources available. From structured university-level lessons at ASL University to bite-sized learning on TikTok and comprehensive video tutorials on YouTube, there’s a learning style and platform to suit everyone. While in-person classes offer unique benefits, these free online options provide a fantastic starting point and can take you further than you might expect. Dive into these resources, dedicate time to practice, and begin your exciting journey into the world of American Sign Language today!
