Are you interested in learning American Sign Language (ASL) but concerned about the cost? Whether you want to connect with deaf friends, communicate with family members experiencing hearing loss, or simply expand your linguistic skills, learning ASL can be incredibly rewarding. 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 is that you can absolutely begin your ASL journey and learn sign language online free, thanks to a wealth of readily available resources. While online learning may not perfectly mirror the nuances of face-to-face communication, dedicated learners can gain a solid foundation in ASL without spending any money on beginner lessons. Many platforms offer free content upfront, providing a fantastic starting point for anyone eager to explore the world of sign language.
Top Free Online ASL Resources to Get You Started
When it comes to learning ASL online without cost, several excellent platforms stand out. These resources offer a range of learning styles and content to suit different preferences and learning paces. Here’s a curated list of some of the best options to learn sign language online free:
ASL University: A Comprehensive and Structured Approach
Often recommended as a top free resource, ASL University, created by Bill Vicars, is a remarkably comprehensive and well-organized website. With an impressive 60 lessons, ASL University delves into practical, everyday topics such as food, clothing, and emotions. Each lesson is enriched with a substantial 40-minute video demonstrating natural two-person conversations using the lesson’s vocabulary. Crucially, every vocabulary word is hyperlinked to a pop-up video that clearly demonstrates the sign.
Bill Vicars himself, who is deaf and brings years of ASL teaching experience from California State University, Sacramento, lends significant expertise to this platform. Although ASL University isn’t a formal academic institution, it provides exceptionally informative and engaging lessons, making it an ideal and reliable starting point for beginners. Its structured curriculum and video-based approach make complex concepts easier to grasp, fostering a solid foundation in ASL.
StartASL: Conversation-Focused Introductory Lessons
StartASL adopts a slightly different approach, offering a valuable amount of free content to introduce you to ASL. While not all of StartASL’s content is free, the accessible lessons effectively concentrate on conversational practice and understanding the fundamental structure of ASL. These free lessons serve as a great entry point, though they don’t delve into advanced topics. Upon signing up with your email address, you gain access to three workbooks that complement the lessons.
These workbooks are particularly beneficial for learners who prefer hands-on practice and enjoy reinforcing their learning through written exercises. As its name suggests, StartASL is tailored for beginners. If you find ASL University’s depth slightly overwhelming initially, StartASL can provide a less intensive introduction, sparking your interest and building confidence before moving on to more detailed study.
The ASL App: Mobile Learning with a Modern Touch
For learners who prefer the flexibility of studying on the go, The ASL App (available for both iPhone and Android) is a worthwhile option. While perhaps not as deeply interactive as some desktop platforms, The ASL App is user-friendly, streamlined, and particularly accessible for younger learners.
The app offers free introductory lessons covering numbers, the alphabet, and other essential basics. For more specialized vocabulary, thematic bundles are available for purchase at a nominal fee of $1 each, or you can unlock the entire collection for $10. Notably, the app features renowned model and deaf activist Nyle DiMarco as one of its sign language demonstrators, adding a recognizable and respected face to the learning experience. Beyond the decent free content, the expansion packs cover unique and relevant themes often overlooked by other resources, such as the outdoors and LGBT pride month, broadening your vocabulary in diverse areas.
SignSchool: Interactive Quizzes and Varied Learning Levels
SignSchool provides a more interactive learning experience, allowing you to adjust the difficulty level to Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced based on your existing ASL knowledge. The lessons center around watching a person sign and then testing your comprehension through quizzes. SignSchool extends beyond conventional lessons by offering tools to learn to sign your name and even a fingerspelling game for practice.
Although minor loading issues were occasionally encountered during testing, SignSchool is generally a solid platform for supplementing your ASL learning journey. While it requires an email address for account creation, access is free. For ongoing practice, you can opt to receive a daily sign delivered directly to your inbox. Mobile apps for both iPhone and Android are also available, enabling you to learn and practice sign language conveniently from your smartphone or tablet.
TikTok: Casual Exposure and Community Engagement
Social media platforms can be surprisingly valuable tools for language learning, and TikTok is no exception. Following accounts that create sign language content can offer a relaxed and engaging way to immerse yourself in ASL. However, it’s crucial to approach TikTok as a supplementary resource and always verify information with more established platforms to ensure accuracy, as content is often created by amateur creators with varying levels of expertise.
Searching relevant keywords and hashtags like #LearnASL, #LearnToSign, and #SignLanguage will uncover a wealth of content. These hashtags boast millions of views and are excellent starting points for discovery. Creators often organize their educational videos into playlists, easily found on their profile pages, making it simple to explore specific topics or series.
For example, Jon Urquhart’s TikTok playlist “Worst Mistakes in ASL” offers a humorous approach to learning common errors. Zoey Hendrix (@zoeysensei), an ASL teacher, creates informative videos covering a wide range of vocabulary, from medical terms like diabetes to astrological signs. Phelan Conheady (@signinngwolf), while not primarily focused on teaching, provides valuable insights into deaf culture and communication from a young deaf individual’s perspective.
YouTube: A Vast Library of Lessons and Cultural Insights
YouTube hosts a massive collection of sign language resources, with numerous ASL teachers and organizations sharing their expertise through video. If you appreciate the teaching style of Bill Vicars from ASL University, you can subscribe to his YouTube channel for access to longer, in-depth lessons, conveniently viewable on smart TVs or other devices. YouTube also offers access to documentaries that explore the history of ASL and deaf culture, such as Signing Black in America and Through Deaf Eyes, providing crucial cultural context to your language learning.
For engaging and knowledgeable ASL instruction, ASLMeredith is a highly recommended YouTube channel. The Learn How to Sign channel is another excellent resource for beginners, featuring introductory videos like “150 Essential ASL Signs.” Interested in sign language beyond ASL? The Commanding Hands channel introduces elements of British Sign Language, broadening your understanding of sign language diversity.
Start Your Free ASL Journey Today
Learning Asl Online Free is not only possible but also highly accessible thanks to these diverse and valuable resources. Whether you prefer structured lessons, interactive apps, or casual social media learning, there’s a platform to suit your needs and learning style. Explore these options, dedicate time to practice, and begin your rewarding journey into the world of American Sign Language today.
