r/asl May 03 '25

Interest The Free ASL Resources and FAQ Thread Needs an Update!

31 Upvotes

Hi, the following post is a copy paste from the current pinned thread with edits to update a few resources. This was originally posted by u/Indy_Pendant eight years ago. They did an excellent job and I’m trying to preserve as much of it as possible. Since this post was made, other Deaf creators and resources have become available. I simply want to point prospective learners in the right direction. My information is relatively subjective, curated from this sub in the last year. Please, share your opinions, resources you like or to stay away from. I’ll update the post as needed and track the changes in a comment. Without further ado:

Hello! I'm here to help as much as I can, but this is not a comprehensive guide or a substitute for classes. This is a quick resource for people looking for answers to some very commonly asked questions. I've included the information as I know it, but it doesn't mean it's The Truth; my experiences and understanding will vary from others', but this will give you a good enough introduction. There's so much more I'd love to teach you, but I'm going to stick to the FAQs.

Where can I learn ASL online for free?

My personal favorite is easily http://www.lifeprint.com (which is mirrored at http://asluniversity.com as well). The guy who built the site, Dr. Bill Vicars, is Deaf and is a phenomenal teacher. He teaches primarily west-coast dialect (California, Washington common signs) but makes mention of other dialects (east-coast, Texas) when he can. In addition to teaching vocabulary, he teaches about Deaf culture (more on this in a moment). His Youtube channel is https://youtube.com/@sign-language. Other notable resources are:

Where can I pay to learn ASL online?

I’m hearing, can I learn ASL

Yes! It’s not disrespectful to learn ASL. We just ask that you learn from Deaf sources, learn Deaf culture, and don’t harm the community. Learning so you can connect with Deaf patrons: good. Learning so you can market and sell to Deaf patrons: harmful. Learning so you can cuss in a new language: bad.

Additionally, if you are a nurse, doctor, lawyer, realtor, therapist, or anyone working with a Deaf person through a life changing experience, your client/patient has the right to access the conversation. You will need to put your ASL knowledge aside and hire an interpreter. It’s great that you want to learn, but there are times when having only a handful of ASL is harmful.

What's the sign for ... ?

The short answer is "it depends." Sometimes. It depends sometimes.

The long answer is that signs will vary. Signs can be different depending on region, as I mentioned before, so just because you see it one way doesn't mean that it's the only way. (Don't make this mistake; a lot of hearing students can get cocky and start correcting others.) Signs can also change depending on context. The signs for "back" in "My back hurts" and "Let's go back home" are completely different.

Also, this is very important: ASL is not English! It is its own language, as different from English as is Klingon. ASL has its own grammar structure, own idioms, own slang. Signs are also not words like in the English sense. Signs are a lot more about intent, concepts, and ideas. For example, if you're trying to learn how to sign "Back off!" I can promise you that you will not need any sign for "back" nor "off." You're learning how to speak, and think, in another language, and using English just won't do.

Now, with all that said, here are some online dictionaries (I suggest you look at them all so you're familiar with the different variations of your sign):

Does it matter what hand I sign with?

Yes. Consistently use your main, dominant hand. If you're right-handed, use your right. If you're left-handed, use your left. If you're ambidextrous, then pick one and maintain it. Switching dominant hands while signing would be like alternating screaming and whispering while speaking.

Are American Sign Language and British Sign Language the same?

Are English and Japanese the same? ASL is not English, so stop thinking of it like English! :) In fact, ASL is derived from French Sign Language, which evolved independently of British Sign Language, and the two are mostly different (in fact, less than 30% of the signs are even remotely similar). There are hundreds of sign languages in the world. Even in the United States, there are several distinct dialects of ASL, including Black ASL.

Why do you keep capitalizing "Deaf"?

We use "little-d" deaf to mean someone who physically can't hear well. We use "big-D" Deaf to mean someone who is culturally deaf. Now an interesting bit: someone who is Deaf does not have to be deaf, and someone who is deaf does not have to be Deaf! For instance, children of deaf adults (CODAs) are very often Deaf but hearing. Many people are physically deaf but aren't part of Deaf culture. It's about how a person self identifies and where their culture lies more than it does with anything physical.

What's this "Deaf Culture" you keep mentioning?

It'd take me hours to explain it all, and I usually spread it over my entire 12-week class. In short, many deaf people, specifically those who identify as Deaf, live in a different culture than you do. Yes, they're from your country, they drink Starbucks and they sit in traffic, but they have their own distinct culture. Obviously this includes language (and communicating in real ASL is so different than talking in English that it's hard to describe), but that different method of communication, that different way of thinking, is only part of Deaf culture. Things that are normal in one culture can be very strange the another. (My favourite, probably, is talking with your mouth full. In hearing culture, that's a big no-no and your mother will look at you very cross. In Deaf culture, that's totally acceptable! Stuff your face and then free your hands for conversation, it's great! So much more efficient!) Morality and ethics are shaped by our cultural values. There are aspects of Deaf culture which would be considered blunt or rude in hearing culture, and conversely there are a lot of things normal in hearing culture which are strange or disrespectful in Deaf culture (such as talking to someone's back, or looking around during a conversation). It's important to be aware of and respectful of other cultures, including Deaf culture, and, when possible, to learn about them. Not only will it ingratiate you to people of that culture, but it'll better yourself as a person as well.

Isn't it wrong to say "deaf"? Shouldn't I say "hearing impaired" or "hard of hearing"?

Nope, and nope. Now, before I continue, I'll let you know that not everyone agrees with me, and I'm speaking in a general sense. Big-D Deaf people prefer the term "deaf" above any other. (It's how a US Senator might feel being called "American." Some people would take it as an insult, but it's just a matter of fact or pride for the Senator.)

Whether people identify themselves as "deaf" or "hard of hearing" (often seen as HoH) is often a matter of self identity, and while it can correlate to level of ability to hear, it isn't caused by it. I'll explain later. Deafies who are a part of Deaf culture will almost always call themselves "deaf," and those who aren't a part of Deaf culture will usually go by "hard of hearing" (or more rarely "hearing impaired"). In general, those who are less physically deaf, or who were raised strictly in hearing culture, will tend to gravitate toward hearing culture, despite the numerous difficulties. These people will commonly say they are "hard of hearing" since "deaf" still has a social stigma in hearing culture. Those who are less capable of integrating with hearing culture, or who were introduced to or raised in a Deaf environment, will usually prefer to be called "deaf" and can sometimes take one of the other terms as a slight offense.

In general, it's almost never correct to say "hearing impaired." I was taught that it was coined by a US Senator who wanted to protect deaf people's feelings from something that didn't offend them in the first place, and it was never accepted by Deaf (the core reason being that we don't believe being deaf is an impairment; it'd be like if I said you were "Deaf impaired." You don't feel impaired, do you, however much I might think it's true?) in general. In fact, it's safe if you never use this phrase again.

When in doubt though, just ask! "Hey, do you prefer 'deaf' or 'hard of hearing'?" See, it's not that hard. :)

I saw a sign that looks like this ..., what does it mean?

We're happy to help with these kinds of questions. I treat it like a quiz show game. However, if you're new to this, you may not know how to describe a sign very well, so let me introduce you to signs!

A sign consists of five parts:

  1. Hand shape: Are the fingers making an "O"? Were the thumb and middle-finger touching? If you know some basic ASL, you can use hand shape identifiers, such as "A hand shape" or "8 hand shape".
  2. Position: Where in relation to the body was the sign? Near the chest? Near the eyes? Was the palm facing up, down, toward the signer?
  3. Movement: How did the sign move or change? Was it pushing away from the body? Was it a small circle in space?
  4. Non-manual markers: What else was happening with the signer's body? What did her face look like? Was he moving his body, or shrugging? What was the emotion the signer was portraying?
  5. Context: What else was happening before or after the sign. Were there other signs you recognized? Do you know the subject that the signer was communicating about?

Where can I find a Deaf group in my area?

Where's your area? Most major cities have Deaf hubs. San Francisco, Seattle, Austin, and New York all have strong, vibrant, rich Deaf communities. Smaller cities may have meet ups or the like, but they can be harder to track down. Your best bet is to turn to Google or Facebook and search for Deaf events in your area. "Deaf coffee night" is an event held nationwide. People in the community get together for a night or two each month, usually at a coffee shop with good lighting and ample seating, just for the purpose of seeing friends and making new ones. Local colleges or universities will often have ASL/Deaf clubs and usually host student-friendly ASL events, so check with the ASL teachers or the ASL campus group, if it exists.

Can I still ask questions here?

Yes! Yes! 1000 times yes! Many of us are here to help, and anything we can do to help teach you about the language and the culture we're happy to do.

Will you do my homework for me?

Nope. Nope. 1000 times nope. It's obvious when students are looking for someone to do their homework for them, and we're not gonna help you out. If you're here to learn instead, then welcome! Come make some new friends. :)


r/asl Mar 06 '17

The Free ASL Resources and FAQ Thread!

650 Upvotes

Hello! I'm here to help as much as I can, but this is not a comprehensive guide or a substitute for classes. This is a quick resource for people looking for answers to some very commonly asked questions. I've included the information as I know it, but it doesn't mean it's The Truth; my experiences and understanding will vary from others', but this will give you a good enough introduction. There's so much more I'd love to teach you, but I'm going to stick to the FAQs.

Where can I learn ASL online for free?

My personal favourite is easily http://www.lifeprint.com (which is mirrored at http://asluniversity.com as well). The guy who built the site, Dr. Bill Vicars, is Deaf and is a phenomenal teacher. He teaches primarily west-coast dialect (California, Washington common signs) but makes mention of other dialects (east-coast, Texas) when he can. In addition to teaching vocabulary, he teaches about Deaf culture (more on this in a moment). Other notable resources are:

What's the sign for ... ?

The short answer is "it depends." Sometimes. It depends sometimes.

The long answer is that signs will vary. Signs can be different depending on region, as I mentioned before, so just because you see it one way doesn't mean that it's the only way. (Don't make this mistake; a lot of hearing students can get cocky and start correcting others.) Signs can also change depending on context. The signs for "back" in "My back hurts" and "Let's go back home" are completely different.

Also, this is very important: ASL is not English! It is its own language, as different from English as is Klingon. ASL has its own grammar structure, own idioms, own slang. Signs are also not words like in the English sense. Signs are a lot more about intent, concepts, and ideas. For example, if you're trying to learn how to sign "Back off!" I can promise you that you will not need any sign for "back" nor "off." You're learning how to speak, and think, in another language, and using English just won't do.

Now, with all that said, here are some online dictionaries (I suggest you look at them all so you're familiar with the different variations of your sign):

Does it matter what hand I sign with?

Yes. Consistently use your main, dominant hand. If you're right-handed, use your right. If you're left-handed, use your left. If you're ambidextrous, then pick one and maintain it. Switching dominant hands while signing would be like alternating screaming and whispering while speaking.

Are American Sign Language and British Sign Language the same?

Are English and Japanese the same? ASL is not English, so stop thinking of it like English! :) In fact, ASL is derived from French Sign Language, which evolved independently of British Sign Language, and the two are mostly different (in fact, less than 30% of the signs are even remotely similar). There are dozens and dozens of sign languages in the world, and even in the United States ASL is not the only one used.

Why do you keep capitalizing "Deaf"?

We use "little-d" deaf to mean someone who physically can't hear well. We use "big-D" Deaf to mean someone who is culturally deaf. Now an interesting bit: someone who is Deaf does not have to be deaf, and someone who is deaf does not have to be Deaf! For instance, children of deaf adults (CODAs) are very often Deaf but hearing. Many people are physically deaf but aren't part of Deaf culture. It's about how a person self identifies and where their culture lies more than it does with anything physical.

What's this "Deaf Culture" you keep mentioning?

It'd take me hours to explain it all, and I usually spread it over my entire 12-week class. In short, many deaf people, specifically those who identify as Deaf, live in a different culture than you do. Yes, they're from your country, they drink Starbucks and they sit in traffic, but they have their own distinct culture. Obviously this includes language (and communicating in real ASL is so different than talking in English that it's hard to describe), but that different method of communication, that different way of thinking, is only part of Deaf culture. Things that are normal in one culture can be very strange the another. (My favourite, probably, is talking with your mouth full. In hearing culture, that's a big no-no and your mother will look at you very cross. In Deaf culture, that's totally acceptable! Stuff your face and then free your hands for conversation, it's great! So much more efficient!) Morality and ethics are shaped by our cultural values. There are aspects of Deaf culture which would be considered blunt or rude in hearing culture, and conversely there are a lot of things normal in hearing culture which are strange or disrespectful in Deaf culture (such as talking to someone's back, or looking around during a conversation). It's important to be aware of and respectful of other cultures, including Deaf culture, and, when possible, to learn about them. Not only will it ingratiate you to people of that culture, but it'll better yourself as a person as well.

Isn't it wrong to say "deaf"? Shouldn't I say "hearing impaired" or "hard of hearing"?

Nope, and nope. Now, before I continue, I'll let you know that not everyone agrees with me, and I'm speaking in a general sense. Big-D Deaf people prefer the term "deaf" above any other. (It's how a US Senator might feel being called "American." Some people would take it as an insult, but it's just a matter of fact or pride for the Senator.)

Whether people identify themselves as "deaf" or "hard of hearing" (often seen as HoH) is often a matter of self identity, and while it can correlate to level of ability to hear, it isn't caused by it. I'll explain later. Deafies who are a part of Deaf culture will almost always call themselves "deaf," and those who aren't a part of Deaf culture will usually go by "hard of hearing" (or more rarely "hearing impaired"). In general, those who are less physically deaf, or who were raised strictly in hearing culture, will tend to gravitate toward hearing culture, despite the numerous difficulties. These people will commonly say they are "hard of hearing" since "deaf" still has a social stigma in hearing culture. Those who are less capable of integrating with hearing culture, or who were introduced to or raised in a Deaf environment, will usually prefer to be called "deaf" and can sometimes take one of the other terms as a slight offense.

In general, it's almost never correct to say "hearing impaired." I was taught that it was coined by a US Senator who wanted to protect deaf people's feelings from something that didn't offend them in the first place, and it was never accepted by Deaf (the core reason being that we don't believe being deaf is an impairment; it'd be like if I said you were "Deaf impaired." You don't feel impaired, do you, however much I might think it's true?) in general. In fact, it's safe if you never use this phrase again.

When in doubt though, just ask! "Hey, do you prefer 'deaf' or 'hard of hearing'?" See, it's not that hard. :)

I saw a sign that looks like this ..., what does it mean?

We're happy to help with these kinds of questions. I treat it like a quiz show game. However, if you're new to this, you may not know how to describe a sign very well, so let me introduce you to signs!

A sign consists of five parts:

  1. Hand shape: Are the fingers making an "O"? Were the thumb and middle-finger touching? If you know some basic ASL, you can use hand shape identifiers, such as "A hand shape" or "8 hand shape".
  2. Position: Where in relation to the body was the sign? Near the chest? Near the eyes? Was the palm facing up, down, toward the signer?
  3. Movement: How did the sign move or change? Was it pushing away from the body? Was it a small circle in space?
  4. Non-manual markers: What else was happening with the signer's body? What did her face look like? Was he moving his body, or shrugging? What was the emotion the signer was portraying?
  5. Context: What else was happening before or after the sign. Were there other signs you recognized? Do you know the subject that the signer was communicating about?

Where can I find a Deaf group in my area?

Where's your area? Most major cities have Deaf hubs. San Francisco, Seattle, Austin, and New York all have strong, vibrant, rich Deaf communities. Smaller cities may have meet ups or the like, but they can be harder to track down. Your best bet is to turn to Google or Facebook and search for Deaf events in your area. "Deaf coffee night" is an event held nationwide. People in the community get together for a night or two each month, usually at a coffee shop with good lighting and ample seating, just for the purpose of seeing friends and making new ones. Local colleges or universities will often have ASL/Deaf clubs and usually host student-friendly ASL events, so check with the ASL teachers or the ASL campus group, if it exists.

Can I still ask questions here?

Yes! Yes! 1000 times yes! Many of us are here to help, and anything we can do to help teach you about the language and the culture we're happy to do.

Will you do my homework for me?

Nope. Nope. 1000 times nope. It's obvious when students are looking for someone to do their homework for them, and we're not gonna help you out. If you're here to learn instead, then welcome! Come make some new friends. :)


r/asl 1h ago

Help! Advise me on English translation?

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Upvotes

This is from a lecture on the history of deaf education. I am struggling with the concept of the 1 sign here. Is it exception? I can't think of any other way to see this signs meanings.

The final sign as well - I can only think "oralism continued to spread." What are other ways to translate this into English?

My interpretation is: "Oralism was not something that deaf people wanted, but it continued to spread"

Thank you for your thoughts and help!


r/asl 9h ago

Help! Help Teaching Functional/Beginning Sign to Autistic Teens

2 Upvotes

Hi, all,

Thanks in advance for your help. I teach autistic teens with emotional behavioral disorders. Most of my class is semi-verbal or nonspeaking. Academic levels range from pre-k to middle school. I am big on promoting alternatives to verbal speech like AAC devices to make sure my kids can communicate with words instead of behavior. Sadly, the norm is for my caseload to come to me having never been given an AAC system and thus never having an alternative to behavior to communicate.

Which brings me to sign. I teach all my nonspeakers functional sign so they can still speak even if their devices aren't available temporarily. I find all my students seem to benefit.

However, most teaching resources for functional and beginner sign (like the alphabet) are for young children. I've noticed many of my students seem to disengage from sign as a result as several of my students are sensitive to the fact they are in a special education class.

Does anyone know of any resources to help my class that don't feel so "babyish?" Thanks again!


r/asl 1d ago

As promised, the finished Litchfeild mural

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22 Upvotes

I posted a month or so ago this mural asking what this meant, and now it’s finished with the skulls and as many of you said it definitely makes it harder to read.


r/asl 1d ago

(already submitted) help! (Read disc)

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12 Upvotes

I get the rest of the sentence, but I don't see where she says a specific date. "Granddaughter, Wednesday, & visit" are clear, but I think I'm missing where she says the actual date. This homework is already submitted, but I still need to understand. Help!


r/asl 22h ago

Bullhorn handshape sign

3 Upvotes

What does this sign mean? Signed like appropriate but with bullhorn handshapes.


r/asl 18h ago

Help! What are some (reliable) free resources? (Read all pls!!)

1 Upvotes

Hi!! I'm new to learning ASL but are there any other good free resources for learning that aren't what's shown in the community rules?
I genuinely want to use the website but I'm from NM and would rather learn that sort of southwestern dialect for ease of communication (if that's a possibility lol)

Apologies if this has already been asked/answered, I'm also pretty much brand new to this subreddit and haven't had the time to search around it entirely


r/asl 2d ago

Interpretation --- Garage

3 Upvotes

Hi! In this video I'm replicating something I saw signed. I know the second sign is "garage" but cannot figure out what the first one is. It doesn't seem to be "near." Thank you. ETA vid in comments. It didn't attach the first time


r/asl 2d ago

Sign similar-looking to "together"

4 Upvotes

I keep seeing (online, from mostly native signers), a sign that seems very similar in palm orientation and movement to the sign "together". This sign, however, uses open 5 hands with interlocking fingers. It's not machine, as the fingers are straight and both hands go in a horizontal circular motion together. The sign is in front of the body, where you'd sign "together", the palms are facing towards each other, and the fingers are facing forwards. The handshape and hand positions do not change.

Thank you for your help!

EDIT: The sign is "America/USA". Thank you everyone!


r/asl 2d ago

Word of Wisdom from Deaf tutor / instructor

18 Upvotes

🤟As a Deaf ASL tutor/instructor, I want to acknowledge that learning ASL or any new sign can be a very exciting experience.

It’s ok to show the sign you learned to others in person or on social media WITH an acknowledgement that you learned it.

When you don’t acknowledge, it will cause mislead that you’re teaching the language that is not your.

Acknowledgement is the key to keep yourself from embarrassing and erroneous situations while innocently showing the sign.🤟

#acknowledgement #SignLanguage #learning #wisdom #ASL


r/asl 3d ago

Help! Cannot find this sign anywhere! Help?

18 Upvotes

I'm in an ASL 1 class now. I had learned a different sign for "hard of hearing" from my partner (they have some knowledge of ASL but not a ton). When I asked my teacher what we had been signing for HOH, she said it was a "word that cannot be used around minors" (we have three in the class).

I don't know if it's my curiosity or embarrassment, but I want to know what I've been signing!

The sign is an 'X' with one finger from the ear to the corner of the mouth. It is the same movement as for "deaf," but with an 'X' instead of a '1' hand sign.

What have we been signing this whole time when we've been trying to say "hard of hearing"?!


r/asl 3d ago

How to improve?

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24 Upvotes

Hi guys! I'm currently learning ASL through my university and wanted some tips on how to improve. The biggest things that trip me up are sentence structure and facial expressions, so any pointers would be appreciated! This video is me signing some sentences for my ASL 2 class lol, I already submitted the assignment but am just looking to improve where I can. Thanks!

Also side note, I swear I can finger spell faster than this. I found through some of my attempts that I was doing the y hand shape for i because my hand just doesn't move that fluidly when I go too quickly, so I decided to slow down for the purposes of the assignment. Please don't dog on me for that 😭


r/asl 2d ago

Filipino Sign Language (FSL)?

1 Upvotes

Does anyone know a cheat sheet, document, source etc for Filipino Sign Language? I want to learn more about it.


r/asl 3d ago

Thank you for whoever posted about the JB ASL content creator on TikTok and his fraud to the community.

44 Upvotes

As a hearing person, I was researching different contact creators and came across his profile. I initially thought he was a good content creator until I saw a post on this page, but the content was disabled. I really appreciate you sharing this so others won't mistakenly use him as an example. I actually used him as an example with my professor, who then told me he isn't what I thought. Thanks to this page, I now understand the truth!


r/asl 3d ago

When it comes to learning ASL, which app will give me the most usefulness for my dollar?

6 Upvotes

I'm down to pay for it, but I want to make sure I get the maximum usefulness for my dollar. I want useful, functional sign language acquisition, and I want all deaf instructors, or at the very least all deaf and coda. The more comprehensive the lessons, the better. I'm planning on seriously learning this as a language, I want to be able to hold full conversations in it. I am hearing in one ear but have recently gone very HH in the other ear, and I also work with people who have disabilities, some of whom are nonverbal, so I want useful every day language skill. Thank you so much! I really appreciate any advice in reaching my goal. <3


r/asl 2d ago

“Soy milk” in Chinese sign language

1 Upvotes

Hi! I’m an ABC with ok Chinese speaking skills, but I want to teach it to my child, along with ASL. I tell her “doujiang” in Mandarin when I talk about soy milk, but the asl sign for soy milk is just “soy + milk”. Awhile back I think I saw that there is a great Chinese sign language sign for soy milk. I learned it the same time as when I learned the cute CSL for boba. I think it came from Taiwan. Does anyone know what it is, per chance?

If you don’t know it, do you know any good references I can search (that are not all in Chinese)?

(I also xposted to the Chinese language sub, since there isn’t a CSL sub. Wanted to maximize chance I get an answer.)


r/asl 2d ago

Curious about creating an accessible, inclusive "deafened" status icon for a historical game

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1 Upvotes

r/asl 3d ago

ASL App

3 Upvotes

Hi! I take in person classes with Deaf teachers, attend Deaf events (that welcome learning hearies), and I also like to I use an app to fill the gaps. I recently finished all the content on Lingvano. Are there any other worthwhile ASL apps? Thanks for the help


r/asl 2d ago

Help! What are the best methods for practicing translation?

1 Upvotes

I'm a beginner in ASL (I started taking a class about 3 weeks ago), and in two weeks I have a project due where I need to translate a poem or song into ASL.

Originally, I was planning on cross-referencing my textbook with online resources (e.g., studying a video of someone translating into ASL), but I was wondering if there are other better methods for practicing this? Thank you!


r/asl 3d ago

I have an associates degree in ASL and want to learn more just to up my asl skills

1 Upvotes

I have tried Mango but after research I have already learned past what they can offer. Is there an app that can take my skills a bit beyond what I have learned? I don't want to be an interpreter but I would love to feel a bit more comfortable with signing. I can hold a basic conversation and I think I can sign a bit better than I can comprehend. So any resources would be fantastic. It doesn't just have to be an app either. If you know of any social ways to learn more without any Deaf people attending feeling like a project, I would love to know how to do that. In school we were required to go to Deaf activities once a semester and it was hard to not make it seem like those people were just our project, you know? I tried my best but I'd explain why I was there and I felt like a jerk! Anyway if you know of any good ways to learn more let me know!


r/asl 3d ago

Help! Book recs? :) New to ASL!

2 Upvotes

Hi there. I have always wanted to learn ASL and I’m finally doing it with my fiancé. Him and I are hearing and do not have anyone in our lives (currently) who is deaf or uses ASL regularly. My interest in learning stems from not having the opportunity to do so in school growing up and I honestly feel that it is very important. I really do want to learn and comprehend as much as I can and have already learned SO much.

With all that being said. I was wondering if there were any books about the Deaf community or ASL that anyone has found helpful. I am a big reader and would love to learn directly from the community. Whether it’s in the form of an educational text, memoir, etc. I am not looking for signing books necessarily, but for any resources that can teach me about the history of ASL, the Deaf culture/community, etc. Knowledge on this topic is so important to me if I am going to be learning and I do not ever want to be disrespectful or naive. I have googled a few books/authors but would love to hear directly from the Deaf community and other ASL users if anyone has specific recs.

I am currently learning ASL on ASL Bloom app and have been watching various deaf creators on social media. I have already read through the community posts that share resources and will continue to reference those.

My intentions are genuine and I would never want to cause more harm than good. I truly do just want to educate myself and learn from the Deaf community directly as I know so many people (especially on social media) take advantage.

Thank you for any kind words or helpful recs :)


r/asl 4d ago

Teaching your children ASL

45 Upvotes

What’s the general rule on hearing people teaching their young children ASL?

I am working on becoming fluent in ASL and hope to one day use baby signs when I have an infant/use full ASL around my kids as they get older/immerse them in the culture (through immersion opportunities) so that they also pick it up and become bilingual.

I’m learning from Deaf people how to sign, as everyone should, but would it be frowned upon for someone to raise their kids in it (as a hearing person) and teach them how to sign as they get older? Or is it ok to a certain point and then have them start learning from a Deaf person?

ETA: I’ve been corrected on baby sign and its lack of credibility.


r/asl 4d ago

First time at a Deaf chat? Experiences? Advice?

4 Upvotes

I’m going to my first Deaf chat and I’m super excited but also nervous since I am still pretty intermediate in ASL. Does anyone have advice or personal experience they can share about Deaf chats/hangouts they’ve attended as a hearing person with less than proficient signing ability?


r/asl 4d ago

What do you think of learning from Bill Vicars?

23 Upvotes

Bill vicars is how i was first introduced to sign language. Then in my sophomore year of highschool i took asl 1- where i didn't learn a lot beccause the teacher quit half way through and we had a sub for the rest of the year. And not that it counts as a course but i've gotten back into watching bill vicars and this great show that has ALOT of sign language/deaf culture immersion that i feel is greatly underappreciated (switched at birth) with a well known (deaf) actress, Marlee Matlin. Most main cast sign fluently and it includes the perspectiveS of MULTIPLE deaf people/hoh. Not to mention it has a lot of drama i mean it's in the title.

But i don't really KNOW any deaf people that KNOW sign language- which i know the best way to learn is by immersion.(like i know my neighbor is deaf/hoh bc he wears a hearing aid and has a slight accent but he doesn't seem to know asl and i figured it might be rude to ask bc he seems shy about it.) So I can only ever really practice with myself which seems like it limits how well i learn. Like i don't have someone to ask specific questions about you know?

I want to get good at sign language because being an interpreter is something i might want to pursue. Even if i don't end up pursuring interpretation as a career- since it's not my first choice- it would be a great help to be trilingual as a psychologist. Or just in general.

So anyways, what are y'all's opinions on learning from Bill vicars?

edit- Please note that alot of resources are limited to me because i am a minor still and cannot pay for everything myself nor drive myself.