American Sign Language is a full language. It is distinct from English.
Today there are many ways to learn American Sign Language. You can choose from online courses and apps, and face-to-face classes. There are many benefits to learning more than one language for both children and adults.
ASL Connect from Gallaudet University offers a free series of introductory courses, and a free library of signs organized by topic (colors, numbers, outdoor activities, emotions, etc.). ASL Connect also offers ASL level 1-5 courses for college credit.
ASL Deafined, a subscription-based learning program. The dictionary is available to anyone for free.
Sign It! American Sign Language Made Easy offers several course packages geared to teens and adults. Sign It ASL is available for free to families in the US who have a child 36 months or younger who has any type of hearing loss. Apply at MyDeafChild.org.
Signing Savvy allows you to view some content for free, but offers more expanded content with a membership.
SignSchool provides lessons and learning resources at both free and paid levels. Includes dictionary, fingerspelling recognition drills, sign of the day.
StartASL provides lessons and learning resources at both free and paid levels.
These are just a few examples with above average ratings by users, and is not a comprehensive or exhaustive list.
ASL Dictionary provides conceptually accurate signs based on context. Contains over 5,200 signs. For iOS devices.
The ASL App is designed to teach conversational ASL. One of the signers is Nyle DiMarco. For iOS and Android devices.
SignSchool vocabulary builder, dictionary, lectures and games. For iOS and Android devices.
For those new to apps: iOS apps are used on Apple iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. You purchase and install these apps from the App Store on your device.
Android apps are used on Samsung, LG, Motorola, Sony Ericcson, etc. You purchase and install these apps from the Google Play Store on your device.
Community education programs: contact your local community education program (usually run by your local school district) to find out about American Sign Language classes available in your area.
Although most colleges and universities offer courses designed to satisfy college credits, some have non-credit enrollment options available. Ask if you can audit a class.
Augsburg University offers American Sign Language classes in their Language and Cross Cultural Studies program (Minneapolis)
College of St. Scholastica offers American Sign Language classes in their Deaf Language and Culture minor (Duluth)
Minnesota State colleges and universities throughout Minnesota
