How long does it take the average person to learn Sign Language?

Question

I think it would be cool to learn, and have never studied it. How long do you think it would take to learn how to communicate with sign language?

Answer 1

I have been learning ASL for 4 1/2 years now. My Husband has been learning for 1 1/2 years. We both progressed at different rates. Sign Language-like any language-is not just about vocabulary. It's about context, facial expressions, making word pictures with your signing, and acting. If you just study it in school, it may take you a very long time. I say this because it's really important to immerse yourself in Deaf culture if you truly want to sign correctly. You may know a ton of Deaf vocabulary you learned from class, then meet a Deaf person, and he may have absolutely no idea what you're signing.

If you just want to pick up some vocabulary words to get by, give yourself  6 months. If you are going to study it and INCLUDE associating with Deaf people regularly, I would say to give yourself a full year to become relatively proficient in the language. Join a Deaf group, take side lessons from a Deaf person, etc. After a year, your vocabulary and sentence structure should be down pat. After that, facial expressions, and learning how to paint word pictures will come natural in time.

Also understand that Sign Language is not just a Language--being Deaf is a culture unto itself. You can read about a culture as much as you want, but you'll never fully understand it unless you are with those people.

Remember that books are sometimes wrong. Many books I tried to learn ASL from had outdated signs, and many old fashioned English signs that are no longer accepted. There are many groups who give out free DVDs in ASL. Please contact me if you would like to know how to get a few. It's better to look at these to see an actual person signing, instead of trying to figure out the sign from a book.

I hope you do decide to learn Sign Language. I think it's a lot easier to learn that many other written languages. It's a fascinating language that's linked to a fascinating culture. You won't be disappointed.  

Answer 2

Once I found out my brother was deaf I started learning it right away. It took me about 2 months. I was also studying it every night. I guess it just depends on how much you want to know it.

So, I'd say if you practice about twice a week, you'll learn it about 3-5 months.

Good luck! :0  

Answer 3

Took me about 40 classes. (like, 2 semesters worth) and i'm still not good at it. I can do some basic stuff, but i forgot most of it.

Answer 4

i took ASL- 1 last semester and i forgot everthing already ;( sign language is really fun but i learned what i needed to just to pass my test's

so i suggest if you decide on taking sign language to only focus on that and not any other courses as i did.