Learn American Sign Language Grammar Online: Top Resources & Tips

Learning American Sign Language Grammar is essential for clear communication. It also enhances your understanding of the language. Online tools have revolutionized how people learn American Sign Language Grammar, making the process easy and flexible.

1. Over 41,000 students took ASL classes last year.

2. ASL videos on YouTube received 2.1 million views.

3. Class Central offers over 140 ASL courses, with about 8,900 people currently learning ASL there.

These statistics indicate a growing interest in learning ASL. Online learning is proving to be effective for this purpose.

Key Takeaways

• Knowing ASL grammar is important for good communication and understanding.

• Pick a learning tool that fits your goals, budget, and style.

• Fun platforms like ASLdeafined teach ASL grammar with games and quizzes.

Why Learn American Sign Language Grammar?

Importance of ASL Grammar

Knowing ASL grammar is key to clear communication in ASL. ASL uses hand signs, facial expressions, and body movements to share ideas. Its grammar is different from spoken languages, making it a unique language. Learning ASL grammar helps you create clear sentences that others understand.

Studies show many benefits of learning ASL grammar. For kids, it helps with language, thinking, and social skills. ASL gives young children a way to express themselves early. Even babies can learn to sign and share ideas without knowing formal grammar. These benefits make ASL grammar useful for people of all ages.

Differences Between ASL Grammar and English Grammar

ASL grammar is very different from English grammar. English uses word order to form sentences. ASL uses a topic-comment style. For example, instead of saying, "I am going to the store," you sign, "Store, I go." The topic comes first, then the action.

Facial expressions and body movements are also important in ASL. They work like punctuation, showing questions, feelings, or focus. For example, raising your eyebrows can turn a sentence into a question. These visual parts make ASL lively and expressive.

Here’s how ASL and English grammar compare:

Learning these differences helps you see ASL as its own language. It also makes you better at signing and understanding ASL.

Top Websites for Learning American Sign Language Grammar

Best Overall: Preply

Preply is the best site for learning ASL grammar. It connects you with skilled tutors for one-on-one lessons. You can pick times that fit your schedule. Tutors make custom plans to match your goals, helping you learn better.

“I spent months looking for a tutor nearby. Now, I have online lessons on Preply at times that work for me. My tutor made a plan just for me. The app’s flexibility is awesome. I’m so happy I found it!”

Why choose Preply?

• Lessons are made just for you

• Tutors give helpful feedback

• Real-life practice, better than apps

Best Free Resource: American Sign Language University (ASLU)

ASLU is a great free option for learning ASL grammar. It has been around for over 20 years, offering quality lessons. Students, families, and teachers love its helpful content. ASLU provides videos, exercises, and lessons for all skill levels.

• Students and teachers praise ASLU for its great resources.

• It has been free for over 20 years, making it accessible.

• The site helps both beginners and advanced learners improve their skills.

Best for Beginners: ASL Meredith

ASL Meredith is great for beginners who want easy-to-follow lessons. Meredith, a skilled teacher, created this course with six modules. It includes videos, assignments, and quizzes. You can learn at your own pace, making it perfect for busy learners.

Best for Advanced Learners: Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University is perfect for advanced ASL learners. This school focuses on deaf culture and language. It offers free beginner lessons and advanced courses like Fingerspelling. You can also study unique topics like Deaf Women’s Studies.

Best for Interactive Learning: ASLdeafined

ASLdeafined is great for interactive ASL learning. It uses fun tools to help you understand ASL grammar. A study showed that interactive platforms improve learning for deaf users. ASLdeafined offers lessons with quizzes, games, and feedback. This makes learning fun and effective.

How to Pick the Best Learning Tool

Think About Your Goals

Before picking a tool, know your goals. Are you learning ASL Grammar to talk with Deaf friends? Or do you need it for work? Your reason will help you decide. Beginners might like ASL Meredith for basic skills. Advanced learners could try Gallaudet University for special courses.

It’s also good to see ASL as a full language. ASL has its own rules, not like English. Tools that teach grammar and words together are helpful. They help you make sentences while learning new signs.

Check Your Budget and Needs

Your budget matters when choosing a tool. Free sites like ASLU are great if money is tight. Paid tools like Preply give personal lessons but cost more.

Think about how easy it is to use the tool. Online tools let you learn anytime, anywhere. If you’re busy, pick one with flexible times. Fun tools like ASLdeafined make learning easier and more exciting.

Look at Content and Design

Good content and simple design are important. Clear lessons make learning fun. Videos often show ASL grammar better. Live lessons give quick feedback to help you improve faster.

Here’s a quick look at what to think about:

Pick a tool that fits your style and is easy to use. A good tool makes learning smoother and more fun.

Learning ASL grammar helps you communicate better and connect deeply. The suggested websites have lessons on 300 key ideas, fingerspelling, and culture. These tools improve thinking and social skills while focusing on real-life use. Try these resources now to fully enjoy learning ASL.

FAQ

How can I start learning ASL grammar?

Begin with free tools like ASLU. Watch simple videos to learn. Practice making sentences using ASL's topic-comment style. Use facial expressions to add meaning.

Is it possible to learn ASL grammar without a tutor?

Yes, it is! Try tools like ASLdeafined or ASL Meredith. These sites have lessons, quizzes, and videos. They help you learn step by step on your own.

How long does it take to learn ASL grammar?

It depends on how much you practice. Beginners might need 3-6 months for basics. Becoming fluent takes years and learning about Deaf culture.