American Sign Language "Basics" from Udemy

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Learning objective

Know introductions and basic phrases, know how to count to ten and how to fingerspell. students will also be introduced to the deaf world and learn a bit about deaf culture.

Syllabus

Introduction to ASL Basics!

Introduction

The pre-test is to test your existing knowledge of sign language and debunk several yths you may believe. There are 10 questions and the next video I'll explain the responses to these questions.

Sign Language is universal.
ASL is English on the Hands
Sign Language is used by all deaf people.
Most deaf children learn to sign at an early age.
It is not nice to point when using ASL.
It is very important to watch a person's hands when she is signing.
Since I'm hearing, I should talk and sign at the same time.
Deaf and hard of hearing are the same thing.
Deaf is not politically correct, we should say, “hearing impaired.”
Most deaf people can lip read.

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Introduces learners to Deaf culture, which is an important component of learning and understanding American Sign Language

Includes practice lessons to help learners review material, which reinforces learning and retention of new vocabulary

Teaches the manual alphabet, which is a foundational skill for communicating and understanding in ASL

Explores common myths about sign language, which helps learners approach the topic with accurate expectations

Focuses on fingerspelling skills, which are essential for spelling out words and names in American Sign Language

Requires learners to debunk myths about ASL, which may require additional research outside of the course

Reviews summary

Foundational american sign language basics

According to learners, this course serves as a great starting point for learning American Sign Language, providing a solid foundation in essential basics. Students particularly appreciate the clear and engaging instruction. The course successfully covers fingerspelling, numbers 1-10, and basic greetings and introductions. Many found the practice sessions after each lesson to be very helpful for reinforcing what they learned. Reviewers also noted the valuable introduction to Deaf culture. However, it is important to note that students say this course is very basic and provides just the absolute essentials, meaning further study will be required to gain proficiency.

Includes valuable introduction to Deaf culture.

"Appreciated the bit about getting attention in Deaf culture."

"Nice to learn about Deaf culture alongside the language."

"A good introduction to the community and its norms."

"Liked the discussion on common myths about sign language."

Practice labs reinforce learning effectively.

"The practice sessions after each lesson were key."

"Found the labs really helped me remember the signs."

"Liked that there was time to practice signing along."

"Practice videos were essential for retaining information."

"Good that they included practice after lessons."

Covers essential ASL basics well.

"Excellent for learning the alphabet and numbers."

"Gives you a good base to start from."

"Covers the absolute essentials like fingerspelling and greetings."

"Provides a solid foundation for beginners."

"Good introduction to the fundamental signs."

Instruction is easy to follow and engaging.

"The instructor was very clear and easy to understand."

"Loved the instructor's style, made learning easy."

"Everything was explained simply and concisely."

"The teacher breaks down signs effectively."

"Very good job explaining the signs."

Just covers the absolute basics.

"This is just the very beginning, you'll need more."

"Don't expect to be fluent after this."

"A good first step, but only that."

"It is only 'Basics' as the title says."

"Need to take more courses after this one."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in American Sign Language "Basics" with these activities:

Review Deaf Culture Basics

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Prepares students for the course by reviewing fundamental concepts of Deaf culture.

Browse courses on Deaf Culture

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Read articles or watch videos about Deaf culture and etiquette.
Research the history of the Deaf community.
Learn about common misconceptions about Deaf people.

Practice Fingerspelling

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Reinforces fingerspelling skills, which are essential for communication in ASL.

Browse courses on Fingerspelling

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Review the ASL alphabet chart.
Practice spelling common words and names.
Use online resources or apps for fingerspelling practice.

A Basic Course in American Sign Language

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Provides a more structured and in-depth approach to learning ASL, covering grammar, vocabulary, and cultural aspects.

View Melania on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the textbook.
Work through the chapters corresponding to the course syllabus.
Complete the exercises and activities in the book.

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Number Recognition Drills

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Improves number recognition skills in ASL through repetitive practice.

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Use flashcards or online resources to practice recognizing numbers 1-10 in ASL.
Ask a friend or family member to quiz you on number recognition.
Practice signing numbers while counting objects.

Create a Fingerspelling Video

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Solidifies fingerspelling skills by requiring students to create a video demonstrating their proficiency.

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Choose a set of words or phrases to fingerspell.
Record a video of yourself fingerspelling the chosen words/phrases.
Review the video and make any necessary corrections.
Share the video with classmates or online ASL communities for feedback.

The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language

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Expands vocabulary and understanding of ASL beyond the basics covered in the course.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Familiarize yourself with the structure of the dictionary.
Look up signs related to the topics covered in the course.
Pay attention to the variations and nuances of each sign.

ASL Introduction Presentation

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Tests and solidifies knowledge by requiring students to create and deliver a presentation introducing themselves in ASL.

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Prepare a short presentation introducing yourself in ASL, including your name, interests, and background.
Practice your presentation to ensure fluency and accuracy.
Record yourself giving the presentation or present it to a friend or family member.
Get feedback on your presentation and make any necessary improvements.

Career center

Learners who complete American Sign Language "Basics" will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sign Language Interpreter

A Sign Language Interpreter facilitates communication between deaf and hearing individuals by conveying messages accurately and clearly through sign language. This course helps those who wish to become sign language interpreters, as it will build a foundation in American Sign Language, with instruction in fingerspelling, numbers, basic phrases, and introductions. With this course you will also gain insight into Deaf culture, a critical aspect of the field. A strong understanding of the basics, as taught in this course, is an essential first step to this career path.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sign Language Interpreter

Special Education Teacher

A Special Education Teacher works with students with a variety of special needs, using teaching skills and techniques tailored to individual needs. This course may be useful to a Special Education Teacher who works with deaf or hard-of-hearing students as it will allow them to communicate directly with those students. The course covers introductions, basic phrases, numbers and fingerspelling. It also covers important aspects of Deaf culture, which is important to effective communication with students.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

A Speech Language Pathologist assesses and treats individuals with speech, language, and communication disorders. This course may be useful to a Speech Language Pathologist as it provides a basic understanding of American Sign Language, potentially useful when working with clients who have communication difficulties or who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The course emphasizes the basics of ASL, providing a great opportunity to learn greetings and introductions, numbers, colors, and how to fingerspell. A familiarity with ASL can be an important asset to a Speech Language Pathologist.

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Audiologist

An Audiologist diagnoses and treats hearing and balance disorders. This course may be useful to future Audiologists. Some of the people an audiologist works with may use American Sign Language as a primary communication method. Learning the basics of ASL, including introductions, numbers, fingerspelling and an understanding of deaf culture, can help build rapport with and better serve these individuals. As this is an introductory course, it is an ideal place to start for an audiologist or future audiologist.

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Community Outreach Coordinator

A Community Outreach Coordinator develops and implements programs to engage the community, often serving as a point of contact between organizations and the public. This course may be useful to a Community Outreach Coordinator, especially one who works with deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals or populations. The course teaches foundational ASL, how to make introductions, give greetings, and do fingerspelling. This course also introduces Deaf Culture, all of which may be useful in connecting with and serving the deaf community.

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Rehabilitation Counselor

A Rehabilitation Counselor helps individuals cope with disabilities by providing support. This course may be useful to a Rehabilitation Counselor working with deaf or hard-of-hearing clients, as a basic knowledge of sign language can greatly improve communication. This introductory course will take them through the most important basics from introductions to fingerspelling and even some numbers. The course will also provide a window into deaf culture, which is invaluable for a rehabilitation counselor.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker provides assistance to individuals, families, and communities in need. This course may be useful to a Social Worker who works with deaf or hard-of-hearing clients or communities. This course provides an introduction to American Sign Language, foundational knowledge that can greatly assist in communication with clients in need of sign language services. It covers introductions, basic phrases, numbers, and fingerspelling. It also introduces some basics of Deaf culture, which is often important to establishing a rapport with clients.

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Early Childhood Educator

An Early Childhood Educator works with young children to help them learn and grow. This course may be useful to an Early Childhood Educator, especially one who works with deaf or hard-of-hearing children. This course helps build a foundational knowledge of American Sign Language, including how to fingerspell, count, or make introductions. This introductory course will also share the basics of deaf culture, all of which is important to properly serve the children with whom the educator works.

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Human Resources Specialist

A Human Resources Specialist manages employee relations, recruitment, and benefits. This course may be useful to a Human Resources Specialist who works at an organization with deaf or hard of hearing employees. This course introduces basic ASL, including introductions, numbers, and fingerspelling, all of which are important to the basics of workplace communication. This course will also help HR specialists who are committed to inclusivity learn more about the Deaf community and Deaf culture.

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Customer Service Representative

A Customer Service Representative interacts with customers to provide information, answer questions, and resolve issues. This course may be useful to a Customer Service Representative who works at a company that serves deaf or hard-of-hearing clients. The ability to communicate using sign language can create a more positive experience for users of ASL. This course, which covers introductions, numbers, and basic phrases, is a great way to learn more about ASL.

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Translator

A Translator converts written or spoken language from one language to another. While this course focuses on the basics of American Sign Language, it may be useful to a translator who is also working with deaf or hard of hearing populations, or with the ASL language. The course can be an introduction to ASL and is a useful first step toward mastery of the language. This course covers introductions, numbers, and fingerspelling, which are essential to the language.

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Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer creates learning materials and experiences. This course may be useful to an Instructional Designer who creates courses or learning materials focused on ASL. This is a basic course that provides an introduction to ASL, which is a required foundation for anyone teaching or creating ASL training. This course covers the alphabet, numbers, introductions, colors, and basic phrases useful in ASL.

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Librarian

A librarian helps patrons find resources, assists with research, and manages library collections. This course may be useful to a librarian who serves deaf or hard of hearing patrons. This course introduces the basics of the language from greetings and introductions to numbers and colors. It may provide a basis for further study and will assist with communication and service to clients.

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Interpreter Services Manager

An Interpreter Services Manger oversees the operation of interpreter services. This course helps anyone who manages interpreters gain basic insights into what interpreters do. This course focuses on greetings, introductions, numbers, the alphabet, colors, and basic phrases. Gaining a foundation with this course may assist this professional in running operations more smoothly.

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Legal Assistant

A Legal Assistant provides support in a law office by performing administrative duties and conducting research. This course may be useful to a Legal Assistant who works at a law office that represents deaf or hard-of-hearing clients. This course introduces fundamental concepts of American Sign Language like basic greetings, introductions, numbers, and fingerspelling. A foundation in ASL is useful to provide help to clients.

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American Sign Language "Basics"

What's inside

Learning objective

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Foundational american sign language basics

Activities

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