We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Deaf Instructor

Important: Check the content and understand-ability of the course immediately upon purchase as there is only a one month window for refund due to dissatisfaction. Thank you.

No matter your background or origin, these lessons will help you to express yourself more like a Deaf person who signs naturally and fluently. To this end, this course will teach about Facial Expression, Use of Space, Hand Shapes, Deaf Grammars, Poetic Signs and of course, Deaf culture. Watch at your own pace and enjoy like you would a latte in a coffee shop. I'm available to chat- just message.

Read more

Important: Check the content and understand-ability of the course immediately upon purchase as there is only a one month window for refund due to dissatisfaction. Thank you.

No matter your background or origin, these lessons will help you to express yourself more like a Deaf person who signs naturally and fluently. To this end, this course will teach about Facial Expression, Use of Space, Hand Shapes, Deaf Grammars, Poetic Signs and of course, Deaf culture. Watch at your own pace and enjoy like you would a latte in a coffee shop. I'm available to chat- just message.

Please note: This is an introduction to every visual sign language on a global scale. It is not sign language specific.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Deaf sentence structure concepts
  • Audience perspective
  • Descriptive signing
  • Layering mouth morphemes and classifiers
  • Natural sign language
  • Deaf grammar
  • Deaf experience coming soon!
  • Improve interpreting skills
  • Deaf manner and culture
  • Deaf psychology

Syllabus

Introduction
Concept# 16
Try to think visually
Shapes and Size Part 1
Read more

This is an introduction to Deaf Sentence on a global scale. It is not sign language specific.

I would kindly ask you to review this course after you have finished it~ sharing your experience so that others might find the benefit as well. Thank you for your time.

This video is for international use so PLEASE check the specific animal signs and natural classifier use in your local sign language.

This video is for international use so PLEASE check the specific professions signs and natural classifier use in your local sign language.

This video is for international use so PLEASE check the specific activities signs and natural classifier use in your local sign language.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops interpreting skills, which are essential for conveying messages accurately and effectively between different languages and cultures
Explores Deaf culture, which provides insights into the values, beliefs, and social norms of Deaf communities worldwide
Examines Deaf grammar, which offers a unique perspective on language structure and how meaning is conveyed visually
Teaches natural sign language, which helps learners communicate more fluently and expressively with Deaf individuals
Explores the use of space in sign language, which is a fundamental aspect of conveying meaning and spatial relationships
Advises learners to check specific signs and classifier use in their local sign language, which is important for practical communication

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Conceptual foundation in international sign

According to learners, this course provides a strong conceptual foundation in the structure, grammar, and cultural nuances behind visual sign languages. Students appreciate the focus on aspects like Deaf sentence structure, the use of space, and cultural context, finding it helps them understand *how* signing works rather than just memorizing signs. However, some learners highlight that the course is explicitly not language-specific and does not teach the vocabulary of a particular sign language like ASL or BSL. This makes it less suitable for those seeking immediate conversational fluency but valuable for those interested in linguistics, interpreting, or a deeper cultural understanding. The self-paced format is often mentioned as a positive aspect.
Builds understanding, requires further study.
"This course is an excellent foundation, but you will need to study a specific sign language to become fluent."
"It gives you the 'why' and 'how' but not the 'what' (specific signs), so supplementary learning is necessary."
"Great for interpreters to improve conceptual understanding, but not a substitute for specific language training."
Does not teach specific language vocabulary.
"Be aware this course doesn't teach specific signs for a language like ASL; it's about the concepts."
"If you want to learn a specific sign language vocabulary, this is not the course for you."
"It clearly states it's not language-specific, focusing on universal visual language principles."
Flexibility for studying at your own speed.
"The ability to watch videos at my own pace was very helpful with my busy schedule."
"I appreciated being able to revisit lessons as needed to fully grasp the concepts."
"Studying at your own pace makes complex ideas easier to digest."
Provides depth on Deaf culture and perspective.
"The sections on Deaf culture and audience perspective were eye-opening and incredibly important."
"Learning about the Deaf experience and cultural norms is crucial and well-covered here."
"I feel I have a much better understanding and respect for Deaf culture after taking this course."
Teaches underlying principles of sign language.
"This course is fantastic for understanding the concepts and structure of sign language, not just memorizing vocabulary."
"I learned so much about how visual languages are constructed, which is invaluable knowledge."
"It provides a strong base for understanding Deaf grammar and linguistics, changing how I approach signing."

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 International Sign Language with these activities:
Review Basic Anatomy and Spatial Reasoning
Reviewing basic anatomy and spatial reasoning will help you understand how signs relate to the body and space, which is crucial for International Sign Language.
Show steps
  • Review anatomical terms and body planes.
  • Practice spatial visualization exercises.
Explore 'Deaf Culture: Exploring Deaf Communities in the United States'
Exploring this book will enhance your understanding of Deaf culture, which is crucial for effective communication in International Sign.
View Inside Deaf Culture on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters on Deaf history, values, and social institutions.
  • Reflect on how these concepts relate to International Sign communication.
Read 'A Dictionary of American Sign Language on Linguistic Principles'
Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the linguistic principles underlying sign languages, including International Sign.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and chapters on cherology, morphology, and syntax.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Classifier Usage
Practicing classifier usage will improve your fluency and expressiveness in International Sign.
Show steps
  • Find videos of native signers using classifiers.
  • Mimic their handshapes and movements.
  • Record yourself and compare to the original.
Create a Video Explaining a Deaf Culture Concept
Creating a video explaining a Deaf culture concept will solidify your understanding and improve your ability to communicate effectively in International Sign.
Show steps
  • Choose a Deaf culture concept (e.g., audism, Deaf gain).
  • Research the concept thoroughly.
  • Write a script and plan visual aids.
  • Record and edit the video.
Tutor a Beginner in Basic Signs
Tutoring a beginner will reinforce your own understanding of basic signs and improve your ability to explain concepts clearly.
Show steps
  • Find a beginner who wants to learn basic signs.
  • Prepare a lesson plan covering essential vocabulary.
  • Provide feedback and encouragement.
Develop a Sign Language Phrasebook
Developing a phrasebook will help you internalize common phrases and improve your ability to construct sentences in International Sign.
Show steps
  • Compile a list of common phrases in English.
  • Translate the phrases into International Sign.
  • Include visual aids or video demonstrations.
  • Organize the phrasebook by topic.

Career center

Learners who complete International Sign Language 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. This course helps you to understand the nuances of sign language expression, such as facial expressions, use of space, and hand shapes, which are crucial for accurate interpreting. Learning about Deaf grammar and culture, as offered in this course, allows the interpreter to better convey the intended meaning and cultural context. This course, although introductory, provides a valuable base in the visual aspects of language. Additionally, the course's focus on natural sign language and descriptive signing can help you to become a more effective interpreter.
Deaf Studies Educator
A deaf studies educator teaches about the language and culture of Deaf communities. This course introduces key aspects of Deaf culture, such as Deaf manner, and delves into the grammatical structures of sign language. The exploration of topics like poetic signs, audience perspective, and information equality enriches your understanding of deaf expression and helps you to educate others. The course's focus on natural sign language contributes to your ability to convey these topics accurately. By sharing these experiences, you could become an enthusiastic and informed educator, connecting with your students.
Special Education Teacher
A special education teacher works with students with diverse learning needs, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. This course provides an understanding of how individuals who use sign language communicate. The curriculum, which introduces Deaf sentence structure concepts, helps you to create effective lesson plans, particularly if your students use visual communication methods. Topics covered in this course about descriptive signing and layering mouth morphemes will inform your instruction. This course creates a foundation for further study in how visual languages are structured and expressed.
Language Researcher
A language researcher studies the structure and use of language, including sign languages. This course's introduction to the structure of sign language, such as hand shapes, use of space, and facial expressions, may be useful in understanding the intricacies of visual communication. The course delves into Deaf grammar and sentence structure, which also makes it relevant. By understanding the cultural context, also provided in this course, you will be able to approach research with a global awareness. This course provides an initial foray into the field.
Linguist
A linguist studies language, its structure, and development. This course, which provides an introduction to sign language, will be useful to someone wishing to expand their knowledge of how humans communicate. The course examines various grammatical elements of sign language, such as hand shapes, use of space, and facial expression which is useful to a linguist. The course also includes a discussion of how deaf people express themselves, which might prove to be a very informative area of study. This course may be useful as an introduction to visual languages.
Educational Consultant
An educational consultant provides guidance on curriculum and instructional practices. For those specializing in inclusive education, this course may be useful in developing an understanding of visual languages. The course's discussion of Deaf culture, grammatical structures, and descriptive signing, gives you a foundation to recommend effective teaching strategies for both hearing and deaf students. The course's introduction to the structure of sign language will be especially valuable. This course may be useful to you as an introduction to visual languages.
Speech-Language Pathologist
A speech language pathologist works with individuals who have communication disorders. While this course focuses on sign language rather than spoken language, it may be helpful in understanding different forms of communication. By studying the elements of sign language, such as hand shapes and facial expressions, you may gain a perspective on alternative methods of expression. Exploring Deaf grammar and culture, as introduced in this course, could also improve the empathy and cultural competence of the pathologist. This course may be useful in expanding your approach to communication.
Cultural Liaison
A cultural liaison facilitates understanding and communication between different cultural groups. This course, which introduces key aspects of Deaf culture and the natural expression of sign language, may be useful to you. The course covers topics such as Deaf manner, Deaf grammar, and the use of poetic signs, which will allow you to navigate and bridge cultural gaps. The knowledge of the audience perspective will be particularly valuable to someone in this role. This course may be useful to better to help you understand deaf communities and their modes of communication.
Instructional Designer
An instructional designer creates learning experiences and materials. The concepts taught in this course concerning visual languages may help inspire a designer to imagine new ways of learning. For example, a course that relies heavily on visual learning might be well served by an instructor who understands the visual elements of language, such as hand shapes and facial expressions. An additional bonus might be an experience with Deaf grammar and culture, also taught in this course. This course may be helpful for an instructional designer.
Community Outreach Coordinator
A community outreach coordinator builds relationships with various community groups. This course may provide a valuable introduction to communication with a specific community: deaf people. The course covers Deaf sentence structure, natural sign language, and Deaf grammar, which will improve your ability to communicate. The course also provides introductions to Deaf manner and Deaf culture, which can assist with outreach. This course may be useful in expanding your understanding of the deaf community.
Public Relations Specialist
A public relations specialist manages communication between an organization and the public. This course, with its focus on visual language and Deaf culture, may help you to reach new audiences. The course offers insights into visual communication which could inform the creation of inclusive materials. By understanding Deaf culture, and the specifics of how Deaf people express themselves, you could be better prepared for public relations work. This course may be helpful to broaden communication strategies.
Grant Writer
A grant writer develops proposals for funding of various projects. This course introduces the language and culture of deaf communities which may be useful if you work with a related nonprofit. This course discusses descriptive signing, natural sign language, and other aspects of Deaf communication. The ability to understand the dynamics of sign language, as taught in this course, will help you to write grants that resonate. This course may be useful if you wish to work with deaf communities.
UX Designer
A user experience designer focuses on creating user-friendly products and interfaces. This course introduces you to visual methods of communication. The concepts of space, hand shapes, and facial expressions, taught in this course, may assist you in thinking about how people communicate. The concepts of natural sign language and the layering of mouth morphemes might be useful, as well, to an interactive designer. This course may be useful in learning about visual communication strategies.
Social Worker
A social worker helps individuals and families overcome challenges, which may include working with those in the deaf community. This course may help to expand your cultural awareness by covering Deaf grammar, Deaf culture, and Deaf manner. It will also introduce you to natural sign language and ways to better communicate. This course may be useful if you plan to work in diverse communities.
Content Creator
A content creator produces multimedia material for various platforms. This course, which teaches about Deaf culture and sign language may help to broaden your creative perspective. This course discusses the structure of that language, such as hand shapes, use of space, and facial expressions, so you may better consider visual and accessibility concerns. The concepts of natural sign language and a Deaf audience perspective could be helpful. This course may be useful to expand your understanding of visual communications.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in International Sign Language.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Deaf culture in the United States. While focused on the US, it offers valuable insights into the values, beliefs, and social norms of Deaf communities worldwide. Understanding Deaf culture is essential for effective communication and cultural sensitivity when using International Sign. This book is commonly used as a textbook in Deaf studies programs.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser