Hello from Britain! I'd like to sign language. I'm not deaf or hard of hearing myself but there is a young lady I have fallen for and she is deaf, I'd like to be able to have a decent conversation with her and think it's only polite for me to learn at least a little sign language.
What's the best way to learn? Is sign language as hard to learn as a spoken language?
All serious answers welcome, thank you!
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The easiest thing for you to do if you're just starting out is to buy sign language study cards. You can find them at almost any school supply store that would sell things for young children such as maths study cards or spelling study cards. You may think you're much too old for such methods, but believe me, it will help a lot.
It's essential to learn your alphabet first since you'll actually need to use it when forming some (but not all) words, such as the word for cousin. (Cousin would be the C hand, which is simply forming a C with your fingers, and shaking it lightly near your temple for Boy Cousin or shaking it near your chin for Girl Cousin)
If you do manage to get sign language study cards, most card packs will not only come with the alphabet, but also with phrases you'll need to know, such as "say," "hear," or "I need help."
After you have learned your alphabet, I suggest buying a Sign Language DVD or VHS tape that take you step-by-step through words for family members, words for rooms, or how to carry on a conversation.
You won't be able to sign very fast, and there will be some words you don't know, but if you know the alphabet, you can simply spell out those words instead and your lady companion (or whoever else you may be signing with) could show you the motion for the word.
I would say that sign language is much easier than learning a spoken language. It would be much easier to carry out a conversation using signs than if you were speaking a foreign language. Many signs have very obvious motions (such as the sign for 'hill' or 'baby'), so even if you're not great at it, you'll probably catch on very quickly.
Good luck.