The focus of this week’s post is an important one: American Sign Language apps and other learning resources for ASL students. Once you’ve made the decision to learn ASL so that you can communicate with Deaf customers, coworkers, friends, or family, you’ll probably turn to Google or the app store on your mobile device looking for assistance.
A quick search of ‘ASL,’ ‘American Sign Language,’ or ‘sign language’ will populate a plethora of apps, videos, and websites. Unfortunately, it can be tough to figure out which resources will work best for you, and getting started can be overwhelming.
No need to fret! Here’s a run down of a few resources that might work for your learning style.
Is There a Free Way to Learn ASL?
There are several ways to learn ASL for free:
- One way is to find a local meetup group or club where you can practice with other signers.
- You can also find many free online resources, such as videos, lessons, and quizzes.
- Additionally, there are a number of free apps that can be downloaded to help you learn ASL.
- Finally, your local library may also have resources available for loan.
By taking advantage of these free resources, you can begin to learn ASL without spending any money. And don’t forget about trying a learn American sign language app, either!
Another great option? Consider working with an American sign language tutor. They’ll have all the resources and tools you need to start your journey off on the right foot. Find out more here and check out the video below for even more tips and tricks to help you learn this fun, useful language:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1desDduz5M
What is the Best Free Website to Learn Sign Language?
If you’re interested in learning sign language, there are a number of different ways to go about it. You could take a class, hire a tutor, or purchase a sign language course online or in person.
However, these methods can be expensive, and not everyone has the time or money to commit to them. Luckily, there are a number of free websites that can help you learn sign language at your own pace.
American Sign Language University
One of the best things about American Sign Language University is that it offers a comprehensive curriculum for those who want to learn sign language. The website features lessons on everything from the basics of signing to more advanced topics like grammar and vocabulary.
In addition, there are also quizzes and games to help you review what you’ve learned. American Sign Language University is completely free to use, and it’s a great resource for those who want to learn sign language online.
This website also has one of the best apps to learn American sign language as well – something we’ll tell you about in more detail below!
Signing Savvy
Signing Savvy is another great website for those who want to learn sign language online. One of the unique things about Signing Savvy is that it includes over 64,000 signing videos in its database.
This makes it one of the largest collections of signing videos available online. In addition to the videos, Signing Savvy also includes quizzes and games to help you review what you’ve learned.
The website also has a feature that allows users to create their own custom signing dictionaries. Signing Savvy is free to use, but there is also a paid subscription option that gives users access to additional features.
What Are the 3 Types of ASL?
American Sign Language is a beautiful and expressive form of communication that has been used by the deaf community in the United States for over 200 years.
While ASL is a complex language with its own grammar and syntax, it is commonly divided into three main types: Old, Modern, and Two-Handed. Let’s take a closer look at each type so that you can find the American sign language learning app that’s right for you.
Old ASL
Old ASL is sometimes referred to as “ASL Zero” or “Original ASL.” It is the first form of ASL that was developed in the early 19th century by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, who is considered the father of deaf education in America. Old ASL was heavily influenced by French Sign Language (FSL) and incorporated many signed words from FSL into its lexicon. However, over time, Old ASL began to diverge from FSL as deaf people in the United States developed their own unique way of signing.
Modern ASL
Modern ASL is the most common form of ASL used in America today. It began to develop in the mid-19th century as Old ASL started to diverge from FSL. By the early 20th century, Modern ASL had emerged as its own distinct language with its own grammar and syntax. While Modern ASL shares many similarities with Old ASL, there are also some significant differences between the two languages.
Two-Handed ASL
Two-Handed ASL is a variation of Modern ASL that uses both hands to create signs. This form of signing was developed in the 1970s by Dr. William Stokoe, who is considered the father of modern day Signed English. Two-Handed ASL employs a combination of one-handed signs from Modern ASL and two-handed versions of those same signs. This form of signing is often used by people who are new to learning ASl or who are struggling to grasp the concepts of one-handed signing.
Best American Sign Language Apps & Resources
Are you looking for some great American Sign Language (ASL) apps and resources? When it comes to ASL, there are a few different ways to learn the language. You can attend classes, hire a tutor, or even use certain apps and websites.
Looking for the best app to learn American sign language? Here are some of the best apps and other resources.
THE ASL APP
THE ASL APP was an easy choice for favorite app. It is hands down, or should I say ‘hands up,’ the number one most useful resource for beginners learning ASL.
The app was created by three Deaf siblings and their friend; all four graduates of Gallaudet University. This app is easy to navigate and it’s fun to use. It was designed to be more than a simple sign dictionary. This app has several categories of videos (i.e., Know Your ABC’s, Know Your Numbers, Universal Gestures, Handshape Exercises, and The Basics) that can be downloaded for free.
Because of this, it is perhaps the best American sign language free app out there.
This is a great start for someone who is interested in learning, but not sure how much of an investment they want to make. For learners committed to continuing their ASL development, more videos are available for purchase for a flat rate, one-time payment of $9.99.
These additional videos (i.e., More Basic Signs, Looking Good Today, Mood Swings, Life of the Party, Dining & Signing, Foodies Rejoice, The Wilderness Beckons, Great Timing, Dollar & Signs, Country Name Signs, Colors, Nyle’s Sampler, Sign That! with Nyle, Celebrations, Family Signs, Family Milestones & Life Events, Pop Culture & Social Media, Sign & Vote, All About Sports, Education, Higher Education, and LGBT & Pride Signs) provide learners with more than ASL basics at a low price.
This app includes a diagram of the ASL alphabet and numbers 1-10. It also provides a slow motion function, and the option to tag favorite videos. Further, there is a great search function that will guide you to the videos that include the terms you are interested in learning. When you use THE ASL APP, you are learning from native users and supporting the Deaf community.
Hand Talk Translator
This app is an animated sign dictionary with an incredibly high rating. As a dictionary, this app will provide you with a sign (for most words). All you have to do is type single words into the ‘type here to translate’ box. The speed of the animation has three settings: slow, normal, and max. The slow speed might be helpful for beginners. You can spin the animation 360 degrees. This allows you to view the signs from the sides and rear. The user can choose between two animated characters, Hugo or Maya. There is also the option of paying for credits to buy different backgrounds and clothing for the animated characters, an interactive and motivational function for young learners.
Unfortunately, animation is not equal to the human experience; especially that of a native Deaf signer. The animation does not hold his hand still or in the correct position in front of the body when fingerspelling, which can mislead beginners. For example, the images below demonstrate the variation in hand position when fingerspelling.
There are also times when the animation doesn’t know the sign, in which case it fingerspells the word. For example, the word ‘medication’ was translated to M-E-D-I-C-A-T-I-O-N rather than the actual sign. When signing phrases or sentences, the animation sometimes has errors in grammar and sign choice. Also, this app has short ads.
Overall, the app claims to be for social purposes and not necessarily language learning, which could be beneficial in some social settings. The website for Hand Talk has a blog with information and videos about being a Deaf ally, digital accessibility, inclusion, and helpful tips. If you choose to use this app, use it with caution. Keep in mind that it is not perfect, but can be helpful and fun.
Dr. Bill Vicars’ American Sign Language (ASL) Fingerspelling Website
This website is simple and has one purpose: to test your receptive ASL fingerspelling skills. If you’ve learned the ASL alphabet and are ready to work on your receptive skills, this is the site for you. The user chooses the number of letters per word and speed. The website also keeps score as you submit answers.
There are links to other websites with more activities as well, which makes this a great resource. The extra links found on this page are: (1) Common Letter Combinations, (2) Spell This to Me, (3) ABC Slideshow, (4) Sign Language Charts (Fingerspelling), (5) American Sign Language (ASL), and (6) Fingerspelling Font. The American Sign Language (ASL) link takes you to a site with an ASL dictionary, videos, ASL lessons, and more! The fingerspelling font can be downloaded in a ttf file and looks like the image below, which says “This is an example of Gallaudet type font.” If you’d like to type a message in the fingerspelling font, this will be of interest to you.
Like the creators of THE ASL APP, Dr. Bill Vicars is also Deaf, so you can rest easy knowing that the material was created by a native ASL user.
ASLU – American Sign Language University
This website is run by Manny Hernandez, who is a certified teacher of ASL. On the website, you will find various lessons, quizzes, fingerspelling exercises, games, and more. You can also sign up for a mailing list to receive ASL tips and resources straight to your inbox.
StartASL
This website offers an online course that contains 30 lessons. Each lesson builds upon the previous one and covers topics such as alphabet, numbers, colors, family members, animals, emotions, phrases, verbs, and more. The course also contains quizzes so that you can test your knowledge along the way.
Handspeak
This website is a great resource for learning ASL vocabulary words. You can browse the dictionary by categories such as food, animals, people, places, transportation, etc. There is also a section on common phrases that you may find useful in everyday conversations.
All in all, this is one of the best American sign language translator app options out there.
my smart hands
This website offers an online course as well as DVDs that you can purchase. The course covers lessons such as the alphabet, numbers 1-100, colors, family members, body parts, verbs & adjectives. There are also songs available on the website that are sung in ASL – these are great for kids who are just starting to learn the language!
What App is Best for Learning ASL?
For anyone looking to learn American Sign Language (ASL), there are a number of different apps available. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.
While all of the apps offer a similar basic experience, there are some important differences to consider. One key factor is the size of the app’s dictionary. A larger dictionary will obviously have more signs to learn, but it can also be overwhelming for beginners.
Another important consideration is the app’s approach to teaching ASL. Some apps focus primarily on memorization, while others use a more interactive approach. And finally, it’s also worth looking at the app’s overall design and user interface. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time using the app, so it should be easy and enjoyable to use.
This post could rattle on summarizing and reviewing the various and infinite ASL resources for learning ASL, but the three mentioned already are a great place to start. Those resources should keep you busy for at least a month.
The Hand Talk Translator is fun for young learners, even if imperfect. THE ASL APP and the American Sign Language (ASL) website include helpful practice tips, tutorials, videos for ASL students. So what’s stopping you? Start exploring these resources!
Magen Hom