Sign language has grown to become a very popular skill, with many colleges, universities, and adult education centers now offering classes in the subject. Some elect to take it in order to communicate with a hearing impaired loved one, some because they fancy a career as an interpreter, and others simply because they feel it a necessary proficiency for people to have. However, not everyone interested in learning sign language has the time or money to enroll in a brick and mortar course; for them there is a very wide compendium of internet videos, websites, books, and DVDs to teach themselves at their own leisure. The majority of tools and resources available revolve around American Sign Language, or ASL, as it is the most prominent method. But hand signs for the hearing impaired exist in a multitude of other languages, though resources for those remain unfortunately more obscure. All listings here focus on ASL unless otherwise specified.
Videos
1. Teach Yourself Sign Language: Set to Pachelbel's Canon, this video offers a very quick introduction to the alphabets and numbers up to 20 in the lesser-known British Sign Language.
2. ASLearning's Channel: The ASLearning YouTube channel used to post one word a day in addition to videos on everyday vocabulary sets such as fruit.
3. SeeMeSign's Channel : SeeMeSign targets children, but adults wanting some easy mnemonics and visuals to remember words and phrases by may find something of use here as well.
4. Signing Time's Channel : Another channel aimed towards children, Signing Time nevertheless offers up an entertaining resource for adults hoping to learn sign language alongside their kids.
5. Expert Village's Channel : Expert Village specializes in educational videos of all types, and their prolific, intelligent, and comprehensive sign language instructions dominate YouTube.
6. My Wee Hands's Channel : For adults wanting to teach hearing-impaired children or simply learn sign language alongside their babies or toddlers, MyWeeHands caters mainly to their interests.
7. TWYHblog's Channel : An informative offshoot of the Talk With Your Hands blog, the YouTube channel offers tutorials in basic vocabulary as well as answers to frequently asked questions.
8. Color of Sign's Channel : Information on deaf culture and sign language protocol rounds out this channel, which also features some very straightforward tutorials.
9. soniahollis's Channel : Ms. Hollis only offers four videos on British Sign Language, which includes letters, numbers, greetings, and weather vocabulary.
10. BYUFanatic's Channel : Students at Westwood High School share what they know about sign language and deaf culture in the service of those wanting to learn more about the subject.
11. aderi9's Channel : A young woman who once aspired to minor in ASL offers three quick video lessons based on the two courses she has already completed.
12. ucfalum's Channel : This channel offers some nice tutorials as well as narrated stories accompanied by ASL for those wanting to watch something at an advanced level.
13. GimmeLanguage's Channel : Along with the tutorials, techniques, conversations, and stories, GimmeLanguage's Channel also looks into Spanish and British sign language in addition to ASL.
14. weirdgreengirl92's Channel : The young lady hosting this channel mostly applies her talents to signing songs, but she does offer one of the rare instances of Spanish sign language.
Websites
15. American Sign Language & Spanish & English : Although this blog focuses on linguistics and the intersections between them, there are also many useful articles on sign language, body language, and semantics as well
16. A Basic Guide to ASL : Clicking an entry in this virtual dictionary takes viewers to an animation or video of the desired word.
17. Handspeak.com : This amazingly detailed site features tutorials and a dictionary as well as lessons in teaching babies sign language and articles on creative works for the hearing impaired.
18. ASL University : The ASL University remains one of the most respected, intelligent, and comprehensive resources on sign language available anywhere.
19. ASL Browser : Michigan State University's online dictionary contains thousands of entries on phrases and words as well as other relevant articles.
20. SIGNhear Communication Center : Three students created this site as a means of promoting ASL across the world, and the majority of content is aimed towards teenagers.
21. Deaf Missions : Some may object to the overtly religious content, but Deaf Missions provides resources for those interested in discussing their faith in sign language.
22. K8AIT Sign Language Dictionary : For those interested in learning aviation terms in ASL, this website provides an interesting service.
23. Medical ASL Phrases : Eileen K. Carpenter, MD provides a valuable list of medical phrases that may come in handy in an emergency.
24. Dr. Bill Vicars's American Sign Language Fingerspelling Practice Site : This websites allows visitors to practice their fingerspelling comprehension with an animated quiz.
25. ASL in VMRL : Convert words into fingerspelling as well as look up dictionary entries on this small but useful site run by Texas A&M.
26. The Fingerspelling Page : Learn sign language via a word processor using these instructions on converting text into fingerspelling.
27. Deaf Culture Online : Though Deaf Culture Online does not offer any tutorials, it does provide excellent insight and context regarding ASL and its practitioners.
28. ASL Alphabet Coloring Pages : While most adults would not have much need for coloring book pages in both American and British sign language, the vocabulary words nevertheless provide some simple visuals to aid memory retention.
29. Sign Design : Beloved children's character Arthur and his friends offer some helpful, extremely simple advice and practice for those wanting to learn sign language alongside their children.
30. Start ASL :Along with ASL University, this site stands as one of the most detailed and dedicated resources on the internet; it also includes more information about the culture of the hearing impaired.
31. Sign-A-Lot : Informative downloads and an award-winning store offer many different resources for parents and children to study sign language side by side.
32. Teach Yourself American Sign Language : This Squidoo page provides a bevy of lessons as well as articles and videos of performers signing to songs and stories.
33. ASLPro.com : Several dictionaries, quizzes, and other exceptional tools comprise the majority of this site's content, which caters to the interests of adults and children separately.
34. Learning American Sign Language Online for FREE at Associated Content : Writer Idalia Benavides shares her journey learning ESL and shares some relevant, useful videos and articles.
35. About.com: Deafness : Those aspiring to teach themselves sign language will find a bevy of extremely edifying articles on not only learning the skill, but the context and culture in which it first formed.
36. International Bibliography of Sign Language : Search for information and bibliographies regarding sign language systems beyond British and American English through this exhaustive compendium.
37. Ethnologue : Learn how ASL and other verbal and nonverbal languages interact with one another through the very intriguing Ethnologue.
38. Gallaudet University Library : A world-renowned university for the hearing impaired, Gallaudet's extensive library hosts some of the most informative and updated research regarding sign language systems around the globe.
39. Signing Online : While their courses cost money, those strapped for cash can still appreciate some of the information to be found in their fingerspelling and number dictionaries.
40. Learning Sign Language at Suite 101 : Excellent articles and compendiums are available through Suite 101, though they themselves host no tutorials.
41. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders : This government website offers as many reliable resources and research materials as it can in order to encourage the proliferation of sign language.
42. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Abilities Home : The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Abilities provides a wide array of videos on vocabulary sets as well as information on legislation, career outreach and other relevant sociopolitical issues.
43. DeafMD : DeafMD hosts a staggering amount of resources pertaining to health and medical issues for the hearing impaired, posting video guidelines on how to discuss illnesses of every severity level.
44. Kenyan Sign Language : Play around on this intriguing website, which tells the compelling story of Peace Corps volunteers promoting awareness of Kenyan sign language and offers some videos of basic vocabulary words.
45. signFSIS : Advanced practitioners of sign language may want to test their skills against these Food Safety and Inspection Service videos.
46. abcteach : Download and print .pdf files of the ASL alphabet through this general interest education site.
47. Enchanted Learning : As a spiritual companion to the abcteach alphabet flash cards, Enchanted Learning offers a set with the numbers 0-9.
48. American Sign Language Worksheets :YourDictionary.com compiles information from across the internet in order to present useful, printable worksheets on ASL as well as information on creating personalized ones through a word processor.
49. Lesson Tutor : Three levels of twelve lessons each, warm-ups, and a dictionary round out the articles regarding deaf culture and body language protocol in this impressively comprehensive resource.
50. ASL deafind : ASL deafined does provide many paid services, but those wishing to learn ASL on a right budget may still benefit from their helpful, well-researched articles.
51. SignWriting for Languages : Learn more about sign languages used in other nations and take lessons in fingerspelling, grammar, symbology, and transcription through SignWriting for Languages.
52. ASL on the Web : Rather than the usual dictionaries, this website focuses more heavily on the oft-overlooked grammar aspect of ASL over vocabulary.
53. ASLinfo.com : ASLinfo.com stands as a precious resource for those considering interpretation as a career path or seek to work with the hearing impaired in another capacity.
54. American Sign Language (ASL) : An exhaustive compendium, this site organizes every website it can find to assist those pursuing ASL find anything they could possibly need.
Books:
While there are hundreds of books which teach students sign language, we have selected what we consider to be the best resources below.
55. Signing Illustrated Author: Mickey Flodin
Used by many instructors as a textbook in ASL classes, the newer revised edition is considered one of the quintessential books on the subject.
56. Talking With Your Hands, Listening With Your Eyes Author: Gabriel Grayson
With clear photographs and an extensive vocabulary listing, Grayson guides readers through ASL as well as addresses issues on deaf culture and awareness.
57. The American Sign Language Phrase Book Authors: Barbara Bernstein Fant, Lou Fant, Betty Miller
This fast, handy reference contains 500 of the most common phrases in ASL for those wanting to communicate with the hearing impaired.
58. Signing for Dummies Author: Adan R. Penilla II, Angela Lee Taylor
Inside the familiar yellow cover and its accompanying CD-ROM lay an invaluable, easy-to-follow guide to ASL, with phrases and historical contexts as well as the usual dictionary.
59. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Conversational Sign Language Illustrated Authors: Dawn Donohue, Carole Lazorisak
Also available via Kindle download, this book and partner DVD incorporate over 600 photos to help readers better visualize sign language.
60. Signing Everyday Phrases Author: Mickey Flodin
Written and illustrated by one of the most prolific ASL advocates, Signing Everyday Phrases focuses on vocabulary sets for everything from health emergencies to technology.
61. The Pocket Dictionary of Signing Authors: Rod R. Butterworth, Mickey Flodin
This book operates as a small, relatively portable way for those learning ASL to job their memory regarding basic phrasing and syntax when a computer is not available.
62. American Sign Language the Easy Way Authors: Jessalyn Little, David A. Stewart, Elizabeth Stewart
Along with the usual vocabulary lists and references, facial expressions and body language are also heavily emphasized.
63. Random House & Webster's Concise American Sign Language Dictionary Author: Elaine Costello
This thorough book operates as a relatively comprehensive ASL dictionary with some detailed, helpful illustrations accompanying the entries.
64. American Sign Language Dictionary, Third Edition Author: Martin L.A. Sternberg
For those desiring a point of reference beyond the computer, this book makes for another exhaustive dictionary brimming with helpful photos and illustrations.
65. The Joy of Signing: The Illustrated Guide for Mastering Sign Language and the Manual Alphabet Author: Lottie L. Riekehof
Two companion puzzle books, both by Riekehof as well, are also available to supplement this compilation of over 1500 entries.
66. The American Sign Language Puzzle Book, Vol. I & II Author: Justin Segal
Those hoping to teach themselves ASL would find plenty to keep their mind challenged and occupied with this series of games to help stimulate and educate.
67. Learn to Sign the Fun Way! Author: Penny Warner
Activities, games, and puzzles overflow from the pages, making Learn to Sign the Fun Way! an easy resource for adults and kids alike to interact with and really get to know ASL.
68. The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language Editor: Clayton Valli
An imprint of the revered Gallaudet University, this 656-page behemoth comes with a DVD and over 3,000 dictionary entries and illustrations.
69. Signing Naturally Student Workbook: Level 1, Expanded Edition Authors: Ella Mae Lentz, Ken Mikos, Cheri Smith
The first in a series of many more levels, this workbook full of lessons also comes with a DVD to complement and round out the text.
70. Learning American Sign Language: Levels I & II – Beginning & Intermediate (2nd Edition) Authors: Tom L. Humphries, Carol A. Padden
Readers can advance through to an intermediary level through this exhaustively comprehensive, but self-paced, resource.
71. The American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary Authors: Marianne Gluszak Brown, Richard A. Tennant
Practice ASL with this unique dictionary that organizes entries by handshape rather than letter. Readers interested in challenging themselves further may find the two supplementary flash card sets of particular note.
72. Barron's 500 Flash Cards of American Sign Language Author: Geoffery S. Poor
These flash cards make for an excellent, portable way for aspiring ASL practitioners to quiz themselves on the knowledge they have gained so far.
73. Basic Course in American Sign Language, 2nd Edition Authors: Tom Humphries, Carol A. Padden, Terrence J. O’Rourke
Many ASL instructors use this book as one of the texts for their classes, appreciating its blending of lessons with a history of deaf culture and its tenets.
74. Religious Signing: A Comprehensive Guide for All Faiths Author: Elaine Costello
While Costello's guide contains elements that could potentially offend some readers, her specialized volume works as a handy resource for those wanting to discuss religion and religious issues in ASL.
75. Signs of Drug Use: An Introduction to Some Drug and Alcohol Related Vocabulary in American Sign Language Author: James Woodward
ASL practitioners hoping to work in some sort of counseling capacity – or parents of hearing impaired children needing a method of talking to them about serious social issues – need to pick up a copy of this book.
76. Signs of Health: A Pocket Medical Sign Language Guide Author: Cath Smith
This book stands as a necessity for any of those hoping to use sign language in a medical capacity or anyone wanting a means of better communicating with the hearing impaired in the event of an emergency.
77. Signs of Sexual Behavior: An Introduction to Some Sex-Related Vocabulary in American Sign Language Author: James Woodward
Woodward specializes in these valuable resources on how to discuss difficult issues with the hearing impaired, and this title may prove valuable for counselors and concerned parents alike.
78. Linguistics of American Sign Language: An Introduction, 4th Edition Author: Ceil Lucas, Kristin J. Mulrooney, Clayton Valli
As a textbook, this amazingly detailed and thorough reference makes for one of the more informative ways for an individual to teach him- or herself ASL; it also comes with a DVD of homework assignments as well.
79. American Sign Language Green Books, A Student's Text Units 1-9 Author: Charlotte Baker-Shenk
Over 27 units comprise this series, with the first nine obviously targeting beginners. Emphasis lay on syntax and grammar more than vocabulary.
80. Numbering in American Sign Language: Number Signs for Everyone Editor: Dawn Sign Press
Most books tend to focus more on the alphabet, words, and phrases in sign language, but this one concerns itself exclusively with how to properly express numbers in ASL.
81. Reading Between the Signs: Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters, 2nd Edition Authors: Thomas K. Holcomb, Daniel Langholtz, Anna Mindess, Priscilla Poynor Moyers
Those desiring to pursue a career in interpreting or other work with the hearing impaired must read through this vital resource, which discusses the deaf culture and history in extensive detail as well as offering advice on communication between two worlds.
82. Sign Language Interpreting: Exploring Its Art and Science Authors: Brenda E. Cartwright, Jerome D. Schein, David A. Stewart
Nobody would argue that sign language is a skill combining elements of art and cognitive science, and this book explores how the two interact in the construction and evolution of ASL.
83. It’s Not What You Sign, but How You Sign It: Politeness in American Sign Language Author: Jack Hoza
So many books, dictionaries, and other resources focus so heavily on vocabulary and grammar that simple but powerful aspects such as body language and facial tics go entirely overlooked.
84. What's Your Sign for Pizza: An Introduction to Variation in American Sign Language Authors: Robert Bayley, Ceil Lucas, Clayton Valli
Unlike most ASL references on the market, this one focuses on regional differences in sign language, such as the use of "pop" instead of "soda" or "coke."
DVDs & CD-ROMs
85. Idioms & Phrases in American Sign Language, Vols. 1-5 : All five DVDs narrow in specifically on idioms, figurative language, expressions, and other phrases common amongst the hearing impaired community.
86. American Sign Language for Kids and Adults, Vols. 1-2 : For parents and children wanting to pick up ASL together, this resource caters to both audiences without isolating the interests of one or the other.
87. American Sign Language: Learning System : A two-DVD set, the American Sign Language: Learning System is divided into five parts to show viewers the basics.
88. Webster's Getting Started in Signing : Already publishers of many ASL dictionaries, Webster's expands its offerings to DVD-based lessons for those desiring something more animated than a book.
89. American Sign Language Interpreter Training : Because its target audience includes professional interpreters and those seriously considering it as a career, lessons in this multivolume series are a bit more intensive.
90. The Rosa Lee Show : American Sign Language Storytelling, Video, Poetry, & Music : Host Rosa Lee whisks viewers away on an artistic exploration of how ASL incorporates music, storytelling, art, poetry, and literature into its fold.
91. American Sign Language Everyday Words : Activities & Events : The majority of this DVD's content revolves around vocabulary words related to holidays, events, projects, activities, and events.
92. The American Handshape Dictionary DVD : Brown and Tennant translate their book's content to DVD format, retaining its unique structure.
93. I Want to Learn Sign Language, Vols. 1 & 2 : Both volumes cater more to children than adults, using skits to help embed the information in a viewer's memory.
94. Basic Sign Language : This quick and easy DVD only lasts 43 minutes, but it contains a wealth of information for the time-crunched ASL student.
95. Signing Made Easy! : How to Talk to a Person Who Can't Hear : Clocking in at around an hour, Signing Made Easy! teachers viewers the alphabet and a vocabulary of around 300 common words.
96. Sign Language for Everyone : Within this two-DVD set lay an informative, relatively intensive introduction to the basics of ASL, including reviews and practices.
97. Say It by Signing : Respected ASL author and interpreter Elaine Costello offers some tips and tricks for more advanced sign language scholars.
98. American Sign Language Dictionary Platinum Edition : This CD-ROM, compatible with Windows ME, 98, and 95, offers a virtual online ASL dictionary in moments of sparse or nonexistent internet connections.
99. Sign Language DVD Series : Over 40 DVDs comprise this extremely intensive series, which covers nearly every aspect of sign language imaginable.
100. Signing Time : An extensive children's series, these DVDs cover the fundamentals of sign language in an easy, fun manner.
No matter the target audience or proficiency level of practitioners, all of these sign language resources – American, British, Spanish, or otherwise – have something to offer those seeking to learn its nuances. Regardless of motivation, those who lack the time or money required to attend regular classes now have the tools to teach themselves sign language and attain this desired, and extremely valuable, skill.
