Where to learn sign language

A running list of places to learn ASL and other sign languages, crowdsourced from the Such a Lovely Red community. The notes come from people who’ve used them.

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Rach signing in front of a dark curtain

Before you pick one

Learn the sign language where you live.

Or the one used by the people you want to sign with. Sign language isn’t universal, and it doesn’t follow spoken language. The US and the UK both speak English, but ASL and BSL are completely different languages.

Learn from Deaf teachers.

Whatever you pick, learn from Deaf teachers where you can, and learn the culture along with the language. Most of this list is ASL. Other sign languages are near the end.

Learn a little with me

Short ASL lessons from my channels. Captions are on.

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Free self-paced courses and sites

  • Lifeprint (Bill Vicars) Free
    The most-recommended resource by far. Lessons, a dictionary, YouTube playlists and a Facebook group. People say the immersive classroom feel got them to real conversations with Deaf people.
  • Bill Vicars 30-Day ASL Challenge Free
    A structured 30-day starting point.
  • Oklahoma School for the Deaf Free
    Self-paced ASL I and II taught by Deaf instructors, open to anyone anywhere. Runs every fall and spring, so check the site for the next registration window. Praised for its Deaf culture content.
  • Start ASL
    Offers a free ASL 1 trial course. The full courses are paid.
  • NEA ASL learning resource
    Newly launched and aimed at educators.
  • SENSE Colorado
    Keeps a running list of ASL websites, apps, classes and resources.

Live online classes

  • ASL Pinnacle (Jason Gervase)
    One of the most-recommended in the thread. Deaf teacher, four levels, small live online classes. His YouTube videos explain the differences between signs and common learner mistakes.
  • Queer ASL
    Based in Canada, with online classes open elsewhere. Good reviews for ASL 101 and 102.
  • ASL with Destiny
    Paid 30-minute sessions signing with a Deaf person, plus monthly classes. Great for getting past nerves if you don’t know any Deaf people.
  • Sign Language Center NYC (SLC)
    Zoom classes at all levels. Sessions are recorded so you can review them.
  • Signing Room Online
    Live Zoom practice with Deaf Language Models and peers at a similar level, across three levels.
  • ASL Spring
    Zoom practice sessions, all led by Deaf facilitators.
  • The ASL Shop
    Live Zoom classes, women-run.
  • Language Priority
    Live Zoom classes, women-run.
  • Canadian Hearing Services Canada
    Online classes from beginner up, all with Deaf instructors.
  • ASL with Tracy
    Recommended, with no review yet.
  • Trix Bruce
    Recommended, with no review yet.

In-person and local

  • Deaf Literacy Center Free Tampa Bay, FL
    Virtual and in-person classes with a Deaf teacher.
  • Chicago Hearing Society Chicago, IL
    Deaf-taught classes at $120 per course. The money funds free ASL for families of Deaf and DeafBlind people. Runs under the Anixter Center. Ask about classes at CHSLearn@anixter.org.
  • Community colleges Anywhere
    Check yours. Many offer classes.
  • State schools for the Deaf Anywhere
    Check yours. Many offer classes.
  • Local libraries and churches Anywhere
    Many host classes taught by local Deaf teachers.

Apps

  • Lingvano
    One of the most-mentioned apps. Made by Deaf creators, with practical content you can use right away. Some learners have used it for 1.5 to 2 years, and others use it only for review.
  • ASL Bloom
    Daily practice similar to Duolingo. The free tier includes almost every feature. A language teacher with a 100+ day streak loves it.
  • ASL Deafined Free with some library cards
    Good for practice. Free with a library card at some libraries, such as FCPL.
  • Sign School
    Mentioned by several people.
  • Mango Languages
    Includes ASL. A commenter who previewed it found it accurate, including its Deaf culture content.
  • Deaf Bible app
    For people who want scripture in ASL.

Dictionaries

YouTube and video content

Communities and practice groups

Families and kids

  • ASL at Home Free
    Free for families with Deaf and hard of hearing babies and young children.
  • ASL Virtual Academy
    Offers high school credit for teens, plus a cheaper exploratory option for younger kids and parents.

Other sign languages

Auslan is used in Australia, BSL in the UK and OGS in Austria.

Missing your favorite?

This list keeps growing. If a resource helped you, especially one taught by Deaf teachers, send it my way and I’ll add it.

Email hi@suchalovelyred.com
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