How I am self-teaching myself ASL...

In my ASL class we use both the ABC book and the Signing Natural book
 
You know what I think? I think they are all helpful to an EXTENT... that's why I own them all, if you really wanna learn something you shouldn't limit yourself to ONE book or ONE DVD, you should use them all AND interact with deaf people as well, that's the only way you will learn it real well.
 
rabbit said:
...if you really wanna learn something you shouldn't limit yourself to ONE book or ONE DVD, you should use them all AND interact with deaf people as well, that's the only way you will learn it real well.
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Thanks for making that comment. It is obviously a recurring theme and a very valid point. Over time, I too will be acquiring more books and some DVDs. For now, I have what I have to start out with. The Internet videos have been a big help. But all of that taken together makes me understand why seeking out a friend or two to interact with using ASL is an absolute neccessity to improve my ASL in hopes of one day being somewhat fluent in the language.

:) Dave
 
I have "Learning American Sign Language" but I'm not to fond of it.
I also have taken one course locally and I'm enrolled in another.

I went to lifeprint.com and purchased their CD for less than $5 and it's well worth the money.

I get to practice from time to time in some of the schools in which I'm a substitute teacher.
I'm not fluent, and the kids help me out, and sometimes even make fun of me.

I use lifeprint's CD and ASLPRO.COM website but there are questions and things that need to be answered. Every area has their own way of doing things so I encourage anyone to seek out someone in their area from the Deaf community and practice. As with any language, without a native "speaker" you're going to get so far and hit a no passing point.
 
On the following website

About ASL

Karen Nakamura writes:

"There have been few textbooks describing ASL grammar (because it's so complex and hearing people still know so little of it), but the Gallaudet Green Book series (especially the teacher's edition) is quite useful."
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The series she is refering to can be found here:

The Green Books

greenbooks.jpg


Can anybody comment on the following text with respect to self-learning ASL?

"A Teacher's Resource Text on Grammar and Culture

This volume of the American Sign Language series explains in depth the grammar and structure of American Sign Language (ASL) while also presenting a description of the Deaf community in the United States. Written for teachers with minimal training in linguistics, it includes many illustrations, examples, and dialogues that also focus on specific aspects of the Deaf community.

ISBN 0-930323-84-X, 7 x 10 paperback, 488 pages, photographs, illustrations, diagrams, bibliography, glossary, index"
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It sounds like a good reference book that expands upon the finer points of ASL grammar. Does anybody have this in their library at home?

TIA! :) Dave
 
Self-learning ASL is somewhat difficult,,, It is best to learn from other deafies if you socialize with them all the times.. your ASL would improve...
 
Wheelin Rev said:

Can anybody comment on the following text with respect to self-learning ASL?

It sounds like a good reference book that expands upon the finer points of ASL grammar. Does anybody have this in their library at home?

TIA! :) Dave
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I have the entire Green Book series, including "A Teacher's Resource Text on Grammar and Culture". The grammar book was our textbook for my ITP linguistics class. It's very informative.

However, I can't really recommend self-learning ASL by itself. I strongly encourage you to find some Deaf individuals or groups to learn with.
 
I fully agree with seeking out other Deafies. I hope to attend a local Deaf Chat Coffee next month. I have E-mailed the contact person but have not heard from him recently. IIRC, I contacted him once to verify the E-mail address and he confirmed it. But subsequent E-mails to that address have gone unanswered. I'll probably stop by even if I don't get a confirmation that the group still meets.

I have met one of the members from here but we are in different cities. I hope to meet some more friends in my local area soon.

:) Dave
 
Reba said:
I have the entire Green Book series, including "A Teacher's Resource Text on Grammar and Culture". The grammar book was our textbook for my ITP linguistics class. It's very informative.
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Reba,

For the grammar book, does it "assume" that the reader has a PhD in English? I have to admit, when it come to some of the terminolgy, well actually MOST of the terminology, I have no clue. English was my worst subject. I got A's in mathematics and science but generally my grades bounced off the floor in English. :eek: LOL

Dave
 
SxyPorkie said:
Self-learning ASL is somewhat difficult,,, It is best to learn from other deafies if you socialize with them all the times.. your ASL would improve...
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absolutely, we do need to learn from doing. Practice makes perfect.

I get to work with Deaf kids about once a week in the schools, along with taking classes, I get some practice. I'd prefer to work with them every day. I have applied for a position that may help.

If we work together here it helps.

Do any of you have web cams? I have one, we could use them to communicate and share our signs.
I'm not too bad. I'm an intermediate level but can always use more practice.
 
Wheelin Rev said:
Reba,

For the grammar book, does it "assume" that the reader has a PhD in English? I have to admit, when it come to some of the terminolgy, well actually MOST of the terminology, I have no clue. English was my worst subject. I got A's in mathematics and science but generally my grades bounced off the floor in English. :eek: LOL

Dave
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No, you don't need a PhD in English to understand the ASL grammar book. :P

You do need to know basic grammatical terms and usage, such as subject and direct object, verb tenses, pronouns, singular and plural, noun and verb, adjective and adverb.

ASL grammar uses additional terms such as classifiers, directional verbs, and placement.

The book will explain each term and how to use it.
 
Thanks for the comments, Reba. I'll admit though, I can remember the term "past participle" but I know I would not be able to identify one even if it were highlighted in yellow. I might even have one in the post and not know it. :eek: LOL

dkf747, thanks for the offer.

Dave
 
Wheelin Rev said:
Thanks for the comments, Reba. I'll admit though, I can remember the term "past participle" but I know I would not be able to identify one even if it were highlighted in yellow. I might even have one in the post and not know it. :eek: LOL

dkf747, thanks for the offer.

Dave
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It does not matter if you had PHD in English... learning ASL.. is best if you socialize with deafies..... it has no english.... you have to understand better when you socialize with deaifes all the times.. you will learn...
 
SxyPorkie said:
...you have to understand better when you socialize with deaifes all the times.. you will learn...
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I hear you on that (no pun intended). Also, I like your biographical note. I grew up in Richmond and went to school in Blacksburg, if you can remember your days back east (you old fart). LOL

Dave
 
Wheelin Rev said:
I hear you on that (no pun intended). Also, I like your biographical note. I grew up in Richmond and went to school in Blacksburg, if you can remember your days back east (you old fart). LOL

Dave
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Wow.. I grew up in Richmond... it is small world...
 
I saw a book in Books-A-Million today, something like "Teach Yourself ASL in 24 hours". Yeah, right!
 
Reba said:
I saw a book in Books-A-Million today, something like "Teach Yourself ASL in 24 hours". Yeah, right!
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That series ("Teach Yourself Foo in 24 Hours") consists of 24 1-hour lessons. A bit silly/gimmicky, but the description on the book makes that clear. I'm not familiar with that book, but the other books in the series are about IT topics, and they tend to be well written.
 
ismi said:
That series ("Teach Yourself Foo in 24 Hours") consists of 24 1-hour lessons. A bit silly/gimmicky, but the description on the book makes that clear. I'm not familiar with that book, but the other books in the series are about IT topics, and they tend to be well written.
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try lifeprint.com

I ordered the CD for about $5 including shipping.

I have a book, as required from a course locally but I don't really like it.
Lifeprint.com is GREAT! This combined with ASLPRO.COM and practicing in the schools is good.
 
eliotj said:
try lifeprint.com

I ordered the CD for about $5 including shipping.

I have a book, as required from a course locally but I don't really like it.
Lifeprint.com is GREAT! This combined with ASLPRO.COM and practicing in the schools is good.
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I'm in a class now, and using Signing Naturally - I just wanted to point out that "in 24 hours" was not that outrageous a claim.
 
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