| There are many people that are interested in learning | | | | DVD in order to begin learning how to sign. Most |
| sign language. They want to do this not only to be | | | | people start out with learning the alphabet so that |
| able to communicate with the deaf community, but | | | | they are able to spell out words in a pinch. While this |
| also to be able to use it in their business practices. If | | | | can help you to get started, it is not really good |
| you are able to talk with the deaf using sign language | | | | etiquette to spell everything out when you're signing |
| then you will be able to offer them your services and | | | | to someone who is deaf. After you are proficient at |
| help them as necessary. Although this seems like it is | | | | using the alphabet then you will need to begin learning |
| a shallow goal, many of those in the deaf community | | | | some of the words and their associated signs. You |
| would welcome someone taking the initiative to learn | | | | can easily begin learning these signs over your lunch |
| sign language for this reason. If you have a large | | | | hour. By only trying to learn a few select signs every |
| population of deaf people in your area, and most | | | | day, you will be able to retain them easier. You will be |
| areas do, then this is typically a market that is totally | | | | very surprised at how quickly you are able to begin |
| untapped. According to U.S. Census records, one out | | | | to communicate. |
| of every 250 people in the United States is | | | | Another way to begin learning sign language quickly is |
| functionally deaf. There are many more that have | | | | to start communicating with the deaf as soon as you |
| serious hearing impairments and use sign language on | | | | take up learning it. You do not need to have a large |
| a regular basis to communicate. Not being able to | | | | vocabulary in order to begin conveying thoughts, and |
| speak with these people is simply leaving business on | | | | the person that you are talking with will generally help |
| the table, and not many of us can afford to do that. | | | | you to be able to learn more when necessary. It also |
| Here is an easy way that you can begin learning sign | | | | helps, as American Sign Language is not a word for |
| language over your lunch hour. | | | | word language. It is often necessary to convey a |
| Learning sign language is not like learning a foreign | | | | thought in as small amount of signs as possible. This |
| language. In actuality, it is English, but you are using | | | | is especially important when you are translating and |
| your hands in order to convey the thoughts. When | | | | need to keep up with someone that may be |
| learning a foreign language you are able to use CDs | | | | speaking very fast. So while it is not totally simple to |
| or cassette tapes while you are driving your car. | | | | learn sign language, is much easier than taking up a |
| Since sign language is a visible language you will need | | | | foreign language. It will also help you to serve a need |
| to have the use of either a book or a sign language | | | | that you may find in your community. |