How Long Does It Take to Learn Sign Language?

Learning Sign Language is enjoyable, and you can master it conveniently. However, you may be wondering how long does it take to learn sign language?

The simple answer is that it varies. Everyone comprehends language at a different pace and with a distinct learning approach. Similarly, there are no exceptions when it comes to learning sign language. As a result, learning sign language may take less time for you than other students and vice versa.

Usually, learning sign language could take around three months to three years, but being proficient can demand years of continuous study and practice.

What Is American Sign Language (ASL)?

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual or symbolic format of language composed of hand and body gestures and movements. There are numerous advantages associated with learning sign language, one of which is becoming a part of the rich Deaf community. 

Gaining expertise in any new language and complexity is highly dependent on the learners’ learning approach and type of teaching. However, for a competent and engaged learner, grasping a sign language shouldn’t be as challenging as learning a new verbal language.

How Long Does It Take to Learn American Sign Language?

Learning fundamental American Sign Language (ASL) can be accomplished in as little as 60-90 hours.

In contrast, this could take approximately 6 (3 – credit) ASL courses spread out over two to three years to go from beginner to intermediate proficiency. Again, it could require another two years of ASL/English interpretation instruction to achieve intermediate fluency.

How Challenging Is It to Learn Sign Language?

Learning sign language entails learning a completely new style of communication. ASL is a visual language. People express themselves by moving their hands and bodies. Learning an entirely new vocabulary might be tricky, depending on how the student learns. Some people may find that learning from an instructor is more comfortable than studying through online videos and vice versa.

Advanced levels present increasingly complicated issues, such as sentence construction and grammar. Students will have to devote more time and effort to these programs.

On the other hand, beginner classes should be easy for those who are just getting started. Learning sign language should be as tough as picking up a new spoken language if the student is committed.

How Long Does It Take to Learn ASL Yourself?

As discussed, learning the fundamentals of ASL can take between sixty and ninety hours; however, this is only an estimate. When speaking ASL, you must be familiar with 26 hand signals or gestures. The time required to learn all these things differs from individual to individual.

To participate in a conversation, you must also learn facial expressions and 19 different hand forms. It can only be accomplished by conversing with deaf people. It is not usually possible to teach yourself ASL because you need to communicate with another person.

Formal talks necessitate a great deal of practice as well as professional coaching. But besides this, newcomers could begin by teaching themselves the ASL alphabet.

Who Needs to Learn Sign Language?

Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals use sign language as their primary means of communication. Many people are interested in learning sign language because they have Deaf or hard-of-hearing relatives or friends.

Likewise, many parents of infants and toddlers who are still learning to talk are getting more interested in sign language. In addition, some professions, such as police officers and scuba divers, employ sign language as a covert means of communicating.

Where Can You Learn Sign Language?

You can study American Sign Language using numerous applications and Courses that are available online. However, having a certified sign language trainer is preferable since they will provide you guidance and criticism relating to their professional experience.

Conclusion

It takes quite a bit of effort and time to learn Americal Sign Language. However, your proficiency is only bound to rise over practice, and communicating will become more natural.

It’s hard to say how long it takes you to learn ASL, but put together a plan for yourself and strive hard to attain it, whether you want to be capable of communicating in ASL or sign fluently in work settings.