The top 5 benefits of knowing American Sign Language

Sign Languages are full-fledged natural languages with their own grammar and lexicon. There are many sign languages around the world and “It takes more time to say a single word in ASL than to speak it in English, but the same amount of time to communicate an entire sentence!” Facial expressions along with finger spelling are key features for signing.

Deaf etiquette and sign languages use the visual-manual modality along with facial expressions to convey meaning. One of the most widely used for communication amongst the Deaf and Hard of hearing is the American Sign Language. There are almost 200 colleges or universities around the U.S. that accept ASL for their foreign language graduation requirement.

The need for American Sign Language speakers is continuing to rise as more companies are now hiring deaf or hard-of-hearing employees as part of their workforce. Set yourself apart from the other applicants and register for an ASL that is accredited by a CPD Group ensuring that all the activities adhere to the highest standards. This ensures that you are getting the best experience possible, with high-quality, engaging courses and integrate within the Deaf community by learning ASL online. Read on for the top five reasons to register for an ASL course today.

1- ASL communication with other communities 

There are more than one million people worldwide that use the American Sign Language today from all ages. At first it can be challenging just like any other new language, but don’t be discouraged as you will easily pick it up faster than you can imagine. Even though ASL is the main form of communication for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, as well as those with communication disorders. It is also useful for people with Apraxia of Speech, Cerebral Palsy, Autism and even Down syndrome. It can be used for infants and toddlers as well. 

2- Underwater Communication

For those that are lovers of underwater sports, you can communicate with a variety of scuba diving hand signals. Online Scuba Diving Hand Signal courses are available.  Comprehensive hand signals such as go left and right can come very useful while not being able to speak. Moreover, some emergency signals such as stuck, stung, tired along with marine life signals can save your life, hence verbal communication will not be possible! 

3- Communicate with Babies and Toddlers

Believe it or not babies and toddlers can begin to communicate faster than adults. Hence they can not “speak” almost from  birth. ASL for babies and toddlers can help parents communicate faster with their infants, even before they begin to speak. In addition, baby sign language is a specialized sign used to communicate with preverbal infants and toddlers. It can also increase the infant’s vocabulary and mental development along with improving parent-child relationships.

4- Receive Continuous Professional Development (CPD) credits

A famous quote states “The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.”  As 2020 and 2021 will be years to remember for online education, one can be up to date with continuous and professional development, while learning at their own pace. After all, we are what we learn! Some ASL courses offer a number of levels depending on your needs. Once you complete a course, you may receive accredited certification that will add value to your career and personal life.

5- Become more sensitive to body language

Our ancient ancestors used signs and body language to communicate before they were actually able to speak. We all use sign language in our everyday communication when we wave “hello” or “goodbye”. Consequently, those who sign language fluently use their eyes, face, hands and body. Therefore, the better you become at sign language the better you will be with non verbal cues, indispensable skill both at home and in the workplace.