The Challenging, But Effective Way to Learn American Sign Language (ASL)

Learning ASL, like any language, requires commitment, consistency, and immersion. Here’s a proven method to inspire your journey toward fluency in ASL.

The optimal Strategy

In learning ASL, complete immersion in the language from day one is key. If you’re able, attending a Deaf event or spending time in a Deaf community can provide invaluable practice in ASL from the start. Here’s how to make the most of this strategy:

1. Learn Basic Signs and Fingerspelling: Begin with a phrasebook or an ASL learning app to familiarize yourself with basic signs, greetings, and fingerspelling.
2. Commit to Only Signing: From day one, aim to communicate solely through ASL, resisting the urge to rely on spoken language. This forces you to use ASL to express even the simplest ideas.
3. Use Visual Dictionaries and ASL Videos: When you encounter unknown signs, consult a visual ASL dictionary or watch video resources to learn. Many online resources provide free and accessible ASL signs.
4. Hire an ASL Tutor or Practice Partner: Working with a fluent ASL tutor or an experienced Deaf signer will provide practice and help you understand the nuances of the language. It’s ideal to find someone willing to help you exclusively in ASL.

Many learners make the mistake of delaying their ASL practice, thinking they should wait until they feel more prepared. But, just as with spoken languages, starting to sign from day one helps reinforce the language in a natural context. The purpose of committing to ASL-only from the beginning is to shape an immersive environment early on, where you’re naturally “forced” to learn and adapt in real-time.

The Second-Best Strategies

Not everyone has access to Deaf events or a fully immersive ASL environment. Here’s how to create a similar effect on your own:

1. Situation #1: You Can’t Attend Deaf Events Regularly
2. Partner with someone who is also learning ASL. You can agree to meet up virtually or in person to communicate solely in ASL once a day. Although your partner may not be a native signer, the practice helps both of you reinforce vocabulary and grammar in real conversation.
3. You may also join online ASL communities, like forums or social media groups, where you can participate in ASL-only chats or video calls. Aim to set specific times each day or week for these immersive sessions.
4. Situation #2: You Don’t Have an ASL Partner
5. In this case, consider hiring a tutor through online platforms that offer ASL instruction, or join language exchange groups where ASL is practiced. Many tutors are available at various price points. For maximum immersion, explain to your tutor your intent to sign exclusively in ASL to ensure they will support this immersive approach.
6. Situation #3: You Only Have a Few Hours per Week
7. If you have limited time, maximize the hours you do have by planning ASL-only sessions in advance. ASL videos, interactive lessons, and practice with a tutor can make this time effective. Even short sessions are productive when they involve consistent ASL interaction.

How Much Preparation Should I Do Before Signing?

Many people delay signing because they’re uncomfortable using ASL imperfectly. But avoiding signing until you feel “ready” can significantly delay your progress. To ease the transition, consider beginning with 10–15 hours of ASL video practice or taking a beginner class to learn a foundational vocabulary set. However, the real learning happens when you engage in actual conversations, so don’t worry if you don’t feel completely prepared — just start signing!

What Kind of Preparation Should I Do?

When preparing, focus on beginner-friendly ASL resources, such as video lessons, flashcards, or ASL dictionaries that emphasize conversation over grammar drills. If I were learning ASL from scratch, I’d combine 50% conversational practice through video chats or in-person meetups, and 50% with beginner resources like online ASL tutorials or fingerspelling drills.

Remember, any preparation should supplement, not replace, your ASL practice. If you avoid real conversation, you miss the chance to practice comprehension and expression in real-time.

Sticking to Signing in ASL with Limited Vocabulary

Signing from zero can feel awkward. Here’s a simple way to start:

1. Begin by fingerspelling words you don’t yet know in ASL. Many Deaf signers are used to reading fingerspelling for words outside of core ASL vocabulary.
2. If you’re signing to someone and get stuck, gesture or look up a video resource together. In ASL, gesture and body language are essential and can help clarify meaning.
3. Practice basic phrasal structures and simple sentences like “I like…” “Do you want…” to gain confidence.

The biggest challenge is overcoming the social discomfort of signing without fluency. Seek a partner who is supportive or who understands the value of this immersive approach, as the wrong tutor or partner can limit your progress.

Should I Do Anything Other Than Just Signing?

While signing should be at least 50% of your practice, you can supplement with grammar practice or vocabulary building on your own. For example, if you find classifiers or fingerspelling challenging, you might benefit from drill exercises or flashcards specifically for these areas.

I’m Nervous About Signing; What Else Can I Do?

Other approaches, such as passive ASL video watching, can help, but they tend to be less effective than interactive practice. The advantage of live conversation is that the person you’re communicating with can modify their signs to fit your understanding.

Concluding Remarks

The best strategy for learning ASL is immersion — attending Deaf events or practicing with Deaf or experienced signers. If that’s not possible, prioritize time in ASL through partner practice or online ASL communities. With consistent signing practice, you’ll progress faster and more naturally than with passive study alone. Remember, it’s okay to start imperfectly — the key is to sign consistently.