Learning Sign Language

[Chillum]

My wife is interested in learning sign language for the deaf, especially with an emphasis on babies and young children.
Has anyone any experience and tips on the best way of learning. e.g. are on-line/video courses any good, or does it need to be learned person-to-person. Who or where would be the best places to start with?
Thanks.

[Sammy Snake]

I am currently learning BSL and go to college in the evenings once a week.  I would say this is definately the best way to learn, don't try teaching yourself with video courses, different people sign in slightly different ways and usinga  video you wouldn't get to see this properly

The college I attend also runs the course during the day at local community centres so maybe there is something like this where you live if your wife is unable to go in the evenings.

I initially started when work ran a 10 week 'Introduction To Sign Language' course and I saw it as a way of getting out of work for two hours a week.  I found it really interesting so continued  and have just started my level 2.

[Sammy Snake]

Try this website www.forestbooks.com  they specialise in books and vidoes relating to deaf issues but they sell loads of videos and books that are good for people starting out with signing and stuff for children too.

[Hermia]

Try your library for books and videos so you can see how you get on without shelling any money out.

[Octavius]

I have learnt some by book, but the best way is to do a BSL course at your local nightschool/college.  The competiton used to be fierce though, so you need to get in quick.

As a supplement to the course, your wife should think about volunteering at an activity group or day centre for children/adults who use sign language.  But get some basics first, and then visit places to offer help.

[Jules001]

I learnt BSL at a college in the evenings and would say that this is the best way to do it. You really can't pick up the signs well enough from a picture as a lot of signs involve movement of hands rather than just a gesture, if you know what I mean. Also a lot of the tutors are deaf themselves so can give you more insight about being deaf than a hearing person obviously can.

[BillyBB]

I did BSL stage 1 at nightschool, it was great and free too. My tutor was deaf and handed out useful reference sheets. Only thing that surprised me was the difference in signing similar to regional accents.

[Chillum]

Thanks all, very useful.