12 Reasons to Learn ASL

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I was part of a sign language club, for a hot minute, while in high school. I quit because I found it hard, and I also didn’t think it was necessary to learn it because I didn’t know anyone that was deaf or hard of hearing. Jokes on me, right? Fast forward thirteen years, and now I am teaching myself sign language because my youngest son was born deaf. Man do I wish I had stayed in that club now.

My son is 10 months old now and he will be undergoing cochlear implant surgery right after his first birthday, so he will have access to sound, but I think it’s important to establish a secondary language as well. That is why I’m learning sign language.

Here are 12 reasons to learn American Sign Language:

  1. Meet new people and make new friends
  2. Speak through a closed window and still be understood
  3. Have private conversations in public
  4. Talk when your mouth is full
  5. Communicate easily underwater
  6. Accommodate better for deaf people
  7. Create visual stories
  8. Count to ten or higher on just one hand
  9. It’s a 3D language
  10. It’s unique and fun
  11. Get to know and understand others in the deaf community
  12. Enhance cognitive functioning

Additionally, learning a foreign language by yourself is not easy, so here are some suggestions on how to learn a new language by yourself:

  • Learn Systematically
  • Talk in that language from the first day you start learning
  • Listen and watch
  • Talk with a native of that language
  • Talk to/watch yourself
  • Make mistakes
  • Practice, daily.

There are a ton of free resources available to learn sign language, and there are also classes you can take to learn it as well.  I want to be an advocate for the deaf community and be a supporter of sign language.

Who wants to learn with me? I post videos, tips and pictures on my Instagram page: Beck’s Journey to Hearing almost daily.

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14 Comments

  2. Wow, I have never really thought too deeply about the benefits of learning sign language, with all of the points you have stated I’m convinced that it’s so important.

  3. I always wanted to learn sign language. Now I’m more eager to do it after reading your article. 🙂

  5. You went to the school , you quit and your son is born with it. Hope the surgery goes out well for this cute baby. Yes, it is important to learn this language and it’s indeed helpful.

  6. Great info. Both of my babies learned a few signs which were really helpful before they could talk.

  7. I think it is a wonderful idea to learn ASL and start early, one of my personal favorites is “Signing time” which is great for kids and adults alike.

  9. Great post on ASL! We don’t understand the value of sign language but it’s quite important to interact with people.

  10. My older daughter would agree with your post. She is graduating this Thursday with a major in Speech therapy and a minor with ASL. She is been teaching me.

  11. I think when you have a reason to learn its so much easier. I tried to learn back in college and for whatever reason I just could not pick it up. Love this though.

  12. I am an American living in Japan and I would love to learn JSL (Japanese sign language) as it is interesting.

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