want to be a part of theDeaf community?

It sounds like you are just about ready to get out and start meeting some Deaf people! One of the most essential parts of learning any language is immersion-- in the language and the culture of native users. But, for newbie Signers, this can be a tricky proposition.

First, know that not all signing is ASL. The term "ASL" is used WAY too loosely. You need to embrace the fact that ASL is not based on English. (We do not simply trade Signs for English words. ASL is far more complex than that!) We use many English words, but we do not use them as you do. For one thing, we do not use English sentence structure.

Learn the alphabet. Equip yourself with some basic pleasantries. (NOT UNDERSTAND, DON'T KNOW, STUDENT, NEW, YES, NO, OKAY, NICE-MEET-YOU, MY/YOUR NAME, THANK YOU, WATCH, et caetera.)

For reliable information, go to http://lifeprint.com/ Take a few virtual classes. Pay careful attention to ASL syntax. (Bear in mind that some of what you will find there is regional. You must always get local Deaf-adult approval for every Sign that you want to use.) Read my other posts to get a sense of what ASL is and isn't. Read all that you can find about Deaf etiquette so that you don't inadvertently offend. Google Deaf + etiquette. You can read prefaces in ASL books, about etiquette, without having to buy them.

Then go to some Deaf events, Socials, clubs, and Deaf and interpreted churches. Look for schools with Special Ed. programmes for Deaf children. Teachers (grammar, middle, and high school) generally know lots of Deafs, Terps (Interpreters), and other Signers. You might be able to volunteer in the classroom. (Some classes are desperate for help!) Call local colleges to see if they offer ASL. If they do, they will likely have Sign Clubs and other events. Meet as many people as you can. Every person whom you meet can lead you to others.

Make it a point to meet some Terps. See if one would be willing to teach or start a volunteer storytelling event at your library or church-- or something like that. Then advertise in the community. Some Terps like to do stuff like that. And student-Terps need field hours for credit.

Check http://deafcoffee.com/ to see if there is a Deaf Coffee Chat in your area.

Google:

Deaf + your city

Deaf + news + your city

Deaf + Social/s + your city

Deaf + event/s + your city

ASL + your city. (Insiders say ASL-- not "Sign Language")

Deaf + church + your city

Interpreter/s + Deaf + your city

Interpreter/s + ASL + your city

Use the largest city that is near you first. You can go there, find larger crowds, meet people, and ask who lives closer to your home. Traveling thirty miles, each way, to meet people is typical in Deaf world.

When I move to a new area, this is how I begin the hunt. It takes time. Keep at it.

When you enter Deaf world, be mindful that you are in a foreign and very unique culture. You are a guest. Always tread lightly. Leave your language, your voice, and your Hearing ways at the door. Defer to Deaf traditions. Don't expect for Deafs to be thrilled that you are there. At first, you just want to be tolerated. Don't be a burden. Don't ask for help. Don't look to anyone to Sign slower, repeat, voice, write, explain things, or otherwise accommodate you. Deafs are there to socialize with their friends; they didn't volunteer to be your teachers. You might find one willing soul who will OFFER to guide you a bit. But, basically, you have to be brave; you're on your own.

Books and DVDs are not good resources for learning ASL. First, ASL is highly regional. The foremost rule of Deaf world is to Sign as local Deafs do. The second consideration is that Signs are not static. What you see in media must be modified in order to communicate properly. Too, books rarely teach proper ASL syntax. Showing-up, Signing in foreign ways, is not going to get you accepted. There are TONS of books and DVDs on the market that claim to be about ASL-- when they are not Signing as Deafs Sign. They use strong English influences. They also tend to be very expensive. Unless you can get previews, I would not waste the money. Re-post a question about media, and I will recommend a couple of good books.

Youtube is fine, IF you can find Deafs. Much of what is there is English and/or students who are grossly inept. Always be careful who you copy! Deafs will not accept "outside" Signing. (Search for Deaf + ASL. [Insiders don't say "Sign Language".]) Re-post a second question about youtube, and I will link you to some good ones. (Know that Yahoo!Answers does not allow one to attach many links.)

Get out and meet some locals. They will be able to direct you to what is happening in your area so that you can learn the right way-- according to local customs. That is how ASL has been handed down over generations. Deaf is a microcosm. Everyone knows each other. It is said, "Deaf small world"!

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To "Q & A MAN": Your argument is not very legitimate. When a lady has conceived a baby, the youngster, of direction, is not instantly totally grown. It begins off as a fetus with out all the physically approaches that you just might see in a human. Also, even if the baby is born, it maintains to develop. The baby even finally ends up with extra bones than it as soon as had; designated capabilities of an toddler's mind get weaker as they grow older too since they become being out of date. As we develop, our cells continually multiply inflicting us to get bigger in measurement, so the speculation that all of us began from a unmarried celled organism is not too a ways fetched. Not to say, plenty of microorganisms that purpose ailment evolve as our treatment will get extra complicated. It's all approximately the organism adapting in order that it may be forward of the sport and insure the continuation of the species. EDIT: Another factor that I forgot to say is that our "layout" is not even ideal. We're inclined to mutations and ailments. Also a few components of the frame don't seem to be fairly indispensable; there are a few matters that our our bodies cannot evidently get well from as good. Now to the query: The simplest side of the 'God thought' that turns out fair is the "allow there be mild" factor. Maybe this was once probably the massive bang. Maybe this universe was once created by chance by way of a few shrewd beings or a few average happening phenomenon. Perhaps it is going to occur once more. The thought of an all-powerful being has quite simply advanced with mankind through the years to give an explanation for what could not be defined. Even now after we cannot provide an explanation for whatever we accomplice it with matters that we're already accustomed to.

I have two cousins who sign. One was telling us that ASL users use web cams to chat.

I would think, as with any social group, if you make one close friend you will meet hers.

As far as I know about Deaf Culture is a visit is is a visit. Till the cows come home.

Individuals are the essence of any group, so if you are disconnected with each then you are disconnected with the group, but if you have one friend you are in.