Is Sign Language Hard to Learn?

Learning any new language takes time and practice, and the same applies to sign language. 

To master any sign language, you must learn individual signs first before you move on to more complicated sentences. 

That being said, learning sign language is a rewarding experience. It opens doors to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HOH) community. 

Note that there are different types of sign language. In this article, we will be talking about American Sign Language (ASL). 

ASL is its own sign language. It has its own rules of grammar and syntax. So, if you want to learn ASL, it will be a unique language-learning process.

So, is sign language hard to learn? American Sign Language, to be more specific. Read this article to find out.

Is ASL Hard to Learn?

Any language can be difficult to learn because the learning process depends on so many factors. 

The same can be said for learning American Sign Language (ASL).

ASL has its own grammar and syntax, which are different from English. This uniqueness can be both an exciting challenge and an obstacle. 

So, how much time and effort you will need to learn ASL depends on:

1. Your prior experience with language learning 
2. How much you practice
3. Your exposure to ASL
4. Your learning environment
5. Motivation and consistency

If you have experience learning other languages, you might find ASL easier to pick up. This is especially true if you have experience with visual or gestural languages.

Regular practice and exposure to native signers can significantly improve your learning experience. 

So, the more you practice, the easier it will be for you to learn ASL. It's also advisable to be exposed to ASL as much as possible. 

Your learning environment can also have an impact on your learning process. Structured classes with experienced instructors often provide better learning outcomes than self-study alone.

 As with any language, motivation and consistent practice are important for progress.

Your perspective and learning style can also make a difference.

In the end, learning any new language is an individual process. It depends on how much you want to learn it and how much time you can devote to learning ASL. 

How Long Does It Take to Learn ASL?

How long it takes to learn ASL depends on the level of proficiency you're aiming for. This includes:

1. Basic proficiency
2. Intermediate proficiency
3. Advanced proficiency 
4. Mastery

Generally speaking, learning ASL can take a few months to a few years. 

If you only want to acquire basic ASL knowledge, you will need a few months to learn the basic signs.

If you want to become an ASL expert, be prepared to devote a few years to learning this sign language.

Basic Proficiency

Basic proficiency includes understanding and using:

• Common phrases
• Simple sentences
• Basic vocabulary

This includes learning common signs for everyday words and phrases. This includes greetings, family members, numbers, colors, and simple questions.

You should be able to form and understand basic sentences. For instance, "My name is [Name]" or "Where is the bathroom?"

This level also includes fingerspelling, which is useful for names and unfamiliar terms.

It typically takes about six months to a year of consistent study and practice.

This might involve taking classes a few times a week and practicing regularly. You can also start learning ASL with an app like ASL Bloom.

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Intermediate Proficiency

At this level, you should be able to:

• Engage in more complex conversations
• Understand a broader range of topics
• Have a more extensive vocabulary

You will learn more complex and varied vocabulary. This includes signs for more abstract concepts and a wider range of topics.

You will also be able to engage in more detailed and varied conversations on everyday topics and some specialized subjects.

It can take 1-2 years to achieve the intermediate level of ASL. 

This usually requires more immersive experiences. For example, attending deaf community events or regularly interacting with native signers.

To reach this level, you will have to take more advanced ASL classes and immerse yourself in ASL media.

Advanced Proficiency

At advanced proficiency, you:

• Are fluent in ASL
• Can understand and participate in most conversations
• Talk about complex and abstract topics

You will be able to have fluid and natural conversations on a wide range of topics.

You will also understand and use more complex grammatical structures. This includes classifiers, role-shifting, and non-manual signals.

You might also acquire interpreting skills, translating from ASL to English and vice versa.

This level of knowledge typically takes several years. 

It often requires significant immersion, advanced coursework, and consistent practice over time.

Mastery

When you master ASL, you become as proficient as a native signer. This includes acquiring the following skills:

• Native fluency
• Advanced interpreting
• Teaching and advocacy
• Cultural immersion

You will have a thorough understanding of ASL nuances, idiomatic expressions, and cultural context.

You can also develop professional-level interpreting skills for various settings (medical, legal, educational, etc.).

Teaching ASL is another outcome. 

This level also includes full integration and active participation in the Deaf community, understanding cultural subtleties and contributing to community initiatives.

This can take many years, and it's often an ongoing process.

It involves continuous learning and immersion throughout your life.

Learn ASL Faster with ASL Bloom

Learning ASL can be hard if you don't know where to start and if you don't have the right tools. 

If you want to start learning ASL, you can use the ASL Bloom app. 

ASL Bloom is a great app for ASL beginners. 

You can start learning ASL right away, starting with basic signs, like "Hello, it's nice to meet you" and "How are you?" You will also start learning the alphabet so you can spell your name. 

One of the many useful things about ASL Bloom is that you can learn ASL at your own pace. You can also collect a streak if you just take one lesson every day. 

ASL Bloom also offers many fun activities, like quizzes, flashcards, and videos from our ASL teachers, who are all native ASL signers.

There are 23 in-depth curriculums, including 120 structured video lessons. When you finish the curriculums, you will know 1300 signs!

The app also includes a dictionary, which you can use whenever you forget a sign.

You can download the ASL Bloom app on your Android or iPhone. 

Download the app to start learning ASL today.

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