Find ASL classes near me

Learn American Sign Language in the U.S.

Are you looking for a way to communicate with those who are hard of hearing? Are you interested in learning a new language and culture? American Sign Language (ASL) is quickly becoming one of the most popular languages to learn in the U.S., especially among young adults. With Superprof's American Sign Language classes online and in-person, you can learn this unique visual language right from your own home. Whether it's signing up for weekly lessons or taking an immersive boot camp course - there's something for everyone regardless of experience level.

Is ASL The Hardest Language?

When discussing the difficulty of languages around the world, American Sign Language (ASL) is often raised as one of the most complex to learn. This is due to its unique characteristics and similarities to spoken language. It requires a combination of hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements that are difficult for most to master.

In contrast to spoken language, ASL does not have a written form. Instead, information is conveyed through non-verbal symbols and gestures that the listener must interpret to understand. Additionally, the complexity of ASL increases as its grammar rules are more complicated than those found in many spoken languages. For example, ASL does not use the same order of words as English and other languages, nor does it rely on accents or changes in intonation for meaning.

To further add to its difficulty, ASL is a visual language that requires understanding body movement and facial expressions. To communicate effectively with others who speak the language fluently, a person must be able to make and recognize the appropriate gestures quickly. This can be challenging for those who are not used to reading expressions or body language.

How Is BSL Different From ASL?

American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) are both language systems used by people with hearing impairments to communicate. While the two languages share some similarities, there are also distinct differences.

For example, the most obvious difference is that ASL is primarily used in the United States and Canada, while BSL is primarily used in the United Kingdom. ASL and BSL have different grammatical rules, such as hand shape, movements, and palm orientation. The two languages also differ in terms of vocabulary; many words that are used in one language might not be recognized by someone who speaks the other language.

Furthermore, the two languages have distinct signs for certain concepts. For instance, ASL has a specific sign to represent the concept of "family,” while BSL does not. Likewise, BSL has a unique sign for "animal" that is not found in ASL. These differences also apply to facial expressions and body language, which are integral parts of both ASL and BSL.

If you want to know which sign language is universal, no single sign language is understood by everyone who uses a sign language system. However, the deaf community widely recognizes the importance of learning multiple types of sign languages to communicate effectively with people worldwide.

Is ASL or BSL More Common?

ASL is the most common form of sign language in the United States. It is a visual-gestural language that is used by millions of people across North America. ASL has its grammar, syntax, and rules for communication, making it the primary form of communication for many individuals with hearing impairments living in the U.S. BSL is the most used form of sign language in the U.K. It is estimated that more than 150,000 people use this language daily. While ASL is similar to BSL in many ways, there are considerable differences between the two languages, including grammar, syntax, signs, and gestures.

How Long Does It Take To Fully Learn ASL?

Learning American Sign Language (ASL) is a unique process. It requires dedication and time to master the language, much like any other language. While there are no definitive answers on how long it takes to learn ASL, the estimated timeframe varies depending on an individual's ability, commitment level, and available resources.

Learn ASL With Superprof

With experienced tutors teaching on our platform, you can easily find an instructor who's perfect for your learning needs. Through in-depth videos and interactive activities, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the language in no time at all. So if improving your communication skills is something that interests you – don't wait any longer – get started with ASL today!