Facts

• There is more than one kind of sign language. Each language in the world has its own sign system (Chinese sign language, Spanish sign language), but the most common sign language in the United States is American Sign Language, also known as ASL. American Sign Language is a language in its own right and is not simply a form of English. It does not have the same grammar as English nor does it have the same syntax. It has been said that ASL has more in common with Asian languages such as Chinese or Japanese than it does English.
  
  

Function

• American Sign Language uses both fingerspelling and signs for communication. Fingerspelling is communicating by spelling out words one letter at a time, while signs are conceptual. For example, of you want to communicate "love," you can spell out l-o-v-e, or you can use one sign for the concept of "love." Good ASL learning software needs to teach both fingerspelling and the common signs in order for it to be useful in real life.
  
  

Types

• ASL Fingerspelling is a free sign language learning software for Windows. It provides graphics and a standard dictionary to teach the basic fingershapes. It also has a translator to show you how to spell out common English words.
  
  Crash Course in American Sign Language, also for Windows, is a more complex piece of software. Divided into thirty lessons, Crash Course teaches hand shapes, fingerspelling, vocabulary, grammar, facial expressions, and an introduction to deaf culture. Though not free, Crash Course is an affordable option.
  
  Happy Signs Day is a sign language learning software meant for parents and toddlers. 3-D animation helps teach signs about simple daily activities such as dressing and brushing teeth.
  
  

Features

• Most sign language learning software features video, pictures, diagrams and dictionaries of signs. Sign language learning software can range from teaching fingerspelling only to teaching everything from fingerspelling to signs to grammar. Some programs only use pictures to illustrate signs, and some use video. The best sign language learning software for beginners should provide all the basics of learning ASL: fingerspelling, numbers and basic signs, as well as provide chances to test your learning and practice real-life dialogues.
  
  

Considerations

• Consider your level of current knowledge and what goals you want to achieve when choosing sign language learning software. Some are geared toward school settings and some provide more adult-oriented social vocabulary and dialogues. Also, software exists that is focused exclusively on communicating with babies and young children.
  
  Beware of software which does not teach correct ASL syntax. Some sign language learning softwares, such as the Instant Immersion American Sign Language software, teach sentence structure in literal English word order, not correct American Sign Language order.