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Updated in [October 18th, 2023]

What does this course tell? (Please note that the following overview content is from the original platform) According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 5% of the world's population suffers from disabling hearing loss. Among members of the community are those born with congenital deafness and others that, due to factors such as disease or aging, become deaf later in life. While the deaf community communicates in a myriad of ways, one of the most well-known communication systems in the United States and Canada is American Sign Language (ASL). 
ASL is used by those affected by hearing loss and those not. You may wish to learn ASL to become an interpreter, communicate better with family and friends or simply develop a greater appreciation of deaf culture. This straightforward and comprehensive course will give you an insight into the basics of ASL. Starting with the origin of sign languages, you will learn about their importance in the world today and their perception in society. Following this, you will discover more detail about ASL, its inception and use worldwide and the fundamentals of its grammar system.
This course will explore the iconicity of sign language, its development and some of the most common misconceptions. Familiarize yourself with the ASL alphabet and the differences between ASL sentence structure and the structure of spoken English. ASL relies not only on the hand gestures you may be familiar with but also on facial expressions and body language. Why wait? Start learning today and acquire a new skill.
We considered the value of this course from many aspects, and finally summarized it for you from two aspects: skills and knowledge, and the people who benefit from it: (Please note that our content is optimized through artificial intelligence tools and carefully reviewed by our editorial staff.) What skills and knowledge will you acquire during this course? During this course on American Sign Language (ASL) - Fundamental Concepts, learners will acquire the following skills and knowledge: 1. Understanding the origin and importance of sign languages: Learners will gain insights into the history and significance of sign languages in the world today, including their perception in society. 2. Familiarity with ASL: Learners will develop a comprehensive understanding of ASL, including its inception, usage worldwide, and the fundamentals of its grammar system. 3. Exploring iconicity in sign language: The course will delve into the concept of iconicity in sign language, its development, and common misconceptions associated with it. 4. Learning the ASL alphabet: Learners will become familiar with the ASL alphabet, which is essential for spelling and communication in ASL. 5. Understanding differences in sentence structure: Learners will compare and contrast the sentence structure of ASL with that of spoken English, gaining insights into the unique grammar system of ASL. 6. Incorporating facial expressions and body language: ASL relies not only on hand gestures but also on facial expressions and body language. Learners will acquire the skills to effectively use these non-manual markers in ASL communication. By completing this course, learners will acquire a new skill set in American Sign Language, enabling them to communicate with individuals affected by hearing loss, gain a deeper appreciation of deaf culture, and potentially pursue careers as interpreters. Who will benefit from this course? This course on American Sign Language - Fundamental Concepts will benefit a wide range of individuals. 1. Individuals with hearing loss: People who are deaf or hard of hearing will benefit from this course as it will provide them with a comprehensive understanding of American Sign Language, which is commonly used within the deaf community for communication. 2. Interpreters: This course will be valuable for individuals who aspire to become interpreters for the deaf community. It will provide them with a solid foundation in ASL, including its grammar system, iconicity, and the differences between ASL and spoken English. 3. Family and friends of individuals with hearing loss: Learning ASL can greatly enhance communication between individuals with hearing loss and their loved ones. This course will enable family and friends to better understand and communicate with their deaf or hard of hearing relatives and friends. 4. Individuals interested in deaf culture: This course will provide a deeper appreciation and understanding of deaf culture. It will explore the origin and importance of sign languages in the world today, as well as debunk common misconceptions about sign language. 5. Professionals working with individuals with hearing loss: Professionals in fields such as education, healthcare, and social work who work with individuals with hearing loss can benefit from this course. It will equip them with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate and interact with their clients or students. Overall, this course is suitable for anyone interested in learning American Sign Language, whether for personal or professional reasons, and regardless of their hearing ability.

Course Syllabus

Sign Language Basics and Essentials

Course assessment