-- Posted by jamescoleman at 2:22 am on April 23, 2008 So I'm thinking about taking ASL for a humanities class but before I even get there, does anyone know how difficult this class would be? I've already taken spanish and  I'm looking to take german for humanities. I wont take spanish second 102 because I have to review the material better to pass the class  and I wont have enough time to do so. Anyways how is ASL different from learning a spoken foreign language? other than no talking and using my hands. This is a college class so I expect it to be difficult. Also how did you study for the tests and memorize the movements? -- Posted by Niddan at 2:23 am on April 23, 2008 Dont do it ! you get spasms -- Posted by FurryPanther at 2:39 am on April 23, 2008 I haven't officially taken it, but I've had a few fluents help me out. I'm taking it next semester. I think it's fantastic. If you know English and ASL, you know the most common spoken and non-spoken languages on the planet, guaranteeing at least a basic level of communication wherever you go. FP -- Posted by Gaz1988 at 2:41 am on April 23, 2008 Yeah I do it. -- Posted by Dissilusioned at 2:45 am on April 23, 2008 I'd say it was easier than learning a new vocal language. I can't speak definitely, because I only know BSL, but it's pretty simple. Most of the signs are logical, but the structure does vary from how we talk. Also, although it doesn't take long to master the basics, it takes a long time to achieve fluency. -- Posted by jamescoleman at 5:50 am on April 23, 2008 what is BSL? why would it take longer to become fluent than understanding the basics? Also what language is that at the bottom of your post dissilusioned? -- Posted by Dissilusioned at 8:27 am on April 23, 2008 Quote: from jamescoleman at 1:50 pm on April 23, 2008 what is BSL? why would it take longer to become fluent than understanding the basics? Also what language is that at the bottom of your post dissilusioned? British Sign Language Because it's very quick, so you've not got any time to pause to think about what sign you're going to do next. It's my name in Arabic. -- Posted by jamescoleman at 1:48 am on April 24, 2008 wow maybe I should learn BSL instead lol. so do you speak arabic too? -- Posted by Dissilusioned at 5:22 am on April 24, 2008 Quote: from jamescoleman at 9:48 am on April 24, 2008 wow maybe I should learn BSL instead lol.   so do you speak arabic too? Haha. Tbh, ASL is used a fair bit here too, so I probably should have learnt that. Nope, but I know people that do. -- Posted by wingedmisery at 10:18 am on April 24, 2008 I took ASL for 3 years. It is very tough, don't expect it to be easy. I have never taken a spoken language so I don't know how it is different, but I would say that it is similar because you are learning an all new syntax, structure and LANGUAGE. You don't memorize, you practive and learn. It is very fun and I am so glad that I took those classes because I now intend to use it in my profession. I intend to get my Master's Degree in Deaf-Blind Education and I have an Associates Degree in Deaf Studies, thanks to ASL. Good luck, but it will be hard!!!! (and worth it) -- Posted by jamescoleman at 3:47 am on April 25, 2008 i didn't even know that they have a degree for deaf-blind education. so what is the best way that you learned from, wingedmisery? there is a class called intro to deafness or something like that before sign language but i'm not sure if i'll have to take the intro course before the sign language course. -- Posted by wingedmisery at 10:00 am on April 25, 2008 Quote: from jamescoleman at 3:47 am on April 25, 2008 i didn't even know that they have a degree for deaf-blind education. so what is the best way that you learned from, wingedmisery?   there is a class called intro to deafness or something like that before sign language but i'm not sure if i'll have to take the intro course before the sign language course. I learned a lot about the language and the culture. It was very informative and a great experience. I just kept practicing and going to Deaf events and doing my thing. You should take the intro to D/deafness class because you need to know about Deaf culture. There is so much more to being Deaf than using ASL. good luck. -- Posted by jamescoleman at 3:22 pm on April 25, 2008 Not to be disrespectful but sign language is the class that I must take and intro to defness  isn't required for that category that I have to take. Sure its something that I have to learn in order to relate. meh I'm not sure. -- Posted by wingedmisery at 9:20 am on April 27, 2008 It's not rude, but at the same time, you might need to take ASL and intro to deafness at the same time. It's important, but if you don't need to, then don't. -- Posted by jamescoleman at 9:57 am on April 27, 2008 alright, i still haven't talked to the consoler about it but i'll make sure to do that to confirm that i don't have to take the class and also i'll talk to the teacher who teaches it. school is a pain in the butt at times. -- Posted by wingedmisery at 10:40 am on April 27, 2008 school definately is a pain in the butt at time, but it'll all be worth it in the long run. good luck!!! -- Posted by jamescoleman at 10:55 am on April 27, 2008 thanks for the help