Discover Sign Language (Online Class)

This is a free online class through Gale Courses, an online learning platform that the library provides to our patrons. An internet-connected device is required and the course can be accessed from the library or at home with a valid FRVPLD card. For more information, please visit the Course Details page. You can also access Gale Courses from our Research page.

You'll begin with an introduction to the language itself, and learn to create the signs for numbers. You'll also master the sign alphabet so you can fingerspell proper names.

Then you'll learn to sign phrases and expand to complete sentences, and see how to put it all together so you can introduce yourself and start a conversation. Along the way you'll learn signs for colors, numbers, where you live, family, and the activities you like to do and even the ones you don't.

Throughout, you'll learn by watching videos that demonstrate how to make the signs and how to incorporate facial expressions to communicate in this beautiful language. This course is taught using the best practices of the industry with a minimum of audio support. Throughout, you'll be immersed in silence, so you'll gain an understanding of the perspective of Deaf people and sign language.

You'll also gain an introduction to the world of Deaf culture and explore topics such as lipreading, baby signs, and the career of interpreting. By the end of the course, when you meet a Deaf person, you'll be ready to sign!

Feel free to contact the Information Services department if you would like more information about the online course or if you need help accessing it. You can contact us via email at libraryhelp@frvpld.info or via phone at 847-428-3661, option 3.