How long until I am a fluent signer?
Learning TipsMany people often ask me this question. That is really a hard one to answer because everyone's rate of learning a new language varies greatly. The motivation behind the learning is going to be a key factor as well as the opportunity to actually practice what you are learning with multiple signers.
It is important to practice signing with, and reading from, many signers as you learn so you don't just get used to the way one particular person signs. Reading the sign of small children is always an interesting feat because of their tiny hands and the ways they may modify the sign (baby sign). Then again reading the sign of teenagers who may have their own "twist" to their sign style can be a challenge as well. Don't be intimidated if you have trouble understanding someone when you first meet him or her. Just try to relax and grasp the concepts being discussed rather than getting word for word (or sign for sign) of what they are saying.
My first sign language instructor told me, "You will know when you have become a fluent signer when you have your first dream in sign language." I thought that was really strange but sure enough, after about two years of signing, I had my first sign language dream...no voice, only sign. Since then it happens often for me. I find myself also using sign language in noisy situations or at times when I am extremely frustrated and trying to get my point across...even when I'm communicating with people who I know don't sign. I think it just shows that it has become that much a part of my life after almost thirty years of signing!
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Savvy User TheaSaturday, May 1, 2010
Wow...you mean there's hope for me yet? My sign class finished up our course with a silent dinner at a restaurant. I felt frustrated at first and then decided to just relax and try to get the 'concept' (like you said) rather than word-for-word. Some of it was over my head but I was able to pick up most stuff (only had 10 classes so that's not too bad) and I was very pleasantly surprised I was able to read fingerspelling as well as I did that night! Our dinner included deaf people and interpreters as well as our class, so I had several signers to listen/talk to (another challenge). I plan to re-take the course in the fall. It's hard when you have no one to practice with. Thanks for the encouragement. See you in my dreams!!!