7 Free Online American Sign Language Classes

If you have been on a hunt for free online American Sign Language classes to take, then you have come to the right place. In this article, you will have the luxury to choose among the best ASL classes on the internet and acquire additional skills for yourself.

The feeling that comes with searching for something online and finding a website that contains a wealth of information on that topic is unmatched. You are welcome. Feel free to look around, there is always a new skill to learn.

I know what you want, and I have written this article having just that in mind. If you can stick with me till the very last word on this post, I promise you, you will be leaving this website with a satisfactory grin etched on your face.

The fact that you’ve chosen to learn sign language is a move I find so admirable. I believe a wealth of thought has been given to this and the last thing I want is to let an aura of discouragement float around this article.

Consider me your guide, and cheerleader at the same time. At every step of the way, I will provide you with a glass of chilled water, glucose, and a deluge of motivation to keep you going. Don’t worry, you don’t have to pay for my services. The providers of these ASL classes have got everything covered.

So, roll up your sleeves and come let’s study!

About American Sign Language Classes

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language used by the deaf communities in the United States. This language has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, with grammar that differs from English. It is expressed by movements of the hands and face.

In sign language, the shape, placement, and movement of the hands, as well as facial expressions and body movements, all play important parts in conveying information. The brain, on the other, processes this information through the eyes.

American sign language classes are designed to give you, the learner, a language foundation in American sign language. People enroll in these classes for different reasons, but at the end of the day, they just have one goal in mind, to learn American sign language and be good at it.

These classes are often hosted live or pre-recorded, and the students learn by joining any of them and following through till the end. Free online American sign language classes are often series of introductory classes and videos. Most providers offer these classes as a form of preview for their main courses, while the others just offer them solely for free.

No requirement or qualification is needed to join the classes, as long as you have a learning device and a network connection, you are welcome to learn.

7 Free Online American Sign Language Classes

I have listed some free online American sign language classes to get you started. Classes are self-paced and engaging enough to get you thirsty for more. You can take as many as you wish and wherever and whenever you want. Let’s get into it!

  1. Sign Language 101
  2. Start ASL
  3. Live Online Classes by Take Lessons
  4. Signing Savvy
  5. Gallaudet University – free online ASL classes
  6. Sign School
  7. Lesson Tutor

1. Sign Language 101

On this website, you will find a series of free online American sign language classes. Some are free while the rest are paid, with previews available.

In this ASL Level 1 class, Dr. Byron Bridges will walk you through the basics of American Sign Language by sharing language tips and introducing you to the deaf culture. There are over 50 free videos cutting across numbers, common phrases, and antonyms.

If you are looking for a wholesome website where you can learn ASL in one sitting without having to look elsewhere for continuing videos, then this is it for you.

Start learning

2. Start ASL

Looking for free online American sign language classes with a blended form of learning? You have come to the right place! Start ASL offers encompassing written content augmented with videos from YouTube.

If you are one who prefers written content over any other form of content, then this is for you. The articles have been written to pass information seamlessly and in a way that learners cannot help but understand and flow with.

At the beginning of the ASL 1 – Unit 1 class, you will be provided with learning materials and resources to aid your learning. This unit will teach you basic vocabulary, phrases, and how to fingerspell.

Start learning

3. Live Online Classes by Take Lessons

Don’t you like the way each of these free online American sign language classes has different learning experiences to offer? Because I do!

Take Lessons is an ASL website that offers 7 weekly live classes every month with on-demand videos to support you, all for free. With up to 8 classes available, you can join, and begin your journey towards learning your new skill.

If you’ve long wished for classes where your instructors will be involved in your learning at every step of the way and give feedback, then this one is for you. It provides a friendly and collaborative environment surrounded by a community of students that are as committed as you are.

Start learning

4. Signing Savvy

This is not really a class but I’m including it on our list of free online American sign language classes because it is a very resourceful website for learners of ASL. It contains an ASL dictionary, word lists, blog articles, tutoring resources, printable posters and handouts, and a lot more fun learning tools that you can use as you take other ASL classes.

The dictionary is my very best tool of all. For every sign in the dictionary, there’s an incorporated video to better demonstrate its meaning. There are also memory aids to help you remember your learnings. Printable posters, handouts, and a lot more.

To access these resources, you are required to create a free membership account, otherwise, your access will be limited.

Start learning

5. Gallaudet  University – Free Online American Sign Language Classes

Gallaudet University is a bilingual and multicultural higher institution that provides a learning platform and community for the deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

Their free online American sign language classes cover all the introductory ASL topics from basic vocabulary to numbers and games. For those who are new to sign language learning, this might be a great place to start as the institution gives you the opportunity to connect with the rest of the deaf community where you get to practice all you are learning with your peers.

Gallaudet University also has paid online ASL classes that cover nearly everything including how to create narratives, dialogues, and short stories using ASL. You might want to add this to your wish list just in case you catch extra cash flying around. I promise you, it will be worth your every dime.

Start learning

6. Sign School

Sign school provides a flexible way to take your free online American sign language classes. Their mobile and desktop apps make it possible to learn at any time and from anywhere.

There are a variety of topics you can choose from, and you are at liberty to choose topics that are tailored to your learning needs. Sign School engages you in active learning with interactive exercises, quick lectures, and reviews.

Their resources and tools make learning ASL super easy and fun! Here are a few of the tools you might want to explore

  • Dictionary: Search by sign, topic, or hand shape.
  • Sign of the Day: Have a sign delivered to your inbox daily.
  • Learning Games: Review signs by topics or handshapes.

Start learning

7. Lesson Tutor

If you are seeing this as the 7th on the list, just know that I was too lazy to edit and put it at the top. If you are taking notes, find a space at the top, in between any of the classes, and squeeze this one in.

Lesson Tutor is the perfect learning website for anyone looking for a wholesome learning experience. It has printable tools and other free resources you can use for educational purposes.

The website has been organized in such a way that you will not spend a lot of time trying to navigate around it. Categories have been created for a seamless learning experience, this includes lesson plans, teaching and study notes, and printable worksheets.

Classes on Lesson Tutor are article-based with illustrations to help you understand better.

Start learning

Conclusion

If you made it to this point, congratulations! you are one step away from learning American sign language. But before then, I have a little advice for you.

I’d recommend that you take as many free online American sign language classes as you can find before enrolling in paid classes. Don’t get me wrong, paid classes are nice, and even have a lot more to offer. They are, in fact, the only path to ASL professional advancement.

As a beginner who is still starting out, you want to explore as many free resources as you can until you gain your footing. It is only at that point will you be able to decide for yourself what you look forward to in a course before investing your money and time in it.

Until then, let these 7 free online American sign language classes be your best friend!

Free Online American Sign Language Classes – FAQs

How can I learn ASL at home?

You can take any of these free online American Sign language classes at home. You are not required to attend physical classes or learn from a specific facility. The ball is totally in your court here.

What is the best free website to learn sign language?

The best website I would recommend for ASL learning is SignLanguage101.com. Honestly, this website has everything you can ask for in a free course, and even more. Dr. Byron Bridges, the instructor who is deaf from birth, will teach in a way that will have you questioning why they are giving away over 50 class videos for free.

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