Is there a specific topic area that you need to find the signs for right away, such as a particular holiday, season, food, or even a less common subject like crime? What you need may be available in one of the many mini sign language guides available right here on About.com Deafness.
Holidays and Celebrations
The main holidays all have signs for the words associated with them. The sources for these signs can be found via the article on
Holiday Sign Language. In addition, the blog post "
Celebrating Kwanzaa in the Deaf Community" gives some sources for the sign for Kwanzaa, a song about Kwanzaa, and captioned videos about Kwanzaa.
Daily Communications
Some signs are more likely to be used in daily life, such as signs for discussing food for dinner, pieces of furniture in the house, and clothing. A child can learn the signs for the people in his family, the parts of his body, colors, and numbers. The family can discuss its pets in sign language. Plus, knowing the signs for words associated with school will help in talking with children about their day at school.
Seasons and Dates
When discussing events on the calendar, there are signs for the words relevant to each season. Every day of the week also has its own sign.
Other Useful Signs
Some additional situations or settings that have their own associated signs. For example, police have to communicate with deaf people if they are witness to a crime. Patients and doctors must communicate basic concepts about illness. People attending or interpreting church services for the deaf can learn the signs for sermons. Deaf teenagers learning about sexuality may not know the signs for sexual organs or acts. Students and college professors use technical signs for discussing computers and other high technology.
Want to discuss learning sign language with others? Talk about learning sign language on the
About.com Deafness Forum.
