Sign Language Learning
Connect With the Deaf Community and 430 Million People Worldwide.
Learn ASL, BSL, Auslan, and more with expert tutors including Deaf native signers. Beginner to Advanced levels.
4 Common Myths About Sign Language
Clear up the misconceptions before you start learning.
“Sign languages are universal.”
FALSE. Each country has its own distinct sign language with unique grammar and vocabulary. ASL and BSL are mutually unintelligible despite both being used in English-speaking countries.
“ASL is based on English.”
FALSE. ASL has its own independent grammar, syntax, and structure. It is more closely related to French Sign Language (LSF) due to historical influence, not to English.
“Signing is just gesturing — it is easy.”
FALSE. Sign languages have full grammatical systems including syntax, morphology, aspect, and spatial grammar. Facial expressions carry grammatical meaning comparable to tone of voice.
“The Deaf community is small and isolated.”
FALSE. There are an estimated 430 million people worldwide with disabling hearing loss, plus millions more who use sign language as a second language — family members, interpreters, and allies.
Sign Languages Available on Unox
Each sign language is distinct — choose the one that serves your community or goals.
Related to French Sign Language. The most studied and documented sign language globally.
Distinct from ASL. Recognised as an official language of the UK in 2022.
Closely related to BSL and New Zealand Sign Language — collectively BANZSL.
Historically influenced ASL. One of the oldest formally documented sign languages.
Not related to spoken German grammatically. Recognised as an official language in Germany in 2002.
A contact variety used at international Deaf events. Not a native language — a communicative bridge.
Four Learning Paths
Choose based on your reason for learning.
ASL for Communication
Build everyday conversational ASL from the ground up. Fingerspelling, numbers, core vocabulary, grammar, and natural fluent signing.
- ✓ASL alphabet and numbers
- ✓Greetings and daily phrases
- ✓Spatial grammar and classifier predicates
- ✓Conversational fluency with Deaf native signers
BSL for UK Living
Learn BSL for daily life, work, and community integration in the UK. Includes two-handed fingerspelling and regional BSL variation.
- ✓Two-handed BSL alphabet
- ✓BSL grammar vs ASL differences
- ✓Workplace and public service signing
- ✓Communication with the UK Deaf community
Deaf Community Ally
Build cultural competence and basic signing skills for hearing people who want to be genuine allies to Deaf friends, family, or colleagues.
- ✓Deaf culture, history, and etiquette
- ✓Introduction to Deaf identity and community norms
- ✓Functional communication skills
- ✓Resources for ongoing engagement
Interpreter Foundation
Systematic preparation for those considering sign language interpretation as a profession. Focus on accuracy, register, and ethical frameworks.
- ✓Advanced grammar and spatial language
- ✓Code of ethics for interpreters
- ✓Interpreting practice with feedback
- ✓Preparation for formal interpreter training programs
Meet Our Sign Language Tutors
Deaf ASL native signer. 8 years teaching hearing adults, children, and interpreter students. Culturally grounded lessons.
BSL Level 6 qualified tutor. CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). Teaches BSL from beginner to advanced including two-handed fingerspelling.
Auslan and ASL instructor. Worked as a community interpreter for 6 years. Specialises in Auslan for healthcare professionals.
ASL Proficiency Levels
ASL proficiency is assessed on a scale used by universities and interpreter training programs.
Recognizes fingerspelling and simple signs. Limited receptive understanding.
Fingerspelling and numbers. Basic greetings and introductions. Simple yes/no questions.
Expanded vocabulary. Can follow slow, contextually clear signing. Introduces classifiers.
Spatial grammar basics. Can sign about daily routines and familiar topics.
Narrative signing. Time indicators. Role shifting in storytelling.
Fluent conversation with native signers. Complex grammar, abstract topics, Deaf culture fluency.
4-Week Starter Plan
A beginner ASL learner can hold a basic introduction conversation within four weeks of consistent practice.
- •Handshape practice for all 26 letters
- •Reading fingerspelling at slow speed
- •Numbers 1-100
- •Introduction to Deaf culture norms
- •50 high-frequency signs
- •Greetings, introductions, and farewells
- •Yes/no questions in ASL
- •Facial expression as grammar
- •ASL sentence order (topic-comment)
- •Directional verbs
- •Setting up space for people and objects
- •Short signed story practice
- •Classifiers: shape and movement
- •Describing locations and directions
- •Full signed conversation: introduce yourself
- •Tutor feedback on handshape accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hearing people learn sign language?
Yes. The majority of people who learn ASL and BSL are hearing. Reasons include: Deaf family members, professional needs (healthcare, education, interpreting), and community inclusion. Deaf communities generally welcome hearing learners who engage respectfully.
Which sign language should I learn first?
Learn the sign language used in your country or community. If you are in the US or Canada, learn ASL. In the UK, learn BSL. In Australia, learn Auslan. If you have a specific Deaf person in your life, learn their language. There is no universal sign language — learning one does not automatically transfer to another.
Can you effectively learn sign language online?
Yes, with an important caveat: you need a tutor who can see your signing on video and give real-time feedback on handshape, movement, and location. Watching videos alone will not build productive signing. Video lessons with a tutor are highly effective because sign language is inherently visual and does not require physical co-presence.
What is fingerspelling and how long does it take to learn?
Fingerspelling is a system of hand shapes representing alphabet letters, used to spell out proper nouns, technical terms, or words without an established sign. The ASL one-handed alphabet can be learned in a few days, but fluent receptive fingerspelling — reading it when others spell — takes weeks of consistent practice.
What should I know about Deaf culture etiquette?
Key norms: get a Deaf person's attention with a light tap on the shoulder or wave — not a shout. Eye contact during signing is essential, not rude. Do not speak simultaneously while signing in a Deaf space. Do not speak to a hearing companion 'for' a Deaf person — address the Deaf person directly. Capitalise 'Deaf' when referring to cultural identity.
Start Signing in Your First Lesson.
Book a $1 trial with a sign language tutor — including Deaf native signers. Choose ASL, BSL, Auslan, or more.
Book a $1 Trial Lesson