Let’s See If I Can Learn American Sign Language

Back in high school, I studied Spanish.  I really enjoyed it and was actually quite good at it.  (For the life of me, though, I cannot roll my R’s!  It’s really frustrating!)  I was the kid who went out of her way to look up and learn additional vocabulary words.  In college, I took a one semester Spanish writing class.  I have always wanted to be fluent in the language.  I still can’t say that I am fluent, but I can still interact decently in Spanish if necessary.   For approximately five years, I worked in an office in which I spoke Spanish on a regular basis, and I became quite good at office based Spanish.   When I joined a different medical practice, the need for speaking Spanish decreased dramatically, and, not surprisingly, along with the decrease in use was a decrease in my fluency and skill.   My Spanish had become a bit “Spanglishy.”  I was determined to try to continue to improve my Spanish speaking skills, but I don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to it.  With today’s technology, I knew that I could find a program to help me out.  My local library provides many resources, and access to the Mango language program is one of them.  I downloaded the app to my phone since I knew that I would be more likely to do the lessons at random times if I didn’t have to go anywhere special to do it.  For about a year or two, I have been going through the Spanish lessons.  I still don’t consider myself fluent, but I feel like I am at least trying to maintain and improve my skills.

My kids took Spanish class at school.  My son just graduated from high school, and although he studied Spanish for four years there as well as two years during middle school, he still has a language requirement for college. (He will be attending University of Tennessee in Knoxville this fall!  He fell in love with the school when we visited last year https://beckielivesandlearns.com/college-tour-part-4-time-for-tennessee/ , and we are all very excited for him!  Go, Vols!)  He initially thought that he would continue with Spanish but decided that he really was tired of it and wanted to try something new.  After some discussion, it looks like he will (likely) study French.  (This plan is not set in stone yet, but he has been in contact with his college advisor about changing from Spanish to a different language.)  That was the inspiration I needed to try to learn another language as well!  I considered trying French, too, but my son said he wanted that to be “his thing” so I considered what other language might be interesting and useful to learn.  Although I can’t do it on Mango, I found a program available on-line to learn American Sign Language.  Just like my public library provides access to Mango, it also provides access to Gale Courses. When looking at the site, I found an American Sign Language course.  I just started it today, and I am posting about it to help keep me accountable!  The courses run for 6 weeks,  new sessions begin each month, and two lessons are available each week. 

With the current pandemic, my current decrease in work hours because of it, and people still appropriately social distancing, I decided that now is the time to embark on a “living and learning” activity that will require a longer time commitment.  I do like the idea that if I follow along as I should (WHICH I WILL!), I will be able to complete the course before the end of the summer.  When that time comes, I will share some of what I have learned.  Who knows, I may even share some progress videos before that time!  I am very hopeful that I will complete the class in the six weeks and will be able to communicate at least a little in American Sign Language.

Update on July 21, 2020: I have been sticking with it! I have completed 10 of the 12 lessons. I have A LOT to practice, and I am going to start making some much needed flash cards. So far, so good!