Learning languages is one of the best ways to explore new cultures and connect to its people. It also prevents our brain from degrading, which is why doctors advise this as the best exercise to prevent Alzheimer’s (through memory training). How to keep learning them safely?
Let’s be honest here - learning languages can be boring for many people. Memorizing hundreds of pages for pronunciation… ugh. What languages are intuitive and spatial, so it can be associated more with dancing rather than cramming? What languages can show your social responsibility? The answer is sign languages!
Accessibility has become a buzzword lately. At the same time, it’s having a positive influence on society. Many companies include accessibility practices on their agenda. Your company’s HR department is likely looking for solutions to become more inclusive while also boosting its own reputation. You may be thinking about developing skills that can increase your chances to land a better position in the future. Or maybe you’re enthusiastic about inclusion for people who are usually pushed to the side in the ableist world. For the aforementioned cases, I have a tip for you.
A win-win solution?
Learning sign language unlocks plenty of benefits in one fell swoop, including (but not limited to) the following:
- You know the only type of language which is not based on ethnicity, together with discovering the intriguing Deaf culture;
- You train your memory (prolonging your youth and mental welfare);
- You become an agent of inclusion. You convey a message that inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. It is as important as supporting Prides and joining protests;
- You ensure that you will always be able to communicate (how many of us become hard of hearing or even deaf when ageing, right?);
- You increase your market value (you can be useful for the Deaf community at your work)
Let’s assume you already want to learn American Sign Language (ASL) – the most wide-spread sign language. But how can you learn when social interactions could be dangerous, even deadly?
SignAll Lab is interactive and COVID safe.
- The ASL Lab is a combination of software and hardware that provides instant responses to your signing. It will make sure you sign correctly (even noticing the smallest nuances). You will have access to personal statistics – a number of signs learned, signs you struggle with, weekly and monthly progress – and you can even get trophies, too.
- It is patient and allows you to repeat signs you struggle with countless times. Many of us are reluctant to practice because we feel shy or do not want to show that we forgot or didn’t understand something. We can be unwilling to make the teacher repeat again – this makes some of us very uncomfortable. SignAll will never be disappointed in you. Test it yourself by showing a wrong sign on purpose over and over again – and you will see.
- You can skip or repeat signs as much as you’d like – you choose your own pace. You can even switch between ASL I and ASL II levels (do not give me away on this).
SignAll Lab has even more advantages than that!
It is a safe ASL learning solution during a pandemic. This is because it is:
- Fully individual. You do not interact with other people. It’s only you and the computer. (And three more cameras, but they are COVID safe too.)
- Available 24/7. It is installed in your office, so you choose a convenient time to practice (even if it’s midnight).
- Cost-effective. If the ASL learning workstation is a part of your company’s team building or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, it is covered by your employer and therefore fully free for you. (Hit “Get SignAll” button, and I am happy to elaborate on available plans.)
Besides, when you sign up for the ASL learning SignAll Lab, you automatically get access to SignAll Online – an ASL video library that fully aligns with the SignAll Lab. You may practice indoors. The website solution does not provide responses to your signing; therefore, we advise using the Online application for memorizing signing, fingerspelling and digits. Combining both instruments, and ideally getting in touch with a culturally Deaf person for learning more, will make you fluent in no time.
Disclaimer: Deaf culture is multifaceted and deep; it is reflected in ASL. We encourage every ASL learner to communicate with a Deaf friend, teacher, colleague, or even pen-pal, to approach the language as a part of the culture. Because every language is a reflection of history, traditions, politics, and emotions of people, among others.
Send your "hello" to learnASL@signall.us to tell your story or ask about the COVID safe ASL practice workstation.
