Where can I learn sign language fast?(and free?

Would it be a good idea to learn French and sign language at the same time?

• I have been learning French for a month now, but lately I have been reading about sign language,too. I would really love to learn sign language, but I don't know if maybe I should focus on one language first. Is there any setback with learning two languages at once? What are some tips for someone who wants to learn two languages.

• Answer:

  A propos, I just recently met a lady who is a sign language interpreter in another state.  She was working in a Spanish classroom and had integrated her ASL with the Spanish instruction, teaching the students the Spanish words and corresponding signs simultaneously.  She told me the students loved this and while it was apparently intended to help a hearing impaired student, it wound up being helpful to non-impaired students, too.  I would think younger learners in particular would like this, and given that TPR (total physical response) works on the same principles, I think it would be highly beneficial in every respect.  Why not teach the students signs that are useful beyond Spanish class? I was so intrigued by this idea that I regret I didn't have time to get her name and email so I could follow up on what she's doing (we were taking a license exam and coincidentally had concurrent appointments at the same testing office) I strongly encourage you to take on ASL in tandem with your language studies.  Every language student I know did 2 or 3 concurrently.  What's to stop you?  Besides this ASL professionals are in demand, and this skill paired with any teaching credential would be very advantageous to you.