Beginner's guide

So you're learning American Sign Language

ASL is a complete language with its own grammar, culture, and community. Most beginners can hold basic conversations in three to six months of consistent practice. Here's the gear that actually helps, and what you can skip entirely.

By Colin B. · Published June 11, 2026 · Last reviewed June 11, 2026

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

The 60-second version

If you only buy 3 things to start:

Signing Naturally Units 1-6 Student Set — The gold-standard ASL curriculum, used in actual college courses nationwide.
Random House Webster's American Sign Language Dictionary — The desk reference you'll use for the next five years. Look up any sign you encounter.
Carson Dellosa American Sign Language Flash Cards (104-Pack) — Alphabet plus 100 core signs on cards. Drill them in five-minute bursts anywhere.

Budget total

$15

Typical total

$80

One textbook carries most of the cost. Dictionary and flashcards run under $30 combined, and the best supplementary material (Lifeprint.com, YouTube Deaf creators) is free.

We earn commission on qualifying Amazon purchases — see our affiliate disclosure. Price tiers and budget totals shown above are editorial estimates; actual Amazon prices vary.

At a glance

Our top pick in each category

The fastest path through this guide — each best-starter pick by category. Scroll for the budget and upgrade alternatives.

Category	Top pick	Price	Where to buy
Textbooks & Workbooks	DawnSign PressSigning Naturally Units 1-6 Student Set	$$	See on Amazon →
Dictionaries & Reference	Random HouseRandom House Webster's American Sign Language Dictionary	$	See on Amazon →
Flashcard Decks	Carson DellosaCarson Dellosa American Sign Language Flash Cards (104-Pack)	$	See on Amazon →
Video Instruction	Harris CommunicationsBasic Course in American Sign Language: 4-Disc DVD Set	$$	See on Amazon →
Reference Charts & Posters	Carson Dellosa EducationCarson Dellosa ASL Alphabet Learning Posters (26-Pack)	$	See on Amazon →

Before you buy anything

A few things worth knowing first

Free resources are genuinely excellent. Dr. Bill Vicars's Lifeprint.com is a complete ASL curriculum at no cost, used by real instructors. Before buying anything, spend a week there. You'll know within a few days whether you want the full physical textbook.

Contact with the Deaf community is the fastest accelerant. Books and videos teach you signs; Deaf signers teach you ASL. Find a local Deaf event, Deaf coffee hour, or ASL practice meetup as soon as you can. Most cities have them; NAD's website lists events.

ASL and Signed Exact English (SEE) are different things. SEE is a manually-coded form of English; ASL is a separate language with its own grammar. Most people want ASL. Make sure your materials are teaching ASL, not SEE.

The gear

What you actually need

Textbooks & Workbooks

Your textbook is the backbone of your ASL education. The best curricula are designed by and for the Deaf community, not just translated from English, and they teach you the visual grammar and cultural context that apps alone never will. Start with a real textbook before deciding you can learn from YouTube only.

Textbooks & Workbooks — what's the difference?

A few common shapes, each making a different trade.

Structured Curriculum (Signing Naturally)

Full course with DVDs; college-tested, Deaf-culture depth.

Format: Workbook + DVD
Best for: Committed learners
Time investment: High

Best for Learners who want real conversational fluency and cultural grounding

Tradeoff Denser than reference books; needs consistent weekly study time

↓ See our pick

Self-Guided Reference Book

Lighter commitment; dip in at your pace alongside free videos.

Format: Standalone book
Best for: Casual or exploratory learners
Time investment: Flexible

Best for Casual learners who want functional ASL without a heavy curriculum

Tradeoff Less structured; requires self-direction to make real progress

↓ See our pick

Best starter

DawnSign Press

Signing Naturally Units 1-6 Student Set

The curriculum used in most college and community ASL programs. Signing Naturally is built around real ASL grammar (not signed English) and Deaf cultural context from page one. The student set includes the workbook plus DVD of native signers. Start here.

What we like

Used in hundreds of college and community ASL programs nationwide
Built around real ASL grammar, not transliterated English
DVD of native Deaf signers included for authentic visual reference

What to know

Dense structured curriculum; harder to use as a casual drop-in resource
Most effective alongside a class or dedicated study partner

See on Amazon →

Budget pick

T.J. Publishers

Basic Course in American Sign Language

The classic self-study alternative. More affordable than Signing Naturally, portable enough for a bag, and covers all the essential vocabulary and grammar a beginner needs. Less cultural depth, but a solid standalone starter.

What we like

More affordable than the full Signing Naturally curriculum set
Standalone self-study format; no companion materials required

What to know

Less Deaf cultural context than newer curricula
No companion video; supplement with YouTube to see signs in motion

See on Amazon →

Upgrade pick

DawnSign Press

Signing Naturally Units 7-12 Student Set

The second half of the Signing Naturally series. Covers ASL classifiers, spatial grammar, and discourse structure, the elements that separate functional from fluent signing. Buy this after finishing Units 1-6, not before.

What we like

Continues Signing Naturally methodology without any change in approach
Covers classifiers and spatial grammar that define fluent ASL

What to know

Only worthwhile after completing Units 1-6
University-level pacing; not for casual self-study

See on Amazon →

Dictionaries & Reference

An ASL dictionary is different from a vocabulary book. You use it when you encounter a sign you don't recognize or need to confirm one you half-remember. Photo-based dictionaries give you the static handshape; the better ones add motion arrows. Keep one at your desk alongside your textbook.

Best starter

Random House

Random House Webster's American Sign Language Dictionary

Over 5,000 signs illustrated with photos and motion arrows. The standard desk reference for ASL learners. Not a curriculum, but indispensable when you encounter an unfamiliar sign and need to look it up fast.

What we like

Over 5,000 signs organized by English keyword for fast lookup
Motion arrows show direction of movement, not just the static pose

What to know

Photo-based; a video dictionary shows movement better for tricky signs
Paperback spine won't hold up to heavy daily reference use

See on Amazon →

Upgrade pick

Gallaudet University Press

The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language

From Gallaudet University, the cultural and academic center of American Deaf life. Illustrated by a Deaf artist using culturally accurate handshapes. The reference serious learners eventually move to.

What we like

Published by Gallaudet, cultural and academic home of American Deaf
Illustrated by a Deaf artist for culturally accurate handshapes

What to know

Larger and heavier than portable desk references
Best alongside a course; less useful as a solo learner's first book

See on Amazon →

Specialty pick

Gallaudet University Press

The American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary

Organized by handshape instead of English word. Useful when you see a sign but can't recall the concept: look up the shape your hand is making and work backward to the meaning. Fills a gap no standard dictionary covers.

What we like

Organized by handshape; look up signs you've seen but can't name
Fills the reverse-lookup gap that word-sorted dictionaries leave

What to know

Not useful until you know enough signs to have half-recognized ones
A specialty tool; start with the standard dictionary first

See on Amazon →

Flashcard Decks

Flashcards are how you build vocabulary in short bursts: five minutes waiting for coffee, on the bus, before bed. The best ASL flashcard decks combine the alphabet (fingerspelling is your emergency vocabulary) with 100 or more core everyday signs. Go for photo-illustrated; hand-drawn ones can misrepresent the exact handshape.

Best starter

Carson Dellosa

Carson Dellosa American Sign Language Flash Cards (104-Pack)

Two sets in one box: the fingerspelling alphabet and 100 everyday signs, all photo-illustrated. The right drill-and-reinforce tool between study sessions. Cheap enough to buy without overthinking and keep sets at your desk and in your bag.

What we like

Covers both the manual alphabet and 100 core vocabulary signs
Photo illustrations show exact hand positions clearly
Affordable enough to keep sets at your desk and in your bag

What to know

Static photos miss the movement; use video for signs with motion paths
100 signs is a foundation, not a complete working vocabulary

See on Amazon →

Specialty pick

ASL Educational

ASL Flash Cards: 200 American Sign Language Cards

Two hundred signs across a wider vocabulary range than starter sets, illustrated for adults rather than young children. A natural upgrade once you've exhausted the 104-card Carson Dellosa set and want to keep expanding.

What we like

200-card set doubles the vocabulary coverage of starter flash card decks
Designed for adult learners, not classroom kids

What to know

Unbranded; quality control varies between print runs
Less structured than a textbook curriculum; requires self-direction

See on Amazon →

Video Instruction

ASL is a visual language; no amount of book study substitutes for watching it in motion. Video instruction shows you the handshape, the movement path, facial grammar, and the rhythm of real conversation. Look for courses taught by Deaf instructors, not hearing interpreters demonstrating isolated signs.

Best starter

Harris Communications

Basic Course in American Sign Language: 4-Disc DVD Set

The video companion to the classic ASL curriculum, covering the same material as the textbook but in a pause-and-rewind format that lets you drill each sign before moving on. Pairs naturally with the Basic Course textbook, and works as a standalone video-only learner too.

What we like

Taught by Deaf native signers for culturally accurate form
DVD pause-and-drill format better for ASL than auto-play streaming

What to know

Physical media; you need a DVD player or disc drive
One-time purchase without the feedback loop of a live instructor

See on Amazon →

Specialty pick

Two Little Hands Productions

Signing Time Volume 1: My First Signs DVD

Song-based ASL vocabulary learning, famously effective for retention. Designed for children but adults use it too; the ear-worm approach means you remember signs from a week ago because they're attached to a melody. Works best as a vocabulary supplement, not a primary curriculum.

What we like

Song-based format dramatically improves vocabulary retention
Fun enough to rewatch multiple times; repetition without boredom

What to know

Aimed at young children; some adults find the format too simple
Limited vocabulary set; a supplement, not a complete curriculum

See on Amazon →

Reference Charts & Posters

A laminated ASL chart on your wall is passive study that compounds. Every glance reinforces the manual alphabet, number signs, or vocabulary. The best reference charts show multiple handshape angles and include motion direction indicators. Get the alphabet poster at minimum; it's the cheapest accelerator available.

Best starter

Carson Dellosa Education

Carson Dellosa ASL Alphabet Learning Posters (26-Pack)

Twenty-six individual cards for the full manual alphabet, each showing the handshape with the printed letter. Post them at your desk or on a classroom wall. Seeing the alphabet passively hundreds of times per day is the most effortless way to get it automatic.

What we like

Laminated; survives markers, moisture, and years of daily reference
Passive repetition: you'll have it memorized before you realize it

What to know

Shows static handshapes; slight variations exist between publishers
Single topic; you'll want additional charts as vocabulary expands

See on Amazon →

Specialty pick

Unbranded

7-Pack ASL Classroom Posters Laminated (Alphabet, Numbers, Emotions and More)

Seven reversible laminated posters covering the alphabet, numbers, shapes, colors, basic conversation words, question words, and emotions. Covers the core vocabulary topics beginners drill most, and the laminated format holds up to real daily use.

What we like

Six topics cover the most frequent conversational vocabulary areas
Topic-sorted layout beats hunting a dictionary mid-conversation

What to know

Print quality varies by seller; check reviews before ordering
Common vocabulary only; specialized topics still need a dictionary

Find on Amazon →

Budget pick

Sign Language Products

Peel and Stick ASL Fingerspelling Alphabet Chart

A small adhesive alphabet reference you stick to a mirror, laptop lid, or wall. No mounting required. Keep one in each room where you practice. Not a substitute for drilling, but a frictionless check-yourself tool that's always there.

What we like

Adhesive backing; stick it anywhere without holes or hardware
Small size means it goes where larger posters can't

What to know

Static hands only; no motion arrows for complex fingerspelling shapes
Single topic; not a vocabulary tool, just the alphabet

See on Amazon →

Going deeper

Your first three months of sign language

ASL clicks differently than any other language you've tried to learn. Within a week you'll have the alphabet. Within a month, basic conversations. Within three months, you'll understand why Deaf people say ASL isn't a second language, it's a second life.

Read the guide →

Save your money

What you don't need yet

Beginners get pressured to buy a lot of stuff that doesn't help them play better. Here's what we'd skip on day one.

Interpreter certification prep materials — NIC or BEI certification requires 2-5 years of dedicated study and real fluency. Not where beginners start.
Medical or legal ASL vocabulary books — Domain-specific vocabulary is useless without solid general conversational ASL first. A two-year skill at minimum.
An expensive online subscription right now — Lifeprint.com (Dr. Bill Vicars) is free, complete, and used in real courses. Start there before paying for any online platform.
Teacher's edition curriculum guides — Teacher's editions cost twice as much and include assessment materials you don't need. Always buy the student edition.
Signed Exact English (SEE) materials — SEE is manually-coded English, not ASL. If your goal is to communicate with the Deaf community, you want ASL.

First week

Your first seven days

A short, real plan to get from gear-on-doorstep to actually playing.

Order the Signing Naturally Units 1-6 student workbook. · Buy
- Jump to our pick: Signing Naturally Units 1-6 Student Set
Learn the manual alphabet today, not eventually. Lifeprint.com Lesson 1 takes under 30 minutes and teaches it better than any book. · Learn
- Lifeprint.com ASL Lesson 1 · Dr. Bill Vicars · free, used in real courses
Fingerspell your full name, your address, and five family members' names until they're fluid. Smooth fingerspelling is the first real milestone. · Action
Find a local Deaf community event, Deaf coffee hour, or ASL practice meetup. · Action
- NAD Resources · National Association of the Deaf · events and resources
- ASL Meetups · Local practice groups in most metro areas
Watch one Deaf creator on YouTube. The community, the humor, and the culture will motivate you more than any textbook. · Learn
- ASL Nerd (YouTube) · ASL instruction and Deaf culture, good for beginners
- Rikki Poynter (YouTube) · Deaf creator, popular with hearing learners starting out
Set a daily 15-minute practice streak. Language learning compounds on daily contact, not weekend marathons. · Action

FAQ

Common questions

How long does it take to learn conversational ASL?

Most dedicated beginners reach basic conversational level in 6-12 months of consistent daily practice. True fluency takes 2-4 years. The main accelerant is contact with Deaf signers, not more study materials.

Can I learn ASL entirely from apps and YouTube?

You can build vocabulary that way, but not ASL as a language. Spatial grammar, facial grammar, and natural conversation patterns require a structured curriculum and, eventually, practice with native signers. Apps are supplements, not curricula.

Is ASL used everywhere in the United States?

Mostly, yes. Regional variations exist (Black ASL is a distinct dialect with its own history), and a few signs vary by city. Core grammar and most vocabulary are consistent nationwide. Note: British Sign Language (BSL) is a completely different language.

Do I need formal classes, or can I self-study?

Self-study works for vocabulary and basic grammar. But contact with Deaf signers accelerates learning in ways no book can replicate. Even one community college ASL class or regular attendance at a Deaf event is worth more than a shelf of textbooks.

What is the difference between ASL and Signed Exact English?

ASL is its own language with grammar independent from English. Signed Exact English (SEE) is a manually-coded system that follows English word order and grammar. Most of the Deaf community uses ASL; SEE is used in some educational settings. If you want to connect with Deaf people, learn ASL.

Should I use a language app like Duolingo for ASL?

As a supplement, sure. But apps are vocabulary drills, not language instruction. They won't teach you spatial grammar, non-manual markers, or how ASL conversation actually flows. Use an app for vocab review; use a real curriculum for everything else.

Going further

Where to next

Related hobbies

Browse by category

Authoritative sources

Lifeprint.com (Dr. Bill Vicars) — A complete, free ASL curriculum from a Deaf ASL instructor at Sacramento State. The most comprehensive free resource online, used in real college courses. Start here.
National Association of the Deaf — The civil rights organization for the American Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Events, resources, and the authoritative voice on ASL culture and policy.
Gallaudet University — The world's only university for the Deaf and hard of hearing. Their Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center publishes widely-used ASL curriculum materials.
Signing Savvy — Free online ASL video dictionary. Look up any sign and watch a Deaf signer demonstrate it. More useful than a photo dictionary for signs with complex motion.
ASL Nerd (YouTube) — ASL instruction and Deaf culture content. Good beginner entry point and useful for seeing real conversational signing as a goal post.
r/asl — Active subreddit for ASL learners and signers. Good for practice video feedback, resource questions, and finding local Deaf events. Read the wiki before posting.