Sign language lessons: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What sign language lessons is

Sign language lessons teach signs, fingerspelling, facial expressions and grammar, so learners can communicate visually with deaf and hard of hearing people. Parents book them for children who have a deaf or hard of hearing family member, and adults take them for work, friendship or to communicate with a relative.

Signs you need it

  • You want to talk with a deaf or hard of hearing friend, coworker or relative and do not know where to start.
  • You know a few signs but cannot tell whether you are signing a question, a statement or a command.
  • You can fingerspell your name but cannot read fingerspelling quickly when someone uses it.
  • Your child is learning to sign or uses signs, and you want to learn alongside them.
  • You want to communicate at work or in a service setting where a sign language user needs to be understood.

What the pro does

  • Check your starting point in signs, fingerspelling, facial expression and any grammar you already know.
  • Teach the handshapes and movements of common signs, with practice in front of a mirror and feedback.
  • Practice fingerspelling and reading it, starting with short words and moving to full names and phrases.
  • Teach the facial expressions and body position that carry grammar in the language.
  • Assign short practice tasks between lessons, such as signing a short conversation with a family member.

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • One-on-one lessons compared with small group classes
  • How many lessons you book each week and how long each one runs
  • Whether the focus is everyday conversation, family use, work or a specific sign language
  • Whether the teacher is a deaf signer, a hearing teacher with sign language training or both
  • Whether lessons are in a group with other learners or practiced one on one
  • Whether lessons happen online or in person

What a written quote should spell out

  • Which sign language is taught, such as American Sign Language or another
  • The lesson count, length and schedule
  • The starting level check and the goals for the first set of lessons
  • How fingerspelling, facial expression and grammar are covered in the plan
  • Cancellation and rescheduling rules

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Which sign language do you teach, and how does it fit the people I want to communicate with?
  • Are you a deaf signer, a hearing teacher, or both, and what training do you have?
  • How do you teach facial expression and body position, which many learners skip?
  • Do you include community practice or opportunities to sign with deaf people?
  • If you are booking for a child, what is the teacher's policy on background checks, supervision and cancellations?

Red flags

  • A teacher who says facial expression does not matter in sign language.
  • Lessons that only teach a list of signs with no grammar or conversation.
  • A teacher who will not describe their training or their experience with deaf communities.
  • Pressure to buy a long package before a trial lesson.

What you can do yourself

You can learn the manual alphabet and common signs from video and books on your own, and practice in front of a mirror. Hire a teacher when you need someone to correct your handshapes and facial grammar, and to help you move from single signs to real conversation with deaf people.

Licenses and permits

Teaching sign language does not usually require a license. Interpreting in legal, medical or other formal settings is a separate field and is often regulated, so check with your state or local licensing agency before you offer or hire interpreting work.

Sign language lessons questions

Can I learn sign language well enough to talk with a deaf friend?

Yes, many learners build everyday conversation with steady practice. A teacher can show you the grammar and facial expression that make the conversation clear.

Can a parent book sign language lessons for a child?

Yes. Ask about background checks, lesson policies, whether a parent can sit in and how lessons are booked before you commit.

How do I hire a sign language teacher here?

Describe your goal, then pick the teachers you want by name. Only the teachers you pick see your request, and it is free for you.

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