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Start ASL vs Lingvano

Tuesday, January 21st

2025 Sign Language Lesson Reviews

Start ASL Review 5 Star Rating

Start ASL

5 Star Rating
  • Pricing details: Silver level costs $47 per month, $247 per semester, or $447 per year. Gold level costs $97 per month, $497 per semester, or $997 per year
  • Taught by certified interpreters and native Deaf signers
  • Material meets ACTFL and California World Language Standards
  • Provides high-quality videos, an advanced online classroom, interactive activities, and e-textbooks
  • Offers video feedback on signing assignments for Gold subscribers
  • Shows signs from different angles to aid learning
  • Offers a 30-day, risk-free guarantee
  • Provides a free ASL dictionary with over 2,300 words and phrases
  • Offers separate online one-on-one tutoring
Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

Start ASL's material comes from native Deaf instructors and certified interpreters. Their material is highly trusted and adheres to ACTFL and California World Language Standards. They offer two subscription levels: Silver for beginners and Gold for those seeking fluency or course credit. Despite a recent price increase, Start ASL still provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, access to high-quality videos, an online classroom, interactive activities, e-textbooks, and a free ASL dictionary. They also offer video feedback on assignments for Gold subscribers and extra one-on-one online tutoring. Users appreciate the course for being organized, fun, and effective. Start ASL remains our top-rated sign language resource due to the quality of its content and the array of features offered in its lessons.

Lingvano Review 4 Star Rating

Lingvano

4 Star Rating
  • Pricing: $120 annually, $47.97 every 3 months, or $17.99 monthly
  • Exclusively teaches ASL, BSL, and OEGS
  • No ads or data selling, completely financed by subscribers
  • Provides literal English translations for ASL phrases
  • Offers option to slow down video playback
  • Course split into 102 lessons grouped into 8 sections
  • Offers a dictionary, Vocab Trainer, and Sign Mirror with Premium account
  • Subscription fee contributes to employing deaf signers
  • High user satisfaction with a 4.7-star rating on Google Play
  • Regularly adds new content to the platform

Lingvano is a dedicated platform for learning sign languages, including ASL, BSL, and OEGS. As a user, you get access to 102 lessons across 8 sections, an ASL dictionary, a Vocab Trainer, and a Sign Mirror for real-time feedback. The cost varies by location and chosen course, with options of $17.99 monthly, $15.99 per month billed quarterly, or $9.99 per month billed annually. Your subscription fee supports the Deaf community by employing deaf signers. The platform is highly rated by users and continually adds new content. While an app can't replace in-person classes and immersion in the Deaf community, Lingvano is a worthy alternative. If you're serious about learning sign language, we recommend trying the free version first to see if it suits your learning style, then jumping into the paid subscription.

Where Can You Find the Best Sign Language Lessons Online?

Maybe you've decided to learn sign language because you have a deaf child, or perhaps there's a new student at your school who is hard of hearing and you'd like to befriend them. Or it could be that you're simply fascinated by this beautiful, expressive language and want to expand your communication skills. Whatever your reason, learning sign language opens up a new realm of possibilities for connection and understanding.

Learning sign language is unlike picking up any spoken language. You're not just memorizing vocabulary and grammar; you're learning to convey and interpret messages through gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Imagine expressing complex emotions or detailed narratives with your hands and face - it's a whole new way of thinking and communicating.

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Sign Language Lesson FAQ

According to the Communication Service for the Deaf, around one million people use American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary means of communication in the US and Canada. There are also approximately 16,000 people in the US who serve as interpreters with sign language.
Yes, because there is no universal sign language. Even among countries where the same spoken language is used (like Australia, England, and the United States), sign language users from different nations may not understand each other. There are also three different primary forms of sign language within the US: ASL, Pidgin Signed English, and Signed Exact English, with ASL being the most commonly used.
ASL has its own structure and is a language in its own right. The visual component of sign language means that the hands, arms, face and head are all used to convey meaning in ways that aren't an inherent part of spoken English. Also, many of the grammatical constructs common to English (like pluralized nouns and articles like "a” and "the”) don't exist as words within American Sign Language.
You might think that sign language will be easy to learn quickly, because it seems similar to English. Experts say that's a misconception: expect it to take 2-3 years of regular study to get to an intermediate level of fluency, and an additional 2 years of interpretation training if you want to reach full fluency.
No. Some people use sign language to teach basic words and concepts to their babies, like "more" and "all done", before the children are able to talk. Sign language can also be used by people who are non-verbal. And, many learners like studying ASL just for the enjoyment of it!
Finding a sign language class near you might be difficult. While there are often beginner courses taught at libraries and community centers, or offered by colleges and universities, you might not be able to find lessons near you - or ones that fit your schedule and budget. The nice thing about online sign language lessons is that you can learn at your own pace. Need to watch the instructor do each new word or phrase 20 times before you feel you've got it? No problem!
Not necessarily. Some providers of ASL instruction charge a one-time fee for books, videos, and/or downloadable materials, while others operate on a month-to-month subscription basis for access to online coursework. Both approaches to sign language lessons are affordable, and are usually much less costly than paying for classes at a college or university.
Sometimes. It depends on where you buy your sign language lessons. We recommend that you see what each course offers as a preview before you sign up, whether that's a demo lesson, downloads of sample coursework, or a free 7-day trial. The more you know about how the lessons are taught and what's covered beforehand, the easier it will be to determine which ASL coursework is right for you.
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Continued from above...

Also, keep in mind that sign language is not universal; each country, and sometimes regions within countries, has its own sign language with distinct rules and grammar. This means that learning American Sign Language won't necessarily enable you to communicate with someone who uses British Sign Language (BSL), for example.

Online sign language lessons have surged in popularity over the years. This can be attributed to several reasons that make these lessons an attractive option for a diverse range of learners. But one of the main reasons for the popularity of online sign language lessons is the unparalleled convenience they offer.

Sign language learners can access courses over the internet from anywhere in the world, eliminating the need for physical attendance at specific locations. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for people with busy schedules, letting them learn at their own pace and at times that suit their personal and professional commitments.

Another reason why online sign language lessons are so popular is they can provide a wealth of resources and interactive tools that enhance the learning experience. These can include video tutorials, live classes, interactive exercises, and community forums, all designed to foster a deeper understanding and proficiency in sign language.

The multimedia approach of online sign language lessons caters to different learning styles, ensuring that both visual and auditory learners can all benefit from the courses. High-quality video demonstrations by native signers help learners grasp the nuances of signs, facial expressions, and body language, which are crucial aspects of effective communication in sign language.

If you're considering online sign language lessons, you'll find them a flexible, accessible way to learn. Maybe your schedule is packed, and you need to fit lessons in between other commitments. Or you live in a place without a strong Deaf or hard-of-hearing community to practice with. Online lessons offer the chance to learn from the comfort of your home, with resources like video tutorials that show you exactly how to form each sign, and interactive courses that provide feedback on your signing skills.

When you're choosing an online sign language course, keep these points in mind:

  • Content quality and relevance. You'll want a course that covers everything from the basics to more advanced conversations. For example, if you're learning sign language to communicate with a deaf child, look for lessons that include signs for family, emotions, and daily routines.
  • Interactive learning tools. Opt for courses that make learning fun and effective with quizzes, games, or even a virtual practice buddy. This can help you practice signing in real-time, which is crucial for building your confidence.
  • Feedback and support. It can be helpful to have access to personalized feedback on your signing. Some platforms may offer video assessments or allow you to connect with experienced signers for advice.
  • Flexibility and accessibility. Whether you prefer learning late at night or during your morning commute, the best online lessons work with your schedule and are accessible on various devices.

Top Consumer Reviews has taken a close look at the available options and ranked the best sign language lessons to help you on your way. Whether you're just starting or looking to deepen your knowledge, we hope this guide aids you in finding the perfect sign language lessons to fit your life and learning goals.

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