Humans use nonverbal communication so naturally that most of us don't think much about it. It's the language of the American Deaf community and the fourth most used language in the United States. In fact, many ASL signs don't translate into spoken English well at all. Actually, some people feel that ASL is more expressive than spoken English. I've taught sign language at 4-H Exploration Days for almost 10 years.
Participants learn and practice basic vocabulary with games and conversation.
Kids and adults in the session find that signing is fun and easy to learn. They don't all learn to sign well during the short time that we have, nor do they all continue to study sign language, but many do stay interested in signing and enjoy using their new skills. ASL is becoming increasingly popular across the nation. It has gained acceptance as a second language course in many schools. ASL interpreters are exposing us to the language as they interpret in schools, churches, at meetings and important public functions.