American Sign Language

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders defines American Sign Langauge (ASL) as, “A complete, natural language that has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, with grammar that differs from English. ASL is expressed by movements of the hands and face. It is the primary language of many North Americans who are deaf and hard of hearing, and is used by many hearing people as well.”

Department:
Language Sciences

Advisor:
Becky Shields, rashields@wisc.edu

Intro Class:
LING 351: American Sign Language I

The Department of Language Sciences is currently in the process of developing additional American Sign Language courses at UW-Madison. Please contact the department directly with questions. Information on this page will be updated as it becomes available. 

American Sign Language Studies Major at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Madison College 
ASL Courses (Non-Credit)
ASL Interpreter Program

Wisconsin Association of the Deaf
ASL Beginner Courses