Basic Filipino Sign Language Tutorial

About this course

Online Sign Language Tutorial is an entirely new approach to learning a new language. In this method, you will be taught IN REAL TIME!!!  We will be making use of the latest technology through a live video call. What's more exciting about this is that you will be taught by the same people who own and naturally use the language, the Filipino DEAF!!!

Welcome to BASIC FILIPINO SIGN LANGUAGE ONLINE TUTORIAL!!!

You have already leveled up a bit and can now make light conversations. As a continuation of the Advanced Sign Language Online Tutorial, this course is where you will dig deeper into the beauty and uniqueness of Filipino Sign Language.

Although the Manila Christian Computer Institute for the Deaf does not claim to be the expert in Filipino Sign Language (FSL), we have made several significant contributions to the recognition and promotion of Filipino Sign Language (FSL).

1. Early Adoption and Promotion: MCCID was one of the first institutions in the Philippines to recognize the existence of a unique Filipino Sign Language. They have been teaching FSL since 1993 and have aggressively promoted its use¹.
2. Curriculum Integration: FSL and Deaf Culture are integral parts of MCCID’s curriculum. This ensures that students not only learn the language but also understand the cultural context in which it is used¹.
3. Training and Workshops: MCCID conducts various training sessions and workshops on FSL for different organizations, including government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). These efforts help spread awareness and improve communication with the deaf community².
4. Technological Innovations: MCCID has developed and launched the first Filipino Sign Language Android app, making FSL more accessible to a wider audience³.
5. Community Engagement: MCCID actively participates in events and initiatives that promote FSL, such as the Filipino Sign Language Bible Translation project².

These efforts by MCCID have played a crucial role in promoting FSL and supporting the deaf community in the Philippines.

Did you know that MCCID

• was the first institution to recognize Filipino Sign Language as a language used by the Filipino Deaf? As early as 1997, FSL (then PSL) appeared on the first website created for the Filipino Deaf.
• was the first that develop a Windows Font using FSL in 2010 which can be downloaded for free?
• was the first who made an entry page of Filipino Sign Language on Wikipedia? MCCID Training Director Jojo Esposa Jr. created the first FSL page in 2008 under the username Jomanila.
• was the first that develop the Filipino Sign Language Android app back in 2016?
• was the first that introduced Filipino Sign Language on YouTube in 2006?

In this course, you will learn the basics of how to communicate using FSL.  You will also learn the latest FSL signs as researched and compiled by the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino and the Philippine Federation of the Deaf. You will also learn about the Visual-Spatial and Visual-Gestural approaches to communicating.

We will also make our conversations with the deaf longer and more exciting by telling stories and sharing our day-to-day experiences with them through sign language! Now, that would be fun!

Lastly, a deaf person may not hear music. But through sign language, you may share with your Deaf Tutor your joys and excitement in learning a song that may both touch our hearts. Now that would be truly fun!

What else do I need to know before I enroll?

Here are your basic requirements:

1. Laptop, Personal Computer, or a Smartphone with a strong and stable internet connection - We can conduct the online training using either your Windows or Android phone. A strong and stable internet connection is necessary so that there is smooth live video communication without lag.
2. Selection of the Following Video Conferencing Online Tools:
   
   1. TALKY VIDEO CHAT - This is our most preferred tool in our online live tutorial. No need to install any software or app on your PC or mobile phone. No signup or plugins are required. You only need an internet browser (Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox) to access by going to the https://talky.io website and either creating or joining a chatroom. This is also a good choice, especially for those who don't want to reveal their personal information unlike using Facebook. There is also no need to register to create an account. Click on this link for instructions on using Talky.
   2. GOOGLE MEET - This is another alternative that we will use. However, you need to have an existing GMAIL account bundled with Google Calendar to use this. Click on this link for instructions on using Google Meet.
3. Deaf Sensitivity Training Enrollment - Before you enroll in this course, we strongly advise that you enroll in our short Deaf Sensitivity Training Course as a prerequisite. In this course, you will understand and appreciate who they are and how they behave. If you love language, you should also love people. Did we also tell you that the course is FREE? Check out this course here.
4. Conversational Sign Language Course Enrollment - Since this is already an advanced course, we strongly require you to take up our Conversational Sign Language Online Tutorial Course first.

Now, what are you waiting for? Click on the ADD TO CART button above, pay the Course Fee and you are off to another exciting way of expressing yourself, through the wonderful world of sign language. Cheers!