Category: Missions

American Sign Language: It’s not all in the hands

written by Benny Lewis

An introduction to ASL as a complete language, including grammar, fingerspelling, and respectful ways to begin learning with the Deaf community.

written by Benny Lewis

Watch a selection of sign-language videos, including music, storytelling and visual performance from several signing communities.

written by Benny Lewis

Benny shares his first days learning American Sign Language in Austin, including an early house-tour video and lessons about non-manual markers.

written by Benny Lewis

Benny looks back on his 2011 Tagalog mission, what Puerto Galera taught him about social immersion and the progress he made back in Manila.

written by Benny Lewis

From the mission archive, Benny begins learning American Sign Language and sets out his plan to sign with people in the Deaf community.

written by Benny Lewis

Learn Tagalog with a clear guide to Filipino, Taglish, pronunciation, aspect, voice and practical speaking, backed by current Philippine sources.

written by Benny Lewis

Benny shares his first impressions of Manila, including Spanish influences, Filipino, daily transport and the city’s heavy pollution.

written by Benny Lewis

From the 2011 archive, Benny starts a two-month Tagalog mission in the Philippines and sets a speaking goal built around real conversations.

written by Benny Lewis

Read Benny's answers to common questions about three-month language missions, speaking early, travel, methods and realistic definitions of fluency.