Like many that have learned to speak another language, I cherish my ability to communicate with someone in another language.  I had to learn after my best friend became deaf.  It was a challenge for me to get my brain to hang onto the lessons that I was taking to be able to communicate.  Once I got the hang of it though, it became much more easy.  The fact that my friend was going through something much more difficult also pulled me along.  I used a book on sign language american style, to help me get better.  It was a wise decision, and I am glad to have done it.