Rocket Languages Sign Language Review
Rocket Sign Language teaches American Sign Language (ASL) — the visual language used by more than 500,000 people in the United States and Canada as their primary means of communication. ASL is a fully independent language with its own grammar, syntax, and expressive capacity; it is not a signed version of English.
What Is Rocket Sign Language?
Rocket Sign Language is an online ASL course designed for hearing learners who want to communicate with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The course teaches ASL handshapes, movement, facial expressions, and spatial grammar through video lessons. Unlike other Rocket Languages courses, this one is inherently visual — there are no audio dialogues, and the lessons center on demonstrating and practicing signs in a clear, slow, and then natural pace. The course covers the ASL alphabet, numbers, common vocabulary, and basic sentence structure.
Key Features of Rocket Sign Language
- Interactive Audio Lessons (MegaVoice): All dialogues are recorded by native Sign Language speakers in natural conversational speech — no text-to-speech. This calibrates your ear to authentic Sign Language from the first lesson.
- Rocket Record Speech Recognition: Records your Sign Language and scores your pronunciation in real time, identifying specific sounds that need more practice.
- Written Grammar Lessons: Each audio module is paired with clear written grammar explanations, so you understand the rules rather than just memorizing patterns.
- Cultural Insights: Goes beyond language to explain customs, formality levels, and communication norms that affect how Sign Language is actually used.
- Reinforcement Activities: Quizzes, flashcards, and a scoring system reinforce vocabulary and grammar retention between modules.
- Offline Access: Download lessons to the iOS or Android app for study without internet access.
Pros and Cons of Rocket Sign Language
Pros
- Video-based instruction — clear demonstrations of handshapes, movement paths, and palm orientation for each sign.
- Facial grammar coverage — explains the role of facial expressions in ASL grammar, which text-based resources often omit.
- ASL alphabet and numbers — foundational fingerspelling and number systems are introduced early.
- Conversational focus — aims to develop real communicative ability, not just vocabulary recognition.
- One-time purchase — no monthly subscription.
- 60-day money-back guarantee.
Cons
- No practice with Deaf signers built in — real fluency requires live conversation with native ASL users beyond any online course.
- American Sign Language only — BSL, Auslan, and other sign languages are completely different; this course does not transfer.
- Spatial grammar takes time — ASL's use of three-dimensional space for grammar is genuinely unlike any spoken language feature.
How Much Does Rocket Sign Language Cost?
Rocket Sign Language uses a one-time purchase model — you buy each level separately (Level 1, 2, and 3 for most languages) rather than paying a monthly subscription. Bundle pricing is available when purchasing multiple levels together. A 60-day money-back guarantee applies, which gives you genuine time to evaluate the course. Visit the Rocket Languages website for current pricing and any active promotions.
Is Rocket Sign Language Worth It?
Rocket Sign Language is a practical starting point for hearing learners who want to communicate respectfully with ASL users. The video format is well suited to a visual language, and the facial expression coverage addresses an aspect that many beginner resources miss. Supplement the course with as much live ASL interaction as possible — sign language acquisition is more contact-dependent than spoken language learning.
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Conclusion
Rocket Sign Language is a well-constructed option for self-directed learners who want audio-first instruction with genuine grammar depth. The Rocket Record feature for pronunciation practice and the one-time purchase model (no subscription) are the two strongest selling points. If you combine the course's listening and speaking practice with systematic vocabulary study, you will progress significantly faster than with either resource alone.