I began learning sign language at the age of 10.
I am hearing but I took a keen interest in sign language when I saw a deaf girl signing to her sister who was also hearing.
You don't have to grow up with deaf parents to learn the language although many registered interpreters are children of deaf parents.
To learn sign language, it will take a lot of commitment and practice.
Like any new language, you should definitely try to immerse yourself in the culture.
One quick way to start learning the language is to invest in a very good book of sign.
All books are not alike.
Purchase a book that has detail explanations and one that has good visual signs that show the motion and the direction of the signs.
Another way to learn sign language is to take a class at a local community college or university.
Taking a college course will surely expose you to the deaf because the professor should know about all of the events in the surrounding areas that involve the deaf.
Finally, a very good way to learn the is to volunteer at a local deaf center.
There are a lot of deaf centers looking for volunteers.
Make sure you know your alphabet and as many words as possible prior to becoming a volunteer.
Learning the basics should start you on your way to become fluent in the language.
Being around deaf people is absolutely the fastest way to learn the language.