I agree with all that Ben offered. (thanks for the links too!!)
I would also add that learning the language yourself is certainly a boon to your skill set, but as you mentioned in your initial post, you just want to hand it off to your client. That can be another issue.
They are going to need, more often than not, some type of CMS (content management system) that will allow them to maintain and.or modify your creation. With that comes the learning curve for THEM.
The problem I have seen with that is they are not as interested in learning something like, say, we are. So simplicity is going to be a big issue for them as well.
You can create your own CMS, purchase a number of them on the web, or consider developing sites in WordPress, Drupal or Joomla. All of which have a learning curve for all parties concerned.
HTH