Chapter 11
I found this
certain chapter in the book very beneficial. As a beginning learner of ASL, it’s
important to know and understand the meaning behind certain signs. Before
reading this chapter, I had no idea that certain signs held so much history; for
example, the female and male signs. I’ve
noticed before that the typical female signs such as women, girl, mother,
daughter, etc are all signed near the chin and mouth. However, I found it very
interesting that these “female” signs resemble the tying of bonnet strings.
I
also read in the chapter about certain signs that are looked upon as racist. These
include the sign for African-American, Japanese, Chinese, Korea, and Polish. For
example, the African American sign represents a variant of the “Black Nose” (as
stated in the book). Something that caught me off guard about this particular
part in the chapter was the statement that “some African-American Deaf People
still prefer the old sign for black.” After reflecting on the chapter, I
thought about this particular comment for some time. Just like in other languages,
there are certain words that are no longer seen as socially acceptable.
However, some older generations of people still tend to use the words in
everyday speech. Therefore, they don’t see the need to change or evolve with
the ever-changing language. Nonetheless, American Sign Language is somewhat culturally
connected to other languages in that way.
Chapter 12
I found the
letter written by Tammy Kirk in the beginning of the chapter very courageous of
a young child. In the letter, Tammy
discusses her reasoning behind wanting to learn ASL. One sentence in particular
that she wrote caught my attention; “Even though they couldn’t hear, they were
the funnest people to be with.” From personal experience, I’ve noticed that
some people tend to have a negative stereotype concerning deaf individuals. They
seem to think that they are incompetent, and are not capable of portraying
emotion, humor, etc. However, in these past 3 months as an ASL student I have
learned that this isn’t the case whatsoever!
After reading
the chapter in its entirety, I found this piece of information the most beneficial:
·
The important thing is to get into practice,
and, if possible, find someone who’s skillful in signing to practice with. That
makes it more fun.
I’m a firm
believer, that practice is the most beneficial study tool in becoming
proficient in learning ASL. I’ve learned
that practicing with classmates and deaf individuals in the community is more
helpful than studying alone! This allows for feedback and constructive criticism
that can ultimately help you in the future.
Chapter 13
Before
reading this chapter, I had no idea that the “ILY” sign held so much negativity
in the deaf community. The main reason it’s looked down upon is because it isn’t
strictly ASL. It’s a combination of three letters of the standard alphabet.
Another reason is because it has become a visual cliché and has lost its
meaning. Just like the English language, people tend to overuse the word. Nonetheless,
I feel as if the meaning of the word, and its use have somewhat been translated
into American Sign Language.
One particular thing that I
found very interesting in the chapter was the part about Presidential Candidate
Carter. This took place in 1977 during the Inauguration Day walk down
Pennsylvania Avenue. President Carter chose to acknowledge a group of deaf individuals
by flashing the ILY sign to them. Ultimately,
President Carter was a very good man who tried to reach everyone in the community.
In the end, the deaf community greatly appreciated his effort. Nonetheless, I find his effort to be very
courteous.
Another thing that I found interesting
in this chapter was the statement that the “ILY” sign is arguably is the
best-known hand sign in the world. I have trouble believing that to a certain
extent. From my personal experiences thus far (even though they may be limited)
I have yet to notice the use of the ILY sign by a deaf individual.
Chapter 14
I
feel like this chapter was somewhat geared towards me. I found the majority of
the information in this chapter very beneficial for future use. As an ASL student, I continue to struggle with
be able to read fingerspelling. I have been practicing on my own, but haven’t
shown much improvement. However, this chapter gave me a few ideas on how to
become better.
I found the idea that you can fingerspell a favorite
poem or brief prose item very useful. After reading this particular part in the
chapter, I began to use this method for practice. Nonetheless, it really does
help with the development of finger spelling. I also try and fingerspell when I
have any free time whatsoever. For
example, I’ll watch a TV show and pick certain words during the program to
fingerspell. It’s definitely really good
practice!
Another thing I
found rather shocking was that manual dexterity is an important component of
fingerspelling. I never realized that the strength of your hand would directly
correlate with fingerspelling!
Chapter 15
As a hearing individual,
I firmly believe that everyone should learn at least the basics of ASL. For a deaf individual, ASL is there only way
of communication. Therefore, it’s important we at least know the basics of the
language to communicate with the ever growing population of deaf individuals
among us. You never know when you will meet
a deaf person, and need to communicate with them! Even if you just know the alphabet
and the basics of fingerspelling you will go far!
One point in the
book I found interesting was that it can be used as a survival tool for anyone.
There may be a time in your life when you are unable to vocally communicate. During
this time, you can use ASL to communicate! As stated in the book, imagine you
are choking and can’t talk; you can use ASL to explain to a peer that you are
choking and need help. This can ultimately save your life in more ways than one!
Chapter 16
This chapter was
very informative! I’ve wondered in the past if there were ways to teach
yourself sign language in the comfort of your own home.
After reading this
chapter, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not highly recommended to solely
rely on instructional videos and CD-ROMS when it comes to learning ASL.
However, I do believe that when mixed with the proper tools these instructional
aids can actually help improve learning!
Chapter 17
Before
reading this chapter, I was completely unaware of the use of Pidgin Signed English.
Nonetheless, I have heard of “Signed English,” in which the signer follows the
sentence structure of English rather than ASL. However, I’m still slightly confused
on the difference between “Signed English,” and “Pidgin Signed English.” To me they generally seem the same, which
very few differences.
One
thing I found interesting in this chapter, was learning that you have to use
PSE in an English word order to speak and sign at the same time. After reading this, I instantly thought about
one of my favorite TV shows “Switched at Birth.” In this show, a young girl
uses signed English to speak and sign at the same time. She does this to
communicate with hearing people, and when translating for friends.
One
question that lingers in the head about this chapter is how deaf individuals separate
the two different languages? How do they tell the difference between the two?
For example, if they grew up learning ASL, how would they be able to understand
someone who is using Signed English which follows the English language
structure?
Chapter 18
In
reading this chapter, I’ve learned about the “continuum” of American Sign
Language. The continuum represents the entire population of sign language users.
It shows the purest (signing exact English) approach to the purest ASL
approach.
Ever
since I read the last chapter, I have wondered how people determine whether or
not “Signed English” is being used and how to determine when it’s being used. Ultimately
the book states that you have to catch the rhythm of the sentence. As a beginner ASL student, I don’t think I would
be able to tell the difference right away. I feel as if only time will tell! I just keep telling myself that practice makes
perfect, and to not give up J
Chapter 19
I have never
heard of Total Communication before. To
be honest, I’m still not quite sure what it entails. I learned from the chapter
that TC is commonly but inaccurately used to mean “Simultaneous Communication,”
(Aka Signing while talking).
After reading on
in the Chapter, I learned that there are schools based solely off on Total
Communication practices. However, I’m still on the fence whether or not these practices
actually benefit the deaf student. I
read that in TC schools that are no deaf teachers or facilitators, and that
most of the students were hearing! Therefore, I don’t feel like these schools
would help deaf children. If anything it would make learning more difficult!
Chapter 20
Growing up with
a deaf cousin in the family definitely sparked my interest for learning ASL.
However, when it became time for college I soon realized that many colleges around
this area don’t offer ASL as a foreign Language. You would think since ASL is
the one of the top most used languages, the majority of colleges and universities
would recognize it as a foreign language!
However, I agree with the author when he states that it generally has to
do something with faulty preconceptions that many people have about the language.
Many people seem to think that it’s not a language because it can’t be written.
However, that isn’t the case at all! ASL can be written in terms of glossing.
The author also makes a good point when he compares ASL to the language of
Navajo! All written language was created at one time or another. Therefore,
long ago the language of Navajo had no written language either. Does that mean
Navajo isn’t a recognized language? No.
Nonetheless, I
do not take the opportunity to learn ASL for granted! It may have taken a few semesters
(more like years) to get into but the time waiting was well worth it!
Chapter 21
In many
ways I’m similar to Alis! I have always wondered how deaf people feel when a
hearing person approaches them using sign language. Do you feel at ease? Do they feel uncomfortable?
I have too also been fascinated by Sign Language! After reading the chapter, I’ve
learned that there is an appropriate time to join into an ASL conversation. It’s
considered rude to some deaf individuals to interrupt. However, if you’re a grocery store waiting in the
checkout line and you notice a deaf individual it’s perfectly fine to make
small talk! J
One thing I found completely
shocking was that older children have been known to mock deaf people while
signing because they think it’s funny! That’s completely disrespectful and rude
nonetheless! I then read that some
adults do this as well! I can’t believe that an adult would mimic someone in
that way. If they roles were switched, I’m sure they wouldn’t appreciate the
gesture!
