American Sign Language as a Second Language
Why I'm Learning Sign
On every Tuesday and Thursday evening in the month of June, I have been taking a sign language class. Of course the first question that tends to come to mind is "why?", so let me address that first. If you've ever read Kipling's 'The Elephant's Child', then you've caught a glimpse into the mind that drives one who is plagued with "insatiable curiosity"; they do odd things, like travel to the great, grey, green greasy Limpopo River to ask questions that to others seem unworthy of being uttered. I am plagued with a similarly insatiable curiosity (although I DO know what the Crocodile has for supper, O Best Beloved), and in particular am insatiably curious about languages. How one idea can be thoroughly communicated in so many different ways fascinates me, and so at any given point in my life since about the age of 16, I have been in the process of exploring some new language. Some stuck rather well, like Spanish, French, Albanian, and Hindi; Others linger in the form of a few words or expressions, like Mandarin, Hebrew, and Russian. American Sign Language is a language in its own right, with its own syntax and word form, so it too fell into my sights. I first learned a portion of it several years ago when I desired to do a Bible study with a deaf couple I had met. I spent several hours creating a list of all the potential vocabulary words I might need, then went to the library and looked up each one, drawing myself little pictures of how to form the word. I spent many hours practicing the same, and finally did have that Bible study. Presently, I'm in love with a woman who happens to have two profoundly deaf sisters and a deaf brother in law. Last month we went and visited her family in Chicago, and I felt myself to be quite handicapped when it came to communicating with them. Fortunately, they all read lips well and even speak, so their skill set made up for what I consider to be MY handicap in not knowing Sign Language; but I did resolve within myself that the next time we meet they wouldn't have to carry so much of the burden of communication. And so, I'm making Sign Language a part of my daily regimen!
Last night, as part of our class, I attended a performance of "Annie" put on by the San Antonio Deaf Dance Company. It was mandatory, as our instructor had made it part of the curriculum. I took my fiancee and five of my seven children. We arrived early and got into our seats amidst several of the kids' grumblings about how boring this was going to be. But an hour and a half later, after all was said and done, none of us had a single shred of regret that we had come, not even the kids! Everything was done in sign language, with interpreters for the hearing provided, but even though I know very little sign and my kids know even less, we all learned something about human communication, that there is so much more than words to it all, and of the incredible amount of information that can be transferred accurately by a simple raise of an eyebrow or a facial expression. So what appears to be at first glance a language that would severely impair one's ability to communicate deep thoughts or detailed feelings is actually probably more robust and alive than any spoken language ever could be.
The performance itself was amazing. As you know, "Annie" is a musical, so there were several songs, both solo and with chorus, as well as several dance numbers that required coordination among the dancers themselves. Most of the time, music did accompany those numbers, though once or twice they were done completely in silence. It was mesmerizing when, without song or music, the troupe performed flawlessly and in beautiful synchronicity. For those of us who are hearing and who are able to realize a different perspective on the challenge that such a thing can present, it was inspiring and impressive beyond words. I'm extremely glad that I took my kids, and I'm very happy at the final reactions that came from them. Whereas at first they thought it was funny...not the people's handicap, but the way signing appeared...by the end they were impressed, themselves, and had even managed to learn some signs just by watching the audience interact during intermissions.
Don't know any Sign Language yourself? I highly recommend that, the next time your local school district offers adult education classes that you sign yourself up and partake of the benefits that come by delving a little bit into the world that our non-hearing brethren live in. Empower yourself a little, become capable of doing your part to bridge the communication gap the next time you encounter someone whose primary language is visual. You won't regret it. ;)
Doug out.
Last night, as part of our class, I attended a performance of "Annie" put on by the San Antonio Deaf Dance Company. It was mandatory, as our instructor had made it part of the curriculum. I took my fiancee and five of my seven children. We arrived early and got into our seats amidst several of the kids' grumblings about how boring this was going to be. But an hour and a half later, after all was said and done, none of us had a single shred of regret that we had come, not even the kids! Everything was done in sign language, with interpreters for the hearing provided, but even though I know very little sign and my kids know even less, we all learned something about human communication, that there is so much more than words to it all, and of the incredible amount of information that can be transferred accurately by a simple raise of an eyebrow or a facial expression. So what appears to be at first glance a language that would severely impair one's ability to communicate deep thoughts or detailed feelings is actually probably more robust and alive than any spoken language ever could be.
The performance itself was amazing. As you know, "Annie" is a musical, so there were several songs, both solo and with chorus, as well as several dance numbers that required coordination among the dancers themselves. Most of the time, music did accompany those numbers, though once or twice they were done completely in silence. It was mesmerizing when, without song or music, the troupe performed flawlessly and in beautiful synchronicity. For those of us who are hearing and who are able to realize a different perspective on the challenge that such a thing can present, it was inspiring and impressive beyond words. I'm extremely glad that I took my kids, and I'm very happy at the final reactions that came from them. Whereas at first they thought it was funny...not the people's handicap, but the way signing appeared...by the end they were impressed, themselves, and had even managed to learn some signs just by watching the audience interact during intermissions.
Don't know any Sign Language yourself? I highly recommend that, the next time your local school district offers adult education classes that you sign yourself up and partake of the benefits that come by delving a little bit into the world that our non-hearing brethren live in. Empower yourself a little, become capable of doing your part to bridge the communication gap the next time you encounter someone whose primary language is visual. You won't regret it. ;)
Doug out.
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Re: American Sign Language as a Second Language
Hi Doug,
Guess what? After I had finished reading your recent article about Security Model-Glue Application, on the right corner I noticed your article on " American Sign Language as a Second Language' and I was very interested. I am deaf and have been a ColdFusion programmer for the past 5 years. I am currently trying to learn advanced CF. I am so impressed to hear about your interest in learning Sign Language and also about how you tried to do a Bible study with that deaf couple. I think God prepared your heart in such a way that you would feel comfortable meeting your Fiance's family and be able to communicate with them. I am a Christian and I attend a Adult Bible fellowship at my church. I would like to hear more about you and your family. God bless!!
Siby
Guess what? After I had finished reading your recent article about Security Model-Glue Application, on the right corner I noticed your article on " American Sign Language as a Second Language' and I was very interested. I am deaf and have been a ColdFusion programmer for the past 5 years. I am currently trying to learn advanced CF. I am so impressed to hear about your interest in learning Sign Language and also about how you tried to do a Bible study with that deaf couple. I think God prepared your heart in such a way that you would feel comfortable meeting your Fiance's family and be able to communicate with them. I am a Christian and I attend a Adult Bible fellowship at my church. I would like to hear more about you and your family. God bless!!
Siby
Posted by siby thomas on July 2, 2007 at 10:54 PM
Re: American Sign Language as a Second Language
Hi Doug,
I have been avid reader of your blog. I am glad that you like sign language.
Hey Siby,
Awesome!! You are deaf and CF programmer. Me too. I am glad that I am not alone. I am working as web application developer using CF and SQL 2005. I would like to keep in touch with you for talking CF, framework, etc. Email me at scdeaf at yahoo.com if you want.
Shaji
I have been avid reader of your blog. I am glad that you like sign language.
Hey Siby,
Awesome!! You are deaf and CF programmer. Me too. I am glad that I am not alone. I am working as web application developer using CF and SQL 2005. I would like to keep in touch with you for talking CF, framework, etc. Email me at scdeaf at yahoo.com if you want.
Shaji
Posted by Shaji on July 3, 2007 at 6:03 PM
Re: American Sign Language as a Second Language
Hi all. Just wanted to share a link that I have found to be VERY useful regarding ASL...an online dictionary.
http://www.aslpro.com/cgi-bin/aslpro/aslpro.cgi
http://www.aslpro.com/cgi-bin/aslpro/aslpro.cgi
Posted by dougboude on July 6, 2007 at 10:40 PM
Re: American Sign Language as a Second Language
Doug,
I rather like ASL browser at http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htm. There are some of signs in aslpro.com are not corrected. For example, look on thunderstorm signs on both sites. Most signs in ASL browser are correct.
I rather like ASL browser at http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htm. There are some of signs in aslpro.com are not corrected. For example, look on thunderstorm signs on both sites. Most signs in ASL browser are correct.
Posted by Shaji on July 8, 2007 at 7:19 PM