Category Archives: ASL Discussions

LOL

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As you work through American Sign Language lessons and read up on Deaf Culture, it is important to remember that deaf people have a sense of humor, too! Whatever aspect of deaf life you may be exploring, you should never forget to treat deaf individuals the same way you would your own friends and family. Although deaf humor and hearing humor does not always translate between cultures (for example, “It’s raining cats and dogs”), that doesn’t mean you should resist sharing a laugh like you would with anyone else.

Hearing people are often afraid to offend a deaf person by signing the wrong thing, but just as with any other language, deaf people appreciate it when others try to communicate with them. Just think how much easier it would be to learn a new sign than make sense of some of those French pronunciations! Everyone has the tools to be an ASL learner… just (literally) dust off your hands and get to work. The more you explore American Sign Language, the more we at ASLdeafined believe you will come to understand the unique beauty of this special means of communication.

Please join us in our goal to share this important language with others. Summer is a great time to catch up on that TO DO list of life and tackle some of the tasks you put off during the rest of the year. Why not make it fun by picking a favorite joke and learning how to sign it? What a great way to start a conversation with the next deaf person you meet.

Deaf Popular Culture

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In our blogs we have often used the term Deaf Culture, but that takes on a little different meaning if you just add the word “Pop” in between. There are certain very recognizable celebrities in Deaf Pop Culture, such as the famous actress Marlee Matlin, who has starred in a successful film version of Children of a Lesser God (1986), originally published as a play in 1980 by Mark Medoff. Marlee has also been featured in several TV shows, including recent reality hits like The Apprentice and Dancing with the Stars. Speaking of Children of the Lesser God, actress Phyllis Frelich won a Tony Award for her role in the stage production. Do you want to know what else is incredible? Lou Ferrigno, American actor and body builder, well known for his role as the Incredible Hulk in the 1970’s and 80’s is also a Deaf individual.

Those in the Deaf community are more likely to know the name of I. King Jordan, but hearing people should learn more about this first Deaf president of Gallaudet University and the interesting history surrounding it (our next set of blogs will focus on history, so you may see more on that here too). Additionally, Heather Whitestone is worth noting for being the first Deaf woman to win the title of Miss America!  So what is stopping you from digesting that next American Sign Language (ASL) lesson? You never know when you might run into the next stage or screen star in the Deaf community.

Deaf Dogs?

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Perhaps in a future blog entry we will extend the topic of deafness to the animal kingdom. For this entry, we wanted to highlight what the animal kingdom does for the Deaf. As you may have guessed, there are indeed service dogs for the Deaf. Paws with a Cause is one of the organizations that trains these special canines. There is also a British Organization, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.  A big part of what these dogs do is to act as an alert system for the Deaf person. These animals can learn to give alerts when someone is at the door, the phone is ringing or other important noises enter the environment. In addition to assisting with daily life, these dogs can particularly help with travel. Both the deaf individual and the dog must have special certification verifying their training as an assistance dog to allow them to enter establishments that normally would not permit animals. So just think! Now not only can you communicate with a Deaf person if you learn American Sign Language (ASL), but you may also run into some very unique and wonderful dogs too!

Does Being Deaf Make Sense?

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The title of this blog is actually a little play on words, because it is literally about the myth (or perhaps, reality) surrounding the idea that if one sense is missing, others will be enhanced. There are a lot of differing opinions and studies that attempt to address this issue. Rather than attempt to cover them all in a quick blog blurb, here are a few things to consider as a broad summary. As expected, when one sense is gone the other senses are used more by default. For example, deaf people are more likely to have the habit of being more aware of their surroundings due to the lack of hearing cues. On more than one occasion you may have experienced frustration at traffic slowing down for no reason only to realize that blasting sirens were drowned out by your radio on the road.

On the other hand, since deaf people tend to be more sensitive to light, the visual alarms of emergency vehicles may come to their attention more quickly. If you have an afternoon free and feel like some scientific research, just “Google It” and you will see that several people have chimed in on this idea. As with any such speculation, we may never know the real answer. The important thing to remember is that each individual in this world, whether deaf or hearing, has their own perceptions and experiences. Why not improve yours by tackling that next set of signs on ASLdeafined?

Careers of the Deaf

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So far recent blogs have briefly highlighted the origins of deafness and touched on family dynamics. Yet, what about where most of us spend the bulk of our time? Work. For hearing people reading this, it is important to remember that deaf people can do anything anyone else can do, except hear. Which means, deaf people can be and ARE lawyers, doctors, veterinarians, engineers, teachers, plumbers, mechanics… you name it! Although that may seem obvious to those who care enough to keep up with ASLdeafined, learn American Sign Language and take the time to follow this blog, we cannot stop stressing this enough.

That basic understanding is at the root of overcoming the unfortunately broad misunderstandings of many who see the deaf experience as more limiting than it truly is in reality. The only thing a deaf person cannot do? Answer a “hearing” phone in the traditional sense. Otherwise? The sky is the limit (yes, they can be pilots), as it is with all of us. So why not stretch our own limits and catch up with the Deaf Community sooner rather than later by tackling that next vocabulary lesson!

Family Dynamics for the Deaf

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We at ASLdeafined would not presume to know the ins and outs of the family lives of those in the Deaf Community, as it is as varied as anyone’s family structure and experience. Yet, we felt it important to note some of the potentially unique situations that present themselves for the deaf. For example, it is said that 90% of deaf children are born to hearing families, and within that percentage, 75% of the hearing parents do not sign with their deaf child. Additionally, many siblings and extended family members (aunts, uncles and cousins) do not sign. As you can imagine, this would create an even more isolating situation for a child that is already set apart simply by the fact of their deafness.

Daily events like supper can leave such children feeling left out, as they may not know what is being discussed around the dinner table. Family reunions can be straining if the crowds overlook the challenges of the deaf relative. Although deaf students can alleviate this frustration some in a school with other deaf kids, this environment can also leave them feeling marginalized. One teacher for the deaf has shared that he sometimes had no knowledge of where the parents of his pupils worked or even what they did for a living. These are just a few thoughts, but it still leads us back to the bottom line… the more people to learn American Sign Language, the more likely deaf people can feel a connection in a world that is inherently isolating from the start. Will you do your part?

Autistic Children Benefit from Learning American Sign Language (ASL)

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We have mentioned the benefits of learning American Sign Language (ASL) for many different populations (general, toddlers, etc.), but some may not consider how positive the experience can be for those with special needs. With the rise of autism, the need for communication with these individuals has also increased, and ASL can be a powerful way to bridge that gap.  Autistic children often express their needs and wants through gestures, and the unique form of language learning that ASL provides fits right in with that. Through the use of sign language, autistic children can communicate more effectively with their caregivers, teachers, other staff members and those outside the school community as well. This is a win-win for all parties as the autistic child is less frustrated, and they can learn sign language more easily and comfortably. This is also one more reason that educators, fellow students, family members and others may want to learn American Sign Language!

Toddlers Learning American Sign Language? Great idea!

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One population that may be overlooked when it comes to thoughts about American Sign Language is toddlers! That period in life is ripe for absorbing amazing amounts of information and engaging in active learning about the world, which of course includes acquiring language and other communication skills.

What better time to learn ASL? Toddlers already gesture in an attempt to be understood, why not apply those natural tendencies to learning American Sign Language? There are many inherent benefits to infants learning ASL. As mentioned, it encourages and strengthens language acquisition, fostering that natural progression toward speech. It provides toddlers with a means to easily express their wants and needs, making communication less frustrating for them. Subsequently, communication between parents can improve as well.

As toddlers utilize a variety of gestures learning American Sign Language, they are building important bridges in the brain, exercising synapses and making connections that can only benefit them in other areas of their learning. So, the next time that little one is refusing his peas, try distracting him with a few new ASL words, and who knows? Perhaps those vegetables will look more appetizing when he realizes how much fun they look via the interesting gestures that populate American Sign Language! Making language acquisition amusing can be a doorway to wonder for young children, enjoy it.

Benefits of Learning American Sign Language (ASL)

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There are a wide variety of benefits to learning American Sign Language (ASL). Some might think that there is no point to studying ASL if they are not deaf or do not know others who are. Would it stop you from learning Spanish just because you are not of Spanish decent or have no plans to travel there? That would be unfortunate, because you never know what the future will bring and the endless opportunities that may be presented to you. Sure, if you do not live in an area where much of the population speaks a second language like Spanish, you may feel it is not worth your while. Yet, there are deaf people everywhere you go, in every city, state, country and continent across the globe.

Should you take the opportunity to learn ASL through an online program you are opening up an entirely new world for yourself! One of the obvious advantages is that you are developing the valuable skills and knowledge of a second language. A more unique advantage is that you are crossing through a door into a new culture and can make connections that many others do not have access to. You never know when you might meet people who are deaf and the positive outcomes that may result. If you learn to communicate with American Sign Language, you can use those skills to enrich your life through a deeper involvement in deaf culture.

Beyond the personal benefits of broadening your scope of friends and contacts, there are worthwhile professional aspects to consider as well. Perhaps you will decide to pursue a career in sign language as an interpreter or teacher for the deaf? Need a more practical, immediate incentive? ASL is an interesting alternative to the traditional languages offered for meeting the two-year language requirement. Still not convinced? Think about the fact that if you and a friend learn sign language through an online program you could communicate secretly with each other in the middle of a crowded, quiet room and no one would be the wiser (unless they know it too J). Besides, learning American Sign Language is fun! Try it and you will see.

What is the Connection Between Loud Music and American Sign Language (ASL)?

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Just a few days ago, I was stopped at a traffic light at a busy intersection, when a slightly modified muscle car pulled up beside me.  A hole had been cut through the car’s hood and some air intake piece had been installed.   The motor was making a loud, horrific noise as if we were at the starting line at the drag strip.  Above all the noise, two teenaged male occupants had the radio cranked up so loudly that the thumping vibrated the windows in my Buick LeSabre.  I’m sure all of you reading this have experienced a similar situation.  The two imitated the playing of drums on the steering wheel and the dashboard.   I figured they were not taking any musical requests from the public, nor any other requests, for that matter.

As much as it was sort of entertaining   and humorous to watch the two “jamming” to the music, I started thinking how they have taken their precious gift of hearing, for granted.  Have they ever thought what life would be like should they lose that gift?  What if the ringing in their ears over the next few years diminished their ability to clearly understand communication?   How would their lives change?

Isn’t the ability to hear a miraculous wonder?  However, many people do things on a daily basis that may damage their hearing.  I know of one man who as a teenager, worked alongside his dad and siblings on what’s called a “buzz rig”, which is a device attached to the back of a tractor and long tree limbs and logs are placed on a moveable table.  When the table is tiled forward, a huge blade cuts the wood into chunks for the fireplace or wood stove.   The loud, “screaming” sounds of the saw blade passing through the log caused so much ear damage that many members of that family lost their hearing before the age of 21.  I know that family well.

Think of the athletics, and casual users, who seem to be abusing their hearing on a daily basis by using ear plugs to amplify the sounds into their ear canals.  Many parents have requested that their child use headphones when they listen to the music at home so the rest of the family doesn’t have to be subjected to the abuse of “Twisted Sister”, but are they aware of the damage that may be taking place?

Last week, I took particular notice at the gym of almost everyone with some sort of listening device shoved into their ear canal.  Because of this, many people with perfectly good hearing are damaging this gift of hearing.  Loud noises are known to damage a person’s ability to hear with 100% accuracy, and as the years pass, there will be more and more individuals who realize a severe decrease in their ability to comprehend what’s being spoken to them.

Young people often have this idea that their hearing is indestructible, but those who have abused their hearing by listening to loud music, or by being subjected to loud noises, will tell you otherwise.

Safeguard YOUR ability to hear!!   There are MANY reasons for a person to be deaf or hard-of-hearing, but subjecting yourself to loud noises does not have to be one of them.   Exploding loud music directly into the eardrum is not only dangerous, but it is downright foolish.

The next time you see somebody at the traffic light with the music blaring; it may not be because he likes to play it loud.   It could be that he has lost his precious gift to hear at the normal volume.   Perhaps you would like to print this article and place it in the door, or on the windshield, of someone you love while there still is time.