Myths About the Deaf Community and American Sign Language

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Today, we want to talk about some common myths about American Sign Language, and the Deaf community.  We hope you will ask your friends and family about some of these myths to see what their reactions are.  You may be shocked at some of their responses.

Myth#1:  American Sign Language is universal.

This myth is false.  American Sign Language (ASL) is not a universal language.  It is primarily used in North America.  However, there are other places around the world that use ASL because of missionaries visiting those countries, and there are places using ASL simply because those knowing the language have shared it with these other cultures .

Myth #2:  Every deaf person knows how to sign.

This myth is also false.  Some deaf people are taught how to read lips, while others learn how to sign, while others rely on paper-pencil to communicate.  Remember, ninety percent of deaf children are born to hearing parents, of which, seventy-five percent of those parents do not sign.  Some of these parents who do not sign simply raise their deaf child to read lips, or they provide them with no training whatsoever.  However, for those parents that do sign, they may use a combination of home signs (signs that are made up, and are not commonly known by the Deaf community ), and ASL.

Myth #3:  Deaf people can do anything except “hear”

This myth is true.  Deaf people can do anything that a “hearing” person can do, except hear.  Today, there are deaf people in every profession, including engineering, medicine, and law.  Deaf people do not consider their hearing loss a “handicap”.  Instead, they are connected by a common denominator to others who are like them.  REMEMBER, deafness is NOT a disability, but simply an inability.

If there are myths that you would like to share that you have heard, please do so.  We will be posting various myths from time to time.

Fingerspelling Practice…

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How well do you know fingerspelling? Notice what happens when there are two of the same letters.

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Fingerspelling requires a lot of practice to become fluent.

Here are ways you can practice fingerspelling:

1. License plates (hopefully not while driving)
2. Street signs
3. Looking in the mirror
4. With a friend
5. Names of T.V. programs
6. Names of friends

Remember, fingerspelling is used when expressing a proper noun, or a word you do not know. Fingerspelling an entire conversation may be too much for the receiver. When you fingerspell, make sure it is clear, and do not bounce your letters.  If there are other ways you practice fingerspelling, please share them with us.

New Feature on Blog…

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Mercy and I are pleased to announce a new feature to our blog.  If you viewed the most recent post that happened to be a question from a reader titled, “Is there such a thing as a “dominant” and “non-dominant hand-rule?”, you may have noticed the blue dotted underlined words.  Did your curiosity get the best of you, and you were enticed to click on the words? We are hoping you did.   If you did, you noticed a video appeared with the correct sign for that underlined word.

ASLdeafined now has the ability to share postings with you that utilizes our 9,000 + video dictionary, incorporating certain videos with posts.   As you know, a concept is better emphasized by showing a quick video, or some sort of visual aid.  Our goal at ASLdeafined is to share information that you will be able to use in your classroom, or share with a friend.

We hope you will enjoy this new feature to our blog.  If you have any ideas, or features you would like to see either on the main website (ASLdeafined), or on our blog, please let us know.  We will be happy to consider them.

A Question From a Reader…

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Question:  Is there such a thing as a “dominant” and “non-dominant hand-rule?

Answer:  The answer is “Yes”.  American Sign Language does have “rules” about dominate-hand usage.  The hand you write with usually becomes your dominant hand when signing.  For example, if you are right handed, the signs that require movement will be made with this hand.  However, when signs require the use of both hands, the dominant hand does the movement while the non-dominant hand is used only as a support.  For example, the word HELP requires the use of two hands.  The non-dominant hand rests in the palm of the dominant hand, and the dominant hand then lifts (moves upward) to complete the sign.  Also, there are times when both hands will be doing the exact same movement.  A good example here is the word CONTINUE.

Obviously, there will always be some exceptions to this “dominant-hand rule”.  For example, my first sign language teacher insisted that I must always use my right hand as my dominant.  Now, for those who know me, I am a very strong left handed user.  In fact, most of my family is left handed, but trying to be a good student, I did not object to the teacher’s requirement.  From that day forward, I started signing with my right hand being the dominant one.  However, on occasion, I will sign something like “throwing a ball” with my left hand, and not with my right.  For simple signs like “ball”, it is okay to sign with either hand.  You won’t go to sign language prison if you do this.  However, the more consistent you can be with your dominant hand, either being left or right, the better your sign clarity will be.

The most important thing about sign language is that your expressed message needs to be understood by the receiver.  So, a challenge to you the next time you are conversing with a person in sign language is to notice how many signs you express using the wrong hand.  Then, come back and share your numbers with us.  We would love to receive your follow-up.

Thank you to this reader for sending us this question.  If you have questions that you would like to see answered in this blog, please send them to us at info@asldeafined.com .

Word of the Day!

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Today, we want to talk about the importance of learning new signs every day.  There are a number of people that have expressed a desire in becoming an interpreter, or working with individuals who are deaf.  Our suggestion at ASLdeafined is to learn as much about ASL as possible.  The more you learn and practice on a daily basis, the better you will become.

The formula for becoming proficient at American Sign Language is this:  The more time you practice = greater the output.  This “practice” may come in a variety of forms, such as completing ASL lessons, socializing with the deaf community, or practicing with a friend.

There are other aspects about ASL that you need to learn as well.  This would include ASL grammar, non-manual markers, linguistic components, Deaf culture, etc. At ASLdeafined, our goal is to help you with your needs in regards to learning ASL. If there is something you would like to see discussed, please let us know. We are here to support your ASL learning.

Word of the Day!

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My First Experience with American Association of the Deaf and Blind (AADB)

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Today, I want to talk about my experience with The American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB), a national organization that assist those individuals who are both deaf and blind.

Many years ago, I was asked to volunteer to interpret at a deaf-blind convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  In particular, I was asked to be a special service provider for just one of the delegates who would be attending the convention.  Instantly, I said, “Yes, I will do it.  When is it?”  The person who asked said, “Oh, it’s this Saturday, the day after school lets out for the summer.”  After agreeing to interpret for an entire week, I was informed of the delegate’s name (Allan).  I would be responsible for him all week, 100% of the time.

Now, previous to this convention, I attended Gallaudet University, in Washington, D.C., for specialized instructions regarding how to interpret for those who are deaf and blind.  With the knowledge and skill provided by the excellent instructors at Gallaudet, I was excited to be going to my first AADB convention.

Upon arriving in Tulsa, to begin my one- week interpreting assignment, I was greeted by hundreds of people.  There must have been over 600 deaf and blind individuals ranging in all ages, with over 1,000 volunteer-interpreters.  Can you imagine the initial shock this scene presented to me?  I had no idea I was participating in such a huge gathering of people, nor did I realize how much this week would impact me for the rest of my life.  Shortly afterwards, I was finally introduced to my assignment:   Allan.  You see, I never met Allan prior to arriving in Tulsa.  However, I did have a conversation on the phone with his mother a week before the convention.

She had told me that Allan was not only deaf/blind, but that he was also a severe diabetic.  However, that did not stop Allan from attending all of the workshops he could, and taking in all of this new information.  The entire week, he and I got along great.  He attended many workshops about technology, and how to use it to help him get through life.  I have to tell you, the week flew by.  I could not believe that it was already time to come home.  I’m not sure who was blessed more by this week spent together; Allan, or me?  It was an incredible experience, and I have returned to volunteer as an interpreter many times since that day.

On the day I was about to leave for home, after saying our “Good-byes”, Allan informed me that he was coming to “Detroit”.  I said, “Okay.  What state is that in?”   He quickly said, “Michigan”.  I said, “Why are you going there?  Just happens to be that I lived north of Detroit approximately 25 miles.    He looked towards my face, with a very excited smile, and said, “To get a Leader Dog”.  I was pleasantly surprised to hear this, because I lived just one mile from the school, Leader Dogs for the Blind, in Rochester, Michigan.  I asked Allan more questions about when he was coming.  He said, “Next week.”   Within a week of the convention ending, Allan was at Leader Dogs, ready to train with Sidney, a dog who received specialized training to work with those who are both deaf and blind.   It was my privilege and honor to volunteer nearly a month (during evenings and weekends) for him while he trained with his new Leader Dog.  Without a doubt, it was one of the most Honorable events of my life.

Being involved in the Deaf community has provided me with life-changing experiences.   The events that have impacted my life the most, including my decision to attend colleges and to teach both high school and at the collegiate level, is directly tied to my decision to immerse myself in American Sign Language.  I have met thousands of incredibly wonderful human beings, who just happen to be deaf, that I would otherwise never have gotten to know.  What a positive influence they have had on my life.  They have not only touched my heart, but have impacted me in a way that just seems to keep on giving me joy.

Isn’t it interesting that just after I completed that specialized course at Gallaudet University, my newly acquired skills would be used when I was assigned to work with Allan, one of the first deaf and blind individuals I met?  He was an extraordinary individual, and anyone who knew him would tell you just how accurate that statement is.    He was truly a one-of-a-kind who seem to pass this way but once in our life time.   Unfortunately, we lost Allan a few years ago, at the young age of 26.  However, his life, and his legacy will live on forever within the hearts of everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

The Use of Synonyms in American Sign Language (ASL)

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Synonyms in American Sign Language are powerful to know when learning this vast language. For example, if you were to sign “car”, what else could that sign represent? It could represent the words: Vehicle, automobile, transportation, and auto. You can probably think of an additional word or two that also means “car”.

Many times when people are learning American Sign Language (ASL), they have a tendency to focus only on the gloss (basic) word, and not the other words associated with that particular sign. For example, think of the sign for “father”. What additional words can you think of that would match this sign? I can think of “papa”, “dad”, and “pa”. Do you know others? Remember, ASL is based on concepts, and not on the English language.

I want to challenge you to think of as many synonyms for some of the words you have already learned how to sign. Again, an example could be: Anniversary. Some synonyms would be: Holiday, jubilee, festival, fiesta, celebration, and perhaps others that you might think of. All of them use the same sign to convey the concept of the word “anniversary”.

In the video examples below, can you think of synonyms that are associated with these signs?

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Why Learn American Sign Language?

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American Sign Language has to be one of the most fascinating languages to learn. But, why learn it, especially if you don’t know anyone who is deaf? Many people have decided to learn American Sign Language for personal satisfaction, while others learn so they can communicate with a family member, friend, or a loved one that happens to be deaf. Some decide to learn American Sign Language as a preparatory measure in the event they encounter deaf people while working in their particular profession.

One of our very first subscribers to ASLdeafined was a young man who wrote us an e-mail, stating he wanted to learn sign language because he had fallen in love with a deaf girl and they had started dating. He said he needed to learn how to communicate with her. The reasons for learning how to sign are many, and as varied. Why do you want to learn ASL, and what will you do with the language once you acquire some skill with it? Some people have decided to make it a profession, either by becoming a teacher for the deaf, or to become an interpreter. As many of you may know, there is a huge shortage of qualified and certified interpreters in the United States.

Some people have joined established groups of friends who have an interest in learning ASL. Working with a group is often a great way to continue the motivation to learn. We receive e-mails fairly frequently from folks who are interested in forming groups at church, work, or for a variety of reasons.

For those who have already learned ASL, in what ways were you grateful for knowing this amazing language? For me, I have met some wonderful deaf people and have many friends because of this language that broke down the barrier to communication. There have even been times when I was able to communicate with a deaf person who was far away, but in the same general area. Signing to them made it easy to ask questions, or to simply have communication (and in deaf culture, that is not considered to be rude). As well, I’ve worked with many deaf people in the professional setting, too.

As an educator, I have been approached by many teachers who have inquired about their students learning sign language because of disabilities, or for a variety of other reasons. Some of those students may have been diagnosed with autism, or another type of learning disability. Personally, anyone can learn American Sign Language. However, it does take a bit of practice, and practicing with a friend makes it much easier to learn, and socializing with a member of the deaf community is even better. It really helps you to not only practice, but to refine your skills and knowledge with this wonderful new language.
American Sign Language is a great language to learn, and a tremendous skill to possess. Please share with us your stories that made you grateful for learning ASL. And, if you would like to know about a certain topic in American Sign Language, please let us know. We are here to share both your and our experiences and knowledge, as they pertain to advancing your communicating skills with ASL.

Thanks for taking the time to read this blog, and “Thank You” for being a part of our wonderful class of learners.

Non-Manual Markers in American Sign Language (ASL)

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We recently received an email from a student about the use of non-manual markers.  This person wanted to know how non-manual markers are used in American Sign Language.  Does ASLdeafined show the use of non-manual markers?

Non-manual markers include the use of facial expressions, body language, head movements, eye gazes, etc.  For example, if you are mad at someone, or about something, you may not have to use even one sign.  You can just show it by the expression on your face.  Or, if someone asked you a “yes” or “no” question, you could simply shake your head accordingly.  Non-manual markers are those additional items (partial list below) that are other than actual signs.  Now, many times you will include a head nod with a particular sign (see the example for “don’t understand” below) to clarify the message.

Here are some non-manual markers you will see in American Sign Language:

  • Head nods
  • Raised eyebrows
  • Tilted head
  • Pursed lips
  • Eye shifts
  • Eye gazes
  • Facial expressions (smile, anger, frown, puzzled look, etc)
  • Body shifts / movements

Usually, non-manual markers develop over time as you become more fluent with ASL.  When you are conversing with a deaf person, notice which non-manual markers they use.  Do they shake their head to indicate an affirmation?  What about body shifting, or eye movements?

After you start noticing non-manual markers, please share them with us by responding to this blog.  On ASLdeafined, we illustrate many non-manual markers.  Check them out when you get the time.

 

Example:

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Now, what non-manual markers did you notice?

Do You Know What Jonelle is Saying?

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Jonelle is one of our teachers at ASLdeafined.  She is the 5th generation of deaf in her family.  She is a very talented young lady.

Now, can you figure out what Jonelle is saying?  Some of you may have a difficult time because of the fingerspelling.  However, the more you practice, the more you will improve over time.  If you need more practice, we provide a huge amount of activities and practice opportunities on our website.  Each lesson consists of 15 themed vocabulary words, along with four activities for retention.  Additionally, we offer practice activities for  fingerspelling, ASL grammar, ASL dictionary with over 9,000 + videos, ASL culture, non-manual markers, facial expressions, classifiers, and much more.