Posted on Apr 03, 2026 by paul
This past week at the Public Library Association Conference in Minnesota was truly something special. Going into the conference, we were hopeful. Coming out of it, we are incredibly encouraged. Over the course of the event, 197 librarians and library representatives entered our giveaway through our QR code, showing strong interest in bringing American Sign […]
Read MorePosted on Mar 14, 2026 by paul
Humor exists in every culture, but the way humor is expressed can vary depending on language, communication style, and shared experiences. In the Deaf community, humor often reflects the visual nature of communication and the everyday experiences of Deaf people. Because American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language, Deaf humor often relies on facial expressions, body movement, and visual storytelling rather than sound-based jokes. Understanding Deaf humor helps students gain a deeper appreciation for Deaf culture, ASL storytelling, and visual communication. Why Deaf Humor Is Often Visual One of the main reasons Deaf humor is unique is because ASL is a visual language. Deaf storytellers frequently use dramatic facial expressions, exaggerated movements, and creative use of space to tell humorous stories. Instead of relying on sound or wordplay, Deaf humor often focuses on what can be seen rather than what can be heard. This type of storytelling makes humor highly engaging and visually expressive. Shared Experiences Create Humor Many Deaf jokes are based on shared experiences within the Deaf community. These experiences often include situations that Deaf people encounter regularly in their daily lives. Examples might include: • communication misunderstandings• hearing people speaking while looking away• interpreters trying to keep up with fast signing• missing audio announcements Because many Deaf people have experienced these situations, they can easily relate to the humor. Visual Exaggeration in Deaf Storytelling Another common feature of Deaf humor is visual exaggeration. Storytellers may dramatically act out a situation using large movements, expressive facial expressions, and exaggerated reactions. This technique helps make stories more entertaining and easier for the audience to understand visually. Visual exaggeration is a powerful storytelling tool in ASL. Playing With Sign Language Deaf humor sometimes involves creative play with sign language itself. Skilled signers may modify movements, handshapes, or facial expressions to create humorous moments. These playful elements highlight the creativity and flexibility of American Sign Language as a language. Humor Strengthens Community Humor can also strengthen community connections. Deaf people often joke about shared experiences or everyday situations that others in the community understand. This type of humor helps build a sense of belonging, identity, and cultural pride. Rather than focusing only on challenges, Deaf humor often celebrates the creativity and resilience of the Deaf community. Why ASL Students Should Learn About Deaf Humor For students learning American Sign Language, understanding Deaf humor is an important part of learning about Deaf culture and communication. Humor reflects how people think, interact, and share experiences. By exploring Deaf humor, students gain a deeper understanding of: • visual storytelling• expressive communication• Deaf cultural identity Learning about Deaf humor helps students see that ASL is not only a language but also a rich cultural experience.
Read MorePosted on Mar 13, 2026 by paul
Art has long been a powerful way for people to share their stories, emotions, and cultural experiences. In the Deaf community, one unique form of artistic expression is called De’VIA, which stands for Deaf View / Image Art. De’VIA is artwork created by Deaf artists that reflects the experiences, identity, and culture of Deaf people. Through visual images, Deaf artists communicate important ideas about communication, oppression, empowerment, and cultural pride. What Makes De’VIA Unique? Unlike many other forms of art, De’VIA often includes symbols that are deeply connected to Deaf culture. These visual elements help artists express ideas that are meaningful within the Deaf community. Some of the most common symbols found in De’VIA artwork include: HandsHands are frequently used because they represent American Sign Language (ASL). Since sign language is central to Deaf communication and identity, hands are a powerful symbol in Deaf art. EyesEyes represent the importance of visual communication. Deaf culture is highly visual, and many Deaf individuals rely on sight instead of sound to communicate and interact with the world. Barriers or ChainsThese symbols often represent the challenges Deaf people have faced, including communication barriers, discrimination, or restrictions on the use of sign language in the past. Tape Over the MouthSome artists use this powerful image to represent times when Deaf people were silenced or prevented from using their language. Through these symbols, Deaf artists are able to tell stories about both the struggles and the strengths of the Deaf community. Themes in De’VIA Artwork De’VIA artwork often focuses on themes such as: Some artwork highlights historical challenges, while other pieces celebrate the beauty and importance of Deaf culture. Important Deaf Artists One of the most influential artists in the De’VIA movement is Betty G. Miller, who is often called the mother of De’VIA. Her artwork helped define this unique art movement and inspired many other Deaf artists. Other well-known Deaf artists include: Each artist brings their own perspective to Deaf culture and experiences through visual art. Why De’VIA Matters De’VIA is more than just artwork. It is a powerful way for Deaf artists to share their experiences and perspectives with the world. Through their art, Deaf creators are able to: De’VIA helps both Deaf and hearing people better understand the importance of visual language, cultural identity, and community. Learning About Deaf Culture Through Art For students learning American Sign Language, exploring De’VIA is a meaningful way to connect with Deaf culture. By studying Deaf art, students gain insight into the experiences and perspectives of the Deaf community. Art can communicate ideas that words sometimes cannot. De’VIA reminds us that visual expression is a powerful form of communication—and that Deaf culture has a rich and vibrant artistic tradition. De’VIA: Understanding Deaf View/Image Art Art has long been a powerful way for people to share their stories, emotions, and cultural experiences. In the Deaf community, one unique form of artistic expression is called De’VIA, which stands for Deaf View / Image Art. De’VIA is artwork created by Deaf artists that reflects the experiences, identity, and culture of Deaf people. Through visual images, Deaf artists communicate important ideas about communication, oppression, empowerment, and cultural pride. What Makes De’VIA Unique? Unlike many other forms of art, De’VIA often includes symbols that are deeply connected to Deaf culture. These visual elements help artists express ideas that are meaningful within the Deaf community. Some of the most common symbols found in De’VIA artwork include: HandsHands are frequently used because they represent American Sign Language (ASL). Since sign language is central to Deaf communication and identity, hands are a powerful symbol in Deaf art. EyesEyes represent the importance of visual communication. Deaf culture is highly visual, and many Deaf individuals rely on sight instead of sound to communicate and interact with the world. Barriers or ChainsThese symbols often represent the challenges Deaf people have faced, including communication barriers, discrimination, or restrictions on the use of sign language in the past. Tape Over the MouthSome artists use this powerful image to represent times when Deaf people were silenced or prevented from using their language. Through these symbols, Deaf artists are able to tell stories about both the struggles and the strengths of the Deaf community. Themes in De’VIA Artwork De’VIA artwork often focuses on themes such as: Some artwork highlights historical challenges, while other pieces celebrate the beauty and importance of Deaf culture. Important Deaf Artists One of the most influential artists in the De’VIA movement is Betty G. Miller, who is often called the mother of De’VIA. Her artwork helped define this unique art movement and inspired many other Deaf artists. Other well-known Deaf artists include: Each artist brings their own perspective to Deaf culture and experiences through visual art. Why De’VIA Matters De’VIA is more than just artwork. It is a powerful way for Deaf artists to share their experiences and perspectives with the world. Through their art, Deaf creators are able to: De’VIA helps both Deaf and hearing people better understand the importance of visual language, cultural identity, and community. Learning About Deaf Culture Through Art For students learning American Sign Language, exploring De’VIA is a meaningful way to connect with Deaf culture. By studying Deaf art, students gain insight into the experiences and perspectives of the Deaf community. Art can communicate ideas that words sometimes cannot. De’VIA reminds us that visual expression is a powerful form of communication—and that Deaf culture has a rich and vibrant artistic tradition.
Read MorePosted on Mar 08, 2026 by paul
American Sign Language is a complete and complex visual language. Just like spoken languages use sounds to form words, ASL uses several visual components to create meaning. These components are called parameters. Understanding ASL parameters helps students recognize how signs are formed and how small changes in a sign can completely change its meaning. Learning these […]
Read MorePosted on Mar 07, 2026 by paul
Classifiers are one of the most visual and expressive parts of American Sign Language. They allow signers to describe people, objects, movement, and location in ways that spoken languages cannot easily match. However, classifiers can also be challenging for students to learn. Many ASL students struggle with understanding how classifiers work and how to use […]
Read MorePosted on Mar 07, 2026 by paul
Classifiers are one of the most powerful tools in American Sign Language. They allow signers to visually represent people, objects, movement, and location. Instead of using many separate signs, classifiers help show what is happening in a scene. Because classifiers are so visual, it is important for students to understand how they work. When used […]
Read MorePosted on Mar 07, 2026 by paul
Classifiers are an important part of American Sign Language. They allow signers to visually represent objects, people, movement, and location. Instead of describing something with many individual signs, a signer can use classifiers to show information clearly and efficiently. Classifiers work by combining three important elements: handshape, movement, and location. These elements work together to create […]
Read MorePosted on Mar 07, 2026 by paul
One of the most powerful features of American Sign Language is the use of classifiers. Classifiers allow signers to visually represent objects, people, movement, and location. Instead of using many separate signs, a signer can show information in a visual and efficient way. Classifiers are special handshapes that represent categories of objects or actions. When a […]
Read MorePosted on Mar 07, 2026 by paul
Classifiers for People Classifier Description Example CL:1 Represents a person standing or walking A person walking across a room CL:V Represents two people or legs walking Two people walking together CL:bent V Represents a seated person Someone sitting in a chair CL:5 Represents a group or crowd Crowd gathering CL:4 Represents a line or row […]
Read MorePosted on Mar 07, 2026 by paul
In American Sign Language, classifiers are special handshapes that represent different types of objects, people, or groups. These handshapes help signers visually describe what something looks like, where it is located, and how it moves. Each classifier represents a category of objects. When a signer uses a classifier, the handshape represents the object, and the […]
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