Bi-Weekly Language Learning 10/11/20

[Elijah Meisel]

Howdy, Howdy, Howdy! I hope all my fellow readers have had an amazing two weeks. These past two weeks, we started examining the difference in signs in terms of directional verbs. In this, I mean Reba, and I started discussing the differences in the signs of, for example, “receive”. If I were to receive something from someone, the sign for such a gesture is different that if I were to give something to someone else in which they received something. Just to be clear, clear, and receive are different signs. However, when referring to receive, depending on who is the receiver will change the sign. The change in the sign is subtle though. At first glance, one might even say the sign is the same, but once Reba slowed down the sign, it became much clearer. The receiver of the received item will dictate where the sign starts either motioning away or towards the body. Another example of such directional verbs is the sign for “invitation”. Reba and I had a 10 minutes discussion in which I was trying to understand the difference between the sign of “I was invited to a Christmas party by you” and “I invited you to a Christmas party”. The difference in the verb “invite” once again is modified based on the starting and ending point of the sign. Although I do understand that ASL is a complex language and different from that of English, I am continuously baffled at the subtle complexities of the language. Much of my past learning has been pure terminology strengthening and expansions. However, as I begin to progress towards the development and creation of phrases and sentences, it becomes ever more evident the complexities of the language. I find myself, when signing, speaking English, and then translating into ASL. This is a bad habit on multiple accounts as 1) English and ASL are not the same. In fact, ASL originates from French sign language which originates from French. Thus, my grammar and sentence structure have somewhat deviated from the proper terminology. 2) ASL lacks small transition words such as “a”, “the”, “as” and etc. When I think of my thoughts in English and translate them to ASL, in addition to having to remember the sentence structure as well as the correct sign, I also have to eliminate my usage of said transition words. 3) All of this thinking when I am signing interferes with my ability to express my signs in my face. Due to the fact that ASL does not have vocal tones, expression, meaning, and intensity are greatly indicated by the speed and expressiveness of one’s signs as well as their facial expressions. As I work hard and think about the language, I know my “thinking face” often inhabits my expression, altering my expression and meaning. Of course, when learning a new language, there will be difficulties. Regardless, I do hope to improve and fall out of these bad habits soon. I know it may take time, as well as a greater amount of emersion.