This has been one of the most interesting language-learning experiences I have ever had. I learned Spanish, Portuguese, and a little bit of French entirely in a classroom, but learning ASL was so different, because most of my learning came from interacting with others who spoke the language. I learned a lot of things on my own, but the things that stuck the most were the words, phrases, and cultural ideas that I learned from my language partner and other people in the community who know ASL.
The hardest part of ASL is the grammar. It is common to see people speaking English and signing at the same time, but that’s actually very difficult to do, because English grammar and ASL grammar are different. Most likely, those people are not speaking correct ASL and are instead signing English Sign Language, which is similar, but is not really a language.
I have enjoyed every aspect of this experience. ASL is an amazing language and I am still fascinated by how there are so many people who can communicate effectively using only their hands and facial expressions. One thing I really enjoyed was watching the Culture Shock video. I didn’t relate to it as much, because I don’t actually need to leave the country in order to be surrounded by deaf culture, but it definitely made me think about the differences between hearing and deaf culture.
I am taking SDLC 111 next semester, so I can continuing learning ASL. I have really enjoyed this past semester and I want to continue my learning while I am still in college. I really want to focus more on grammar and making complete sentences, which is something I still struggle with sometimes.
I would actually love to learn more about the sign languages in different countries, not because I think it would be particularly useful, but because I’m curious. A friend of mine who knows ASL was recently watching a video about Australian Sign Language and she was astounded because, unlike American Sign Language, they sign the alphabet using both hands. She said the letters often look more like the English letters, but she thought it would be harder to use both hands instead of just one. I would be interested in learning about more of the differences between the different sign languages that are spoken around the world.
I think I achieved my goals fairly well. I wish I knew more religious vocabulary, but that is not something that is used in everyday conversations, so that will be harder to pick up. I think, however, that I have done well with being able to have simple conversations. I struggle a little with watching people fingerspell, especially if they move quickly, but I am progressively getting better. Learning to talk about music was easier than expected, because many of the signs are the same (ex: music, sing, and song are all the same sign), but I haven’t actually found anyone to talk to about music yet.
I really enjoyed attending church in ASL, but there were always many signs that I just had not learned yet. I was normally able to figure out the basic meaning of what was being talked about, but I had trouble with specifics. My language partner normally sat next to me and whispered to me what was being said.
Trying to guess the signs for things was interesting. A lot of things are easy to guess, like some foods, body parts, things like vacuuming or writing, but others I did not understand at all or I had to think really hard to come up with the sign. I like the way my language partner made me guess, instead of just telling me the sign. It was definitely harder, but because I worked so hard to come with it, it was also easier to remember. Overall, I greatly enjoyed my experience this semester learning American Sign Language and I cannot wait to continue learning next semester.
Comments
I think I have definitely developed my skills as an observer of other cultures and a lot of that come from not just my interactions with deaf culture, but also the cultural presentations of the others in the class. I am constantly amazed by how other cultures work and it may seem strange to us, but I very much believe it makes you better person if you take the time to try to understand why a certain culture does things the way they do.