This chapter is about people approaching Deaf people using sign language. The book states that it would be best not to approach Deaf people and start signing with them when they are strangers. You wouldn't go up to a hearing person and start a conversation with them. Some Deaf people may welcome help and others may resent it. Basically it is the same with hearing people as well; some hearing people would accept help if they need it and others may not want help. Some like to figure things out for themselves. That is perfectly acceptable.
When reading this chapter I read that some people will mock Deaf people when they are signing. I could not believe this when I read it. Wow! I understand small children being amused and interested in Deaf people because they likely aren't around signing often and they are curious. As you get older though you understand that some people are different and they use different ways to communicate. Parents should do a better job of educating their children on other cultures and other people in general. If you see your child looking interested maybe you should explain it to them? That was the most shocking part of the chapter for me. It was really hard to believe that some people can act this way.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Chapter 20
This chapter is about foreign languages and how ASL is the 3rd most used language in the United States. The book starts by stating that ASL may not be the 3rd most used language in the States but that it is well used by many citizens (p. 131). Some people aren't sure whether to consider ASL a foreign language because it is used in the United States. The book contradicts this statement by saying that there are many languages used in the US that are considered foreign languages.
I believe that ASL should be considered a foreign language because it is different than the English. ASL is not signed the way we would speak English so not considering it a foreign language is silly. Spanish is spoken in the US by many individuals but it is still considered foreign. Personally if I can't understand what your saying I think its foreign. At least foreign to me. Its so hard to understand some people and then later you find out that they are just illiterate. I defiantly think that ASL is a foreign language.
I believe that ASL should be considered a foreign language because it is different than the English. ASL is not signed the way we would speak English so not considering it a foreign language is silly. Spanish is spoken in the US by many individuals but it is still considered foreign. Personally if I can't understand what your saying I think its foreign. At least foreign to me. Its so hard to understand some people and then later you find out that they are just illiterate. I defiantly think that ASL is a foreign language.
Chapter 19
Total Communication is described as, "a philosophy incorporating the appropriate aural, manual, and oral modes of communication in order to ensure effective communication with and among hearing-impaired persons (p.127)." Most people that would use the term are meaning the method of communication that is used by Deaf people.
Schools were allowed to use ASL as much as they wanted before the late 19th century. When oralism happened the Deaf students were banned from doing any signing to one another in schools. When this happened several schools would not allow signing for many decades. The book explains that TC is a philosophy, not a communication skill.
I thought this chapter was kind of complicated. I'm not sure exactly what it was all about but I found some parts interesting. I thought it was odd that students were not allowed to sign during school years ago. It would be their only way of communication and it was taken away from them. I think that was very unfair and am glad that it was revised. It was still really shocking that this happened to the Deaf culture.
Schools were allowed to use ASL as much as they wanted before the late 19th century. When oralism happened the Deaf students were banned from doing any signing to one another in schools. When this happened several schools would not allow signing for many decades. The book explains that TC is a philosophy, not a communication skill.
I thought this chapter was kind of complicated. I'm not sure exactly what it was all about but I found some parts interesting. I thought it was odd that students were not allowed to sign during school years ago. It would be their only way of communication and it was taken away from them. I think that was very unfair and am glad that it was revised. It was still really shocking that this happened to the Deaf culture.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Chapter 18
Chapter 18 talks about the ways to know if someone is using ASL or signed English. Since being in ASL 1 I already kind of knew the answer to this question because of the sentence structure. I think the signs are normally the same but it is the way you would sign the sentences. So seeing two people sign to one another, you would have to know the signs and then see what sentence structure they were using. Are they putting the time and topic first?
This chapter also talks about what a sign-language continuum was. The book describes it as, "a diagram representing the entire population of sign-language users (p. 123)."
A I said in the last chapter, I feel that it would be easier for me to pick up the language if I were able to sign in English. I understand though, that this is not the way it is supposed to be done. It's easier when you think of Sign Language as being a totally different language but it's hard to do this when sometimes you could sign like you talk. Like "how are you?" is "HOW YOU" but still it seems the same. I think that it is going to take practice to get used to ASL signing.
Chapter 17
Pidgin English is, "a simplified form of speech, usually a mixture of two or more languages, that has a rudimentary grammar and vocabulary and is used for communication between groups speaking different languages (p. 119)." PSE is a blend of American Sign Language and English signs. It allows ASL signers and English speakers to communicate comfortably with one another. It is a way of communication. It's important to remember that PSE is not the same as signed English. PSE has some English grammar but it is more ASL based.
I thought this chapter was kind of confusing when reading it. It makes sense that these two things are different and I think the book is telling me that PSE is a mixture of ASL and English signing. So it has some ASL and some English based signs. I think if I were to choose I would prefer English signing because then the sentence structure would stay the same but I know thats not the correct way to do things. Also people that grew up Deaf would be confused while talking if you sign in English. Since I grew up speaking english it makes sense that I would prefer this way though.
I thought this chapter was kind of confusing when reading it. It makes sense that these two things are different and I think the book is telling me that PSE is a mixture of ASL and English signing. So it has some ASL and some English based signs. I think if I were to choose I would prefer English signing because then the sentence structure would stay the same but I know thats not the correct way to do things. Also people that grew up Deaf would be confused while talking if you sign in English. Since I grew up speaking english it makes sense that I would prefer this way though.
Chapter 16
This chapter was about home courses that you would be able to take for Basic Signing. The book answers this questions in several ways. You would be able to take a video course for signing but it would be a lot more difficult. You could get many signs wrong and you would have no one to practice with. The best way to learn sign is through ASL or going to a Deaf community and learning with them. Also, you aren't able to look through the videos before you purchase them and they are very expensive programs. You can look for different things in the area that you are in to find ways to learn sign language.
This chapter was similar to another that I have read about. It was about the different ways to learn sign language. I still believe that the best way would be to just be involved in an entire community of Deaf people. There would be no other way for you to communicate besides learning the language. If you wanted to talk to someone you would have to figure out how to communicate what you needed.
This chapter was similar to another that I have read about. It was about the different ways to learn sign language. I still believe that the best way would be to just be involved in an entire community of Deaf people. There would be no other way for you to communicate besides learning the language. If you wanted to talk to someone you would have to figure out how to communicate what you needed.
Chapter Quiz
I did okay on the quiz. I got two wrong out of the 10. I liked the quiz because it gave you the answers at the end and you didn't have to search for them. Also, it was interesting to read because I already know about some of the things it talked about. There isn't really anything left to say about it besides the fact that I thought it was a little difficult but that's because some of the stuff I read a while back and didn't remember the correct answers.
Chapter 15
I really enjoyed this chapter! It is about everyone learning sign. It also discusses the most important things that people should know when it comes to signing. The book says, "we believe that all children should learn how to fingerspell, at the very least, while they're preschoolers or in the first grade." I really thought this was excellent advice. If students learn at a young age it will stick with them better. Fingerspelling can come in very handy when you are in a pinch. If you meet a Deaf person and you know how to fingerspell it is much better than nothing else. They would be able to communicate somewhat with you.
The book gives the scenario of being in a sound proof room and someone is on the other side. You would be able to communicate with that person by fingerspelling. Also, if you are underwater and you need to tell someone something. I really really liked reading through this chapter. I think it is important that children and adults at least know fingerspelling. You never know when you or someone you love could become deaf.
The book gives the scenario of being in a sound proof room and someone is on the other side. You would be able to communicate with that person by fingerspelling. Also, if you are underwater and you need to tell someone something. I really really liked reading through this chapter. I think it is important that children and adults at least know fingerspelling. You never know when you or someone you love could become deaf.
Chapter 14
Fingerspelling is mostly involving your kinetic-visual skills. These are important to have when trying to fingerspell quick and to read fingerspelling. The chapter wants to know how you can become a better fingerspeller, something I need help with too! It talks about having a friend practice with you and to make sure you are motivated to do it. To become better, it is important to practice as much as you can. It is also important to know how to form the words correctly. The book says that its okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them and try to get better. Ideas to get better; tell friends stories, read in sign, make it part of the everyday conversations you have with you friends.
This chapter was not that exciting for me. I know that fingerspelling is something that holds me up sometimes and I need to get better at it. I also know that practicing makes perfect. It is difficult to practice reading fingerspelling when I know few people that even know how to make the words, let alone can do it fast! I don't have any friends that could quiz me on fingerspelling. I guess it is something that will come with time but it is still really difficult to read unless I know the topic before hand.
This chapter was not that exciting for me. I know that fingerspelling is something that holds me up sometimes and I need to get better at it. I also know that practicing makes perfect. It is difficult to practice reading fingerspelling when I know few people that even know how to make the words, let alone can do it fast! I don't have any friends that could quiz me on fingerspelling. I guess it is something that will come with time but it is still really difficult to read unless I know the topic before hand.
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 was mainly about the ILY sign. It starts by saying that some people have noticed that Deaf friends respond negativity to this sign and they wondered why. The book begins with the orientation of this sign. It was a known sign for a long long time, since 1905. Many people don't recall seeing the sign frequently until the 50s, 60s, and 70s. It became a huge sign when Jimmy Carter signed it to Deaf people on Inauguration Day. Since Jimmy Carter did this, the ILY sign has become a national thing. People sign it all the time to one another. Some Deaf people dont mind the ILY sign, others are tired of seeing it. Another thing the book said was, "Do it wrong and you usually end up with the sign for "bullshit" - not the sort of thing you'd want to wave at a stranger." I thought this was pretty funny because it would be so embarrassing if you did sign that to a stranger.
I enjoyed reading this chapter because it explained this sign and where it came from. It also explained why some Deaf people dont like seeing this sign. In the chapter there was a section about Sesame Street and the little girl saw Deaf people on the side of the road signing ILY so someone would stop and help them. I thought it was really cute that the little girl knew they needed help and had her dad stop for them. It may have not been the smartest thing because of strangers but it was sweet.
I enjoyed reading this chapter because it explained this sign and where it came from. It also explained why some Deaf people dont like seeing this sign. In the chapter there was a section about Sesame Street and the little girl saw Deaf people on the side of the road signing ILY so someone would stop and help them. I thought it was really cute that the little girl knew they needed help and had her dad stop for them. It may have not been the smartest thing because of strangers but it was sweet.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Chapter 12
Chapter 12 is about wanting to learn bigger signs. It starts off with a post from a girl named, Tammy Kirk. She wants to learn how to sign because of a show she was watching. Tammy Kirk wants to learn bigger signs so if she sees Deaf people she will be able to communicate with them (p. 97).
The book suggests places to go to get help to learn sign language. "The local public library," is the best place to start, the book says. The library could point you in the right direction if they have the materials or they will usually be able to tell you where to go. They may know about sign-language classes, Deaf clubs, and different organizations (p. 97).
The book also suggests going on the internet because it may possibly be a good resource. You can get CDS, DVDs, that could help you learn sign language. After the book suggests places to go, it discusses the bigger signs ordeal. It says to remember the space where your hands should be while signing. The top of the head to waist and from shoulder to shoulder. This is the normal space for signing. Also, signers stand further apart than most people to give one another room for signing (p. 98).
I found this chapter slightly boring. It was nice to know where to go to find things to learn sign language but I've already known about these resources. It was no big surprise that the best place to go would be the library or internet. I did think the section on why Deaf people stand further apart was interesting.
The book suggests places to go to get help to learn sign language. "The local public library," is the best place to start, the book says. The library could point you in the right direction if they have the materials or they will usually be able to tell you where to go. They may know about sign-language classes, Deaf clubs, and different organizations (p. 97).
The book also suggests going on the internet because it may possibly be a good resource. You can get CDS, DVDs, that could help you learn sign language. After the book suggests places to go, it discusses the bigger signs ordeal. It says to remember the space where your hands should be while signing. The top of the head to waist and from shoulder to shoulder. This is the normal space for signing. Also, signers stand further apart than most people to give one another room for signing (p. 98).
I found this chapter slightly boring. It was nice to know where to go to find things to learn sign language but I've already known about these resources. It was no big surprise that the best place to go would be the library or internet. I did think the section on why Deaf people stand further apart was interesting.
Chapter 11
Chapter 11 talks about different signs for Korean, Chinese, and Japanese that have been created. I thought it was interesting when the book talked about male and female signs. It was kind of weird to think about the fact that old-fashioned ways of signing are still around; in the male and female aspect. I guess that it would be silly to switch up the vocabulary of sign language just because the world is different now. It says how the signs for "gabby" and "gossipy" are made in the "feminine zone" and the signs for "intelligent," "brilliant," and "genius" are in the "male zone (p. 93)."
The book gets into talking about the signs for different ethnicity of people. It says how some African American Deaf people will prefer the old ways to sign black. Some Deaf people don't realize that the signs they make for other cultures could be offensive now. There are new ways to sign these different people and some cultures have their own signs for themselves. The book states that it would be good to listen to these people and their signs (p. 94). "Sign language can change to modern needs (p.95)."
While reading this chapter I didn't think too much into these different ways to sign. I was really interested in the male and female zones and that type of thing. I guess I should be more interested in the African American, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean culture of signs but it didn't spark my interest. I took a women studies class a few semesters ago here at WKU and I know my teacher would be very interested in the different female and male signing zones. Honestly, she would probably be pretty ticked off about the "brilliant" and "genius" thing. Since I took a women studies class I thought this section of the chapter was fun to read about. I was surprised but then again I shouldn't have been since most of these signs were made long ago.
The book gets into talking about the signs for different ethnicity of people. It says how some African American Deaf people will prefer the old ways to sign black. Some Deaf people don't realize that the signs they make for other cultures could be offensive now. There are new ways to sign these different people and some cultures have their own signs for themselves. The book states that it would be good to listen to these people and their signs (p. 94). "Sign language can change to modern needs (p.95)."
While reading this chapter I didn't think too much into these different ways to sign. I was really interested in the male and female zones and that type of thing. I guess I should be more interested in the African American, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean culture of signs but it didn't spark my interest. I took a women studies class a few semesters ago here at WKU and I know my teacher would be very interested in the different female and male signing zones. Honestly, she would probably be pretty ticked off about the "brilliant" and "genius" thing. Since I took a women studies class I thought this section of the chapter was fun to read about. I was surprised but then again I shouldn't have been since most of these signs were made long ago.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)