ASL Final

What are the origin of ASL?

The origin of American Sign Language dates back to the 1800s, with the assistance of major contributors such as Laurent Clerc and the Vineyarders. ASL, as we know it today, has evolved from a mixture of Old French Sign Language and Old American Sign Language. It is thought to have originated from the dialect used in the communities of Chilmark and Tisbury. Laurent Clerc, one of the major contributors to ASL, was the first deaf teacher in the United States and was also a co-founder of the American School for the Deaf.

What is Pidgin Sign Language?

Pidgin, as the American Heritage Dictionary defines it, is a simplified form of speech that is usually a mixture of multiple languages, often used to communicate between those speaking different languages. Pidgin Sign Language is a blend of ASL and American English signs. PSE is most commonly used to communicate between those fluent in ASL and others who aren't. Ultimately, PSE bridges the gap between native ASL signers and English speakers to effectively communicate between each othe

What is the major difference between ASL and Signed English, SEE-1 & SEE-2?

The major difference between the languages ASL and Signed English, SEE-1, and SEE-2 is that ASL is an organic language, meaning that it will likely change once developed over time within a community. ASL is a visual, spatial, and tactile language. For instance, signers are required to use accurate facial expressions, sign in visually coherent ways. In contrast to Signed English, SEE-1, and SEE-2, they fall under the Manually Coded English (MCE) systems. An MCE system is an artificially constructed approach to represent English in a signed form.

What are the differences between Braille and ASL?

The most notable difference between Braille and ASL is that Braille is a tactile code, not a language, while ASL is a visual language. Braille is mainly used by those who are blind, while ASL is also used by a large majority of those who are deaf. While Braille and ASL are different ways to communicate, Morse code can connect these groups. Despite their significant differences in communication, the two groups can be united in many unique ways.

How do Deaf people learn ASL?

Deaf people learn sign language in many ways. For one, Deaf children with Deaf parents can learn the language from them. However, not only were they able to teach it from their parents, but also from others. It is reported that ninety percent of deaf adults use ASL, as deaf children learned how to sign from schools for deaf students, and most importantly, each other.

Why do you think that signers from one country seem to have less trouble establishing communication with signers from another country, compared with hearing people that don’t speak each other’s languages?

Signers from one country have less trouble establishing communications with other signers from other countries, compared with hearing people who do not speak each other's languages, because signers can easily improvise with their gestures to get their message across. Additionally, signers from other countries might be familiar with signs used in America, for example. For instance, in Mexico, the signs of colors are similar to the signs in ASL. However, in comparison to hearing people, there might not be any similarities between their languages.

What are the differences between a Deaf baby born into a Deaf or hearing family? How does it impact language acquisition?

Whether a Deaf baby is born into a Deaf of hearing family profoundly impacts how the baby communicates with others. For one, a Deaf baby being born into Deaf families are subjected and surrounded by visual language at the start of their lives. Whereas, if a Deaf baby was born in a hearing family, where a visual language isn't immediately accesible, they are excluded from their way of speech. Depending on the background and experience a family has with ASL, it will overall affect the way a Deaf baby will be able to learn the visual langauge and communicate with others.

By reading the fiction story "Dummy", what did you learn about the life of a person who has no formal language?

The fiction story, "Dummy" has opened a new perspective for me to reflect on as a person who has had the privilege to be surrounded by a common language with others. A person who may not have access to communicate with others becomes isolating, and which is alsonone of the big themes that can be interpreted from "Dummy." It is in human nature to communicate and socialize with others, and being stripped away from this neccessity creates unfathonable amount of frustration. Additionally, it can also create a time of misunderstanding towards others if there is no efficient way to express yourself or ideas to others. The power of words and having the ability to articulate ideas and thoughts can accomodate to a sense of connection with others, while whereas those who live with no form of being able to have a connection will ultimately live disassociated from society.

How do Deaf people feel when a hearing person approaches them in public offering assistance?

When a hearing person approaches them in a public setting and offers a Deaf person assistance, they might feel irritated, offended, or even embarrassed. For one, they might believe that the hearing person sees them as helpless and cannot solve their own problems. So, because of this, it may appear that the hearing person is assuming that they need help because they are deaf. Additionally, if an overconfident individual approaches them and signs messily, then they might be annoyed or irritated. However, if approached appropriately and civilly, they might engage in a friendly conversation.

Why do Deaf people ask where you are learning ASL?

If a Deaf person asks where you are learning ASL, it is to better understand the level of coherency that person is able to understand, whether they are only a beginner, intermediate, or someone proficient/fluent in ASL. Once they know the level of understanding, they are able to adjust and sign or fingerspell to that person for them to easily understand. Additionally, they might question where you learn the language because ASL is incredibly valued, cherished, and loved in the deaf community. They may also want to know whether your instructor is deaf or hearing, to formulate an opinion on your teacher. 

What are the practical implications of the statement: "There is no such thing as a 'private' ASL conversation in public"?

Because ASL is a visual language, it may be difficult to hide the conversation when the efficient way to communicate is by seeing signs. Since it is a visual language, it can be seen from afar, and others could watch the signs that are exchanged in that conversation. Sometimes, others might understand their conversation if they are acquainted with ASL or have a general knowledge of signs, and signers might change the way they communicate into a more subtle manner. Otherwise, signers might use objects or hide their hands in order to continue communicating in a "private" way.