I Wish Everyone Could Sign

In honor of a very successful midterm, I wanted to share a little bit about American Sign Language (ASL) to address and hopefully repair some misconceptions about the language itself and deaf people. Now, I'm not a certified interpreter (yet), but I have lived 18 years of my life with a deaf brother and have been immersed in the culture, and that's something that no amount of units could rival.

Misconception #1: Deaf people are disabled.

Actually #1: Deaf people don't see themselves as disabled, broken, or disadvantaged. They are labeled by the government as having a disability, but other than not being able to use a phone, they can do pretty much whatever we (hearing) people can. They can drive, work, and they are capable of communicating in a hearing world. There's a surgery that can alter the cochlea and "fix" hearing, and it's been around for quite some time now, but the Deaf really don't care for it at all. Why would you need to fix something that's not broken?

Misconception #2: ASL is a literal translation of English words.

Actually #2: If you were to sign to a deaf person, "it's raining cats and dogs", they would give you one of those looks that you give Berkeley homeless people when they pop out of nowhere to tell you their lifestory - except you'd be the crazy. ASL is not word for word, but rather, concept for concept. One word in English may take 6 different signs, and one sign, could be interpreted into a whole list of sentences. 

Misconception #3: Sign language is all the same.

Actually #3: Sign language is not universal.  SEE (Signing Exact English) is a dying breed, but even ASL has differing variations. Regional diction - you know, how Nor Cal is known for their "hella" and Midwest people call soda "pop"...well, that exists in sign language too. Different countries have different signs. So be careful.

Facts and tips:

- The term "hearing-impaired" is offensive. Don't use it. If they're capable of some hearing, they're called Hard of Hearing. Deaf is the most acceptable term. 

- Deaf people are very patient if you show some effort to understand them and time to look and listen. Remember that most likely, they've had horrible experiences with people who blow them off as "deaf and dumb", so they might be apprehensive at first, but a smile, a pad of paper, and a little patience can cure all. 

- The grammar of ASL is facial expressions. If you're able to pick up the ABC's, and use your face to convey emotions, you've already got a head start.

How many of you have ever said to yourself, "wow, that's cool! I'd love to learn sign language some day" ? Well, that day can be today, and every day after: an ASL video dictionary, for your viewing, sharing, and signing pleasure.