Posting #2: Chapters 11-13

Ch.11:

I really enjoyed reading this chapter on signs regarding ethnicity and nationalities. In class we just learned the ASL signs for female and male. In the very beginning of this chapter the author explained how these signs came to be. “The traditional explanation is that the ‘female’ signs reflect the old-fashioned, typically feminine gesture of tying bonnet-strings while ‘male’ signs reflect the likewise old-fashioned, typically masculine gesture of tipping a cap” (pg. 93). I had never thought about how these signs came to be but when I read that I thought it was very creative. I guess some could find it offensive but back then that portrayed the difference in roles among men and woman so that was very neat.

It was discouraging to read about the sign for Black and Africa because it was a slam against their race. I understand how some find the use of this sign to be offensive, I would as well.  “The graceful new sign for Africa represents the shape of the continent, and keeps facial profile out of it” (pg.94). I was very glad to hear that and think that is how it should be.

When I came in to sign language I had always learned the “Oriental slanted eyes” sign. It is good to know that there are new signs for the Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. In class we were taught the sign for China and I found it weird that it was a movement straight across your chest and down. After reading this chapter I now realize that “The new Chinese sign indicates a traditional side-fastened Chinese jacket” (pg.94). I was surprised to read that many Jews still use the old sign because so many people found it offensive since it seemed to be similar to the sign for greedy. I wouldn’t want to use that sign, even though they say it is “Simpler and quicker” (pg.95).

It is important for languages to change over time to respect the values and traditions of different cultures. I loved in the last paragraph of this chapter when the authors state that, “All signers can participate in the process of re-creating a language that reflects modern sensibilities, cultural sensitivity, and respect for diversity” (pg.95). That is a good goal for every signer to strive for when learning and communicating in ASL.

Ch.12:

Tammy Kirk made a very valid point when describing why she wants to know more sign language. Kirk said, “If I see someone like that who needs help, I want to be able to help them” (pg.97). I also felt this way but more in the way of communicating with a deaf person in general. That is one of the many reasons I decided to take ASL. All through high school I would watch this girl who was deaf sign to her mom in church and I thought sign language was so neat. She taught me a few signs and I really enjoyed learning a way to communicate to her.

Some places to go to learn more sign language could be at the library. “The library may also be able to point you towards local resources, such as community sign-language classes, Deaf clubs, or organizations” (pg. 97). The internet and some textbooks are also valuable resources. I think it would be a good idea for someone interested in learning sign language to find DVD’s or CD’s online. We have a DVD in our Signing Naturally Workbook and I find it very helpful to see the signs practiced outside of class as well.

                This chapter also discusses “Signing Space” which “extends from the top of the head to the waist, and from shoulder to shoulder. When communicating with another deaf person, make sure to give her enough space to sign freely and to get a clear view of your signs. Signers tend to stand a bit further away from each other than hearing people do while talking. A comfortable distance-at least an extended arm’s length- ensures good readability” (pg.98). I noticed this when I attended my first Deaf Culture Event at CiCi’s pizza last month. When standing most signers were spaced far apart. When the signers were sitting at the tables they would be more pushed back from the table to allow more hand movement. This helped me as a beginning signer to capture all of their body language in order to understand what they were saying. When I sign I think I use a really small signing space just because I am not as comfortable yet with ASL. Also I’m not really use to touching my body while communicating. It is a lot different than English and is much more expressive. I think that with more time and practice I will be able to master the concept of “signing space”.

Ch.13:

The most popular sign people know in sign language is “I love you”. I didn’t realize that President Jimmy Carter contributed to the popularity of this sign in the United States. “Carter was photographed flashing the ILY to a group of Deaf people on the sidewalk. These photos, front-page-style, were published in the national media” (pg. 101). To an extent you could say that ASL and English are similar in the fact that both languages could be considered commercialized through the use of the national media.

I also thought that the story about the deaf couple getting help on the side of the road using this popular sign seemed unreal. It seemed so farfetched but I am glad the deaf couple was able to get help. Further in the reading the authors state, “In the process, an intimate, tender sign has lost most of its original force and virtually all significance. What was once a charming and concise way to say ‘I love you’ now means “Hiya’ “ (pg. 102). I agree with this statement, I think that a lot of people use the sign too often because it is the only sign they are familiar with. My theory was confirmed when I read later on that when people learn the sign for ILY, “they’re okay with deaf people, they’re safe” (pg.103). I think people using the sign as a way to break the language barrier has caused the sign to lose a lot of its meaning. I understand why some deaf people would find this to be annoying.