At the beginning of the year, I decided to take American Sign Language instead of the language our school offers which is Spanish. This was the best decision I ever made.
My favorite part of taking ASL is the portion of learning about the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing community. When hearing individuals learn ASL, they have the ability to get a deeper understanding of Deaf/Hard-of-hearing history and culture.
A fun fact about the history of ASL is the first school for the deaf was opened in 1817. People that hear tend to be ignorant about the community because they simply do not understand. This is why learning American Sign Language is so crucial because it helps people understand and learn all at the same time. ASL promotes cultural awareness and sensitivity towards diverse communication styles.
In the United States, about half a million people use sign language as their native language. American Sign Language is the third most common language in the U.S. following Spanish and English. When someone learns a new language, especially ASL, it stimulates the brain and strengthens their cognitive abilities.
No one talks about the beauty that comes within this language. A language that is expressive allows the ability to communicate with great emotion and body language.
An important aspect of American Sign Language is the body language and facial expressions a person shows. The five parameters of ASL are used to describe how a sign behaves within the signer’s space. The parameters are: handshape, palm orientation, movement, location, and expression/non-manual signals.
I find ASL as an incredible language to learn because it also assists people who have disabilities to communicate with this language. I grew up with dyslexia and to take ASL versus a written/spoken language was a breath of fresh air. Taking a language class and have fun while learning it because it does not require reading is a tremendous opportunity.
Anyone who is a visual learner will appreciate learning of American Sign Language. The language helps with other things such as social interactions and learning new words. Parents of children who have autism are likely to use sign language because it has visual associations along with learning new words.
Also, it allows for the fixing of misconceptions about the Deaf/Hard-of-hearing community. Hearing people assume that all Deaf/Hard-of-hearing people can read lips. This is simply untrue.
It can be very challenging for individuals who are non-native to a certain language to be able to interpret what someone is saying. There is a huge chance for error and it can be stressful for both people.
American Sign Language should be more accessible for students to take along with other language classes. Overall, it is the education and normalization of teaching ASL that allows people to have a true understanding.
For anyone looking for more information about American Sign Language or want to learn a few signs, I will link resources: Learn ASL! National Association of the Deaf!
Dear America, learn another language and change your world.
