ASL is one of the fastest-growing foreign language classes!
Read more to learn why:
Read more to learn why:
What is ASL and why should I learn it?ASL is American Sign Language, the visual language used by millions of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people across the United States and Canada. It is a full-fledged visual language, with complex morphological and grammatical structures equal to that of any spoken language. ASL is used by Deaf people in North America, is the fifth most-used non-English language in the US, and is the fastest-growing "foreign" language / LOTE studied in the US.
ASL classes are becoming incredibly popular among non-deaf learners. As schools across America open more and more ASL classes, more and more hearing students are enrolling than ever before! ASL has a rich vocabulary and grammar unique from any spoken languages. It is the language cherished and shared by the Deaf Community and is becoming a lingua franca among Deaf communities worldwide. The best way to truly understand what ASL is is by experiencing it firsthand. |
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What ASL is not:
There are many popular misconceptions about what ASL is. To be clear, sign languages are NOT...
- Gestures. Sign languages are full languages possessing vocabularies and grammatical features comparable to those of any spoken language.
- Pantomime. Although ASL takes advantage of the visual mode of communication and makes occasional use of what might be perceived as mime, there are rules that govern signing. ASL is so much more than simple mime.
- Spelling out English words. Although ASL does have a fingerspelled alphabet, fingerspelling is used primarily for names of people, places, and businesses, and is not used for normal communication.
- English on the hands. ASL is not the same as spoken English; it has a completely different vocabulary (not all signs have an exact English translation!) and a separate grammar. This is proven by the fact that American Sign Language is not mutually intelligible with British Sign Language, even though both countries speak English.
- Universal. As mentioned above, ASL is used in North America, but other countries and regions of the world all have their own native sign languages. These languages develop independent of one another and of the local spoken languages. They are also mutually unintelligible; each sign language has its own unique vocabulary, and so knowing one does not guarantee you'll understand someone who speaks another.
WHY learn ASL? Here are a few reasons:
- Communicate with Deaf people: With over 30 million Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in America, learning ASL would enable you to reach out to and understand a large subset of the population!
- Bilingualism is good for your brain: People who speak two or more languages show enhanced cognitive function and more efficient language processing skills.
- Relate to a new client base: Grow your business and better serve the Deaf community by becoming Deaf-friendly -- making the effort to communicate in their language.
- Come in handy in emergencies: Whether you're in an emergency situation when you can't use your voice OR you find yourself at the aid of a Deaf person in crisis (hospital, police station, etc.), knowing sign language will improve the outcome. ASL proficiency is an invaluable skill for public health professionals!
- Dive into a new culture and community: There is a Deaf world you didn't even know existed, but it's out there and has so much to offer. Learn ASL and enjoy ASL poetry, literature, storytelling, films, and more!
- Give babies a voice: Deaf infants need exposure to their natural language, and hearing babies can benefit from learning sign language, too. They're often able to use basic signs before their vocal tracts are developed enough to speak!
- Give your resume a boost: As mentioned above, it can be a boon to businesses to have signers on board, and being bilingual is always appealing to employers! Let ASL make you stand out in the job market, while simultaneously enabling communication with customers.
- Communicate across great distances, windows, or quiet rooms: Ever find yourself unable to express something to a friend because of sound barriers? Not anymore! Learn ASL to enable effortless communication in any situation.
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