So I'm still trying to learn sign language. I hope to one day be good enough to interpret for schools, churches, camps, wherever I can bridge the gap between the deaf and the hearing world.
What I have learned so far this summer, confirms that what I already knew. Without a computer, my spelling is awful! Many adults finger spell words, when no sign exists or to make sure they are clear in what they are trying to convey.
So I ask all of you out there, how do I improve my spelling? I'm not bad at any given sign, but the finger spelling, has got to be the worst of this language. With some luck, I hope I use the right facial expressions and other non-manual signs correctly to make up for the finger spelling.
So I will keep going, keeping my eyes on the prize! This will work out, and I will be OK.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
June 12,2011
Well I haven't blogged in awhile. I guess because of many things, but mainly no followers. How does one get followers?
Any way, I completed my year at Waubonsee Community College. I did OK, but not well enough to enter the ITP program, so I am now enrolled at Harper Community College in the hope of completing my quest in becoming a good interpreter.
This class is designed to teach me how to fingerspell and read fingerspelling as well learning the numbering system as much as possible. I must admit this class was harder than expected. I am really working my tail off and I have only had two classes. It's hard to read the letters as not individual but as a whole. I don't even know if that's possible. I'm trying to learn the shape of the word and take context clues and first and last letters to fill in the blanks. This is not easy.
I guess it's like any other language, you have to learn. If it's not your first language it won't be easy. I wish I could find a deaf mentor. That would help immensely! I could practice and learn from thoes who use it everyday, not just thoes who teach it.
No offense to the teachers, but who better to learn from than from the people who grew up with it.
Well I guess for now, that's all. I hope to post more later and eventually even get followers. Deaf followers with suggestions and help would be best, but teachers and students will be helpful to.
Any way, I completed my year at Waubonsee Community College. I did OK, but not well enough to enter the ITP program, so I am now enrolled at Harper Community College in the hope of completing my quest in becoming a good interpreter.
This class is designed to teach me how to fingerspell and read fingerspelling as well learning the numbering system as much as possible. I must admit this class was harder than expected. I am really working my tail off and I have only had two classes. It's hard to read the letters as not individual but as a whole. I don't even know if that's possible. I'm trying to learn the shape of the word and take context clues and first and last letters to fill in the blanks. This is not easy.
I guess it's like any other language, you have to learn. If it's not your first language it won't be easy. I wish I could find a deaf mentor. That would help immensely! I could practice and learn from thoes who use it everyday, not just thoes who teach it.
No offense to the teachers, but who better to learn from than from the people who grew up with it.
Well I guess for now, that's all. I hope to post more later and eventually even get followers. Deaf followers with suggestions and help would be best, but teachers and students will be helpful to.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
My Journey into learning about Deaf Cultre and their language
In August of 2010, I finally decided to listen to my heart and my interests and started going back to school to learn ASL. I hope to be able to interpret someday, and maybe bridge some gaps between the Deaf and the hearing.
As I start my journey, I begin with the basics. Learning the language, learning the linguistics and the history. The language piece isn't so bad, but for me the linguistics is difficult. When and how to use facial expressions isn't easy. Do I lean forward or backward, to the side or stand straight? WOW!
But I must say it is probably the same for the deaf person. Maybe they see different body language, facial expressions and mouth movements. We tend to think that our hearing way is the best way, but maybe not always.
So, now I hope to get followers. Some that deaf, some hearing but hopeful everyone and anyone who can help me to grow, learn and respect the Deaf Culture.
As I start my journey, I begin with the basics. Learning the language, learning the linguistics and the history. The language piece isn't so bad, but for me the linguistics is difficult. When and how to use facial expressions isn't easy. Do I lean forward or backward, to the side or stand straight? WOW!
But I must say it is probably the same for the deaf person. Maybe they see different body language, facial expressions and mouth movements. We tend to think that our hearing way is the best way, but maybe not always.
So, now I hope to get followers. Some that deaf, some hearing but hopeful everyone and anyone who can help me to grow, learn and respect the Deaf Culture.
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