Chapters 19-21

Chapter 19:

Total communication is defined by the CEASD as "a philosophy incorporating the appropriate aural, manual, and oral modes of communication in order to ensure effective communication with and among hearing-impaired persons." It is described as a right for deaf individuals to have access to a large variety of communication that is suitable for the specific person. Many people who use this term tend to confuse it with the combining of speech and sign language. This was an interesting topic because the chapter provided a history of how Total Communication was used as a combining mode in the earliest deaf education classes. But as time went on oralism became more popular and signing was banned from the classroom. Thankfully Edward Miner Gallaudet rescued ASL from being discriminated against forever. He worked to advocate the "combined approach" allowing ASL to be used in the classroom and oral courses still being offered. This reintroduced Total Communication as a philosophy that "deaf children had the right of access to any form of communication that they felt comfortable with and would benefit from." 

I also learned about Simultaneous Communication in this chapter. This is a method of talking while signing. The book shares that Simultaneous Communication can often be confused wit Total Communication and I feel as if that is a fair statement. Although one is a philosophy and one a method, both involve oralism. "Bilingual-Bicultural" approach is also another topic this chapter covered. This approach uses "ASL-in-the-classroom to teach English." The authors clearly state that the "Bilingual-Bicultural" approach and the TC philosophy should not be confused with one another. The TC philosophy calls for diversity in the training needs of each individual deaf person, while the "Bi-Bi" approach strongly emphasizes the use of ASL in the classroom. 

Overall. this chapter was rich with information. I had no previous knowledge of the topics covered in Chapter 19, and feel as if it was a reasonably understandable introduction to three distinct concepts unique to the Deaf Community. I hope as I continue on my ASL "journey" I will personally experience these approaches first hand in different settings to better understand them and develop my own viewpoints. 

Chapter 20:

First and foremost let me just say how thankful I am that I attend a University that recognizes ASL as a foreign language. By enrolling in this course my eyes have truly been opened up to such an amazing group of people and I have learned so much in this short amount of time. I consider "CD 101" to be a wonderful blessing. 

With that being said, yes I believe that all universities should offer and accept ASL as a foreign language requirement. I might be a little biased in saying this. I agree 110% with the argument presented in the chapter for support in ASL foreign language programs. America is a "melting pot," right? If colleges and universities are willing to offer languages such as Spanish, French, German, and even Navajo, shouldn't they recognize the language of such an enormous group here in our own country?! I have often been asked by my peers what foreign language I am taking. When I respond with "ASL" I get some puzzled looks..."You mean that's a foreign language?" Gosh, that aggravates me. People all around the world use Sign Language, so step up American universities and recognize the need for not only "foreign" communication but domestic as well. 

I believe that ASL could have a written language, but does that mean it should? I don't feel as if ASL should HAVE to have a written language in order to get the respect/recognition it deserves. American Sign Language has endured many obstacles throughout history, but I don't think it should change in order to fit the "language requirements" set by hearing people. ASL works for deaf individuals, if there was a serious need for a written language in order for the deaf to improve or communicate I think it would have already been accepted and put to use. Similar to the written Navajo language, some native speakers understand it and some don't. That would be the same result for American Sign Language as a written language. That is even true with English speaking individuals; not all English speaking individuals understand English literature. The book states that "it is important to recognize that for a bilingual community the literature can be in two languages." I think ASL can be the physical language and English the written for the deaf. But, ultimately, I believe it is in the hands of the deaf individual or deaf community to decide.

Chapter 21:

I hate to say that this chapter kind of discouraged me. I guess I wanted to hear that deaf people are always eager for a  hearing signer to try to communicate with them (even if they are just beginners). But, as I reflect on it, I completely understand their point of view. I am from a small town so growing up I was never in a situation where I was "up close and personal" to a deaf/deaf conversation. Now that I have moved to college I see it more often. Like Alis Coates, I feel somewhat intimidated or nervous seeing deaf people interact. I have such a strong desire to approach deaf people signing in public, but I wouldn't say I am 100% confident in my abilities yet. I also fear that I would be considered annoying, even though I would want constructive criticism, I don't think I could handle being completely rejected. 

The Deaf Culture events are settings in which the deaf are eager to participate. At the most recent event one deaf guy (Sam) even acted as the teacher. He wasn't offended at all by our ASL abilities or lack-there-of. I feel comfortable communicating through ASL in those settings, but encountering a random conversation in a public place is a scary thought. I guess I can only hope for the best! :) 

Chapters 16-18

Chapter 16:

I absolutely loathe the feeling of isolation. Therefore, I can only imagine the difficulty of being deaf in an area with no other deaf people. It only seems right that most deaf people would move to big cities with hopes of being surrounded with others like them. Even then it would be a big adjustment. First, the deaf individuals moving from the rural, isolated areas will not be as advanced in their language abilities. Without the formal education and ability to interact with other deaf people, it would be tough for them to be surrounded by a community who is more distinguished. Second, the different regional dialects will come into effect. From a personal experience, I have noticed that Stacey's signs are not always exactly the same as the ASL lab instructors. This is due to the fact that Stacey was born and raised in California where the signs vary from those who practice ASL in Kentucky. I think it is neat how different regions have unique signs, but like the book states this does present some "unavoidable confusion." 

I really appreciate how the authors incorporated some advice concerning instructional resources. However, it is extremely sad that for a deaf individual to learn ASL they have to go through such a long and "iffy" process of finding reliable resources. Imagine having to go to numerous libraries or bookstores, or even purchase expensive equipment to simply learn how to communicate! Hearing individuals are just able to pick up our native language. Seldom do we have to refer to a book or multimedia program. So, I believe we shouldn't take our abilities for granted! 

Chapter 17:

Before reading this chapter I had never heard of "pidgin." Interestingly enough, I found that Pidgin Sign English allows "native ASL signers and native English speakers to comfortably communicate with each other." (pg. 119) It seems like a more simple way for non-deaf to communicate since it is basically English word order with some English grammar omitted. Before taking the CD 101 course, I thought that sign language was signed in natural English order, so it was interesting to learn that sometimes it is in fact by using PSE.

Professor William Newell stated: " PSE is not truly a "pidgin" in the same sense that other pidgin languages exist in the world." This encouraged me to research other pidgin languages and I found that one of the most famous is Hawaiian Pidgin English. 

• In the Hawaiian islands there were various languages on each island. These were brought about by merchants visiting and some staying on the islands. Merchants brought with them their own language making communication among the islands very difficult. The people finally derived their own language which was a mixture of languages from countries including America, Korea, China, the Philippines, Japan, and Samoa. This was known as Hawaiian Pidgin. It is still spoken by people in Hawaii (mainly teenagers) and is mostly versions of English slang. 
• Some phrases include: "no can", "talk stink", and "wat doing?" 
• Some vocabulary is:
• Choke- alot
• Slippa- sandals
• Tutu- grandmother
• Bruddahs- brothers
• An interesting fact I found was that bookstores in Hawaii actually sell books to help tourists understand Hawaiian Pidgin

I believe code switching is important because is it a way to break the language barrier that can sometimes be intimidating or difficult to learn. I feel as if it is a helpful aid to native English users who are just beginning to communicate through ASL. Even though it may be helpful, I don't feel as if deaf people should rely solely on "code switching" to communicate with hearing people. By doing this, "Hearing people rarely get to see pure ASL being used in their presence." (pg. 121) If true ASL is never used in our/hearing individuals presence how will we ever learn the complexity of the language. 

Chapter 18:

I feel as if I wouldn't be completely in the middle of the "continuum." I would probably be slightly toward the left of Pidgin Sign English (closer to "pure English" users). I understand that I have not fully grasped the concept of ASL and I am not afraid to admit that I still have trouble remembering not to sign in English order. I am a beginner, but I am willing and eager to progressively move towards the right side of "the arc." 

Some people may view initialized sign as "bad" because it is not PURE ASL. But what they do not realize is that some of the signs may carry "real meaning" instead of just representing Signed English. (If I am understanding this correctly. This chapter seemed somewhat confusing to me.)

Chapters 13- 15 & Quiz

Chapter 13: 
I am going to take a different approach to this chapters discussion:
I think it is pretty safe to say that in today's society people place a great deal of emphasis on public figures who give back to Americans or to the people of their communities. We are quite aware of Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign or Lance Armstrong's influence on cancer awareness. I notice groups such as cancer patients, obese individuals, minorities, or underprivileged children being targeted and put into the spot light of awareness. It really irritates me that the deaf culture never receives the recognition that these groups do. I mean, come on, there are numerous campaigns for the importance of spaying and neutering your pets, but nationally and locally the deaf culture is somewhat put into a dark closet. Honestly, I was never aware of the depth of this culture until I began reading this book. This is why Chapter 13 appeals to me so much. It is pretty interesting to me that President Jimmy Carter acknowledged the deaf community on his Inauguration Day walk by flashing the ILY sign. Am I saying that this was just a perfect thing to do to acknowledge them? No! I think that the deaf community deserves way more recognition wherever they go and whenever they go. But, I feel as if Carter did more than anyone else had ever done and even more than what public figures are doing now to communicate to them that they are seen and that they are important. Like I said earlier it is obvious that we place emphasis on public figures and of course after Carter used the "ILY" sign it seemed universally acceptable and appropriate. "The Smiley Face of Deaf Culture."  
However that was years ago. Now, flashing the ILY sign to a group of deaf individuals usually gets you nowhere. Quite frankly, I agree with the deaf community that this sign is overused and annoying. If you REALLY care about communicating with them and breaking that language barrier at least have the decency to learn a few more signs. It's pretty easy to use commercialized language. 

Chapter 14:
Fingerspelling is definitely a concept that I am still trying to grasp. I can make all of the letters and understand what another signer spells, but I am no master. I can definitely relate to Roger Mindel's concerns and this chapter eased my worries! Like the book suggests I have practiced finger spelling in the mirror, run through the "ABC's" a few times a day, and often spell words I see on posters or ads. I guess it should be kind of understood that improving manual dexterity would absolutely help! Of course, I never thought of that. Soooo...I took their advice to heart and bought a "medium hard rubber ball." I don't think it's working yet, but I haven't "exercised" with it enough to see a difference. Ha! I'm not all that into anything involving the word "exercise." 
Anyways a personal fun fact:  3 weekends ago I taught my dad the "ABC's" and he loved it! He printed off a chart so he could practice and now every time I go home he and I sign random words to each other! It's really fun! He likes to watch my Signing Naturally videos too...weird! I think it is extremely important to practice this technique frequently and I am thankful I have established the confidence to actually finger spell outside of class with my family and even my peers!

I can't wait until I am good enough for my hands to actually become a "new voice" but I do still have that general awkwardness.I feel like my classmates and I are mostly at the same stage of awkwardness where no one is confident enough to correct the others or point out large mistakes. Once we are all able to feel confident enough to give GOOD feedback to one another I feel as if we will all progress. 

Chapter 15:
I absolutely agree that all children should learn how to sign! The main points the book gave that I strongly support are:

• It is a useful survival skill for anyone
• You never know when someone in your family could become deaf (or you may have a deaf child in the future)
• A working knowledge of fingerspelling allows hearing people to communicate with deaf people
• Lastly because it is FUN! 

I did some further research on the opinion of the question "Should all children learn how to sign?" and found an article that adds some other interesting views in support of the topic. 

Here is the link, feel free to check it out: http://www.cchs.org/blog/top-10-reasons-all-children-should-know-sign-language/ 

I wish my parents would have been aware of all of the positive effects learning ASL can have! 

Quiz Reflection:

Let me just boast...I made a 100% on the quiz! Haha! I think it is just due to the simple fact that I am so interested in the information that this book offers. I encode information well when I am interested in the content and not bored to tears. This class along with this book really does something for me! It makes me feel productive, useful, and important. I want to use this information to help better the daily lives of deaf people and immerse myself in this unique culture! 

*If only I could get a 100% on all of the receptive tests in class...hmmm! 

Chapters 11-12

Chapter 11:
Well, I learned something new! I never considered that sign language was characterized by gender, but it makes total sense. I found it interesting that the female signs reflect the tying of bonnet strings while the masculine signs reflect the gesture of tipping a hat. Pretty cool. However, geez, I am a little offended. You mean to tell me that signs such as "gossipy" are likewise made in the feminine zone. Who ever would have guessed? Ha! Oh, but males get the "intelligent" sign in THEIR zone? I don't think I agree with that. Can we go back a few decades and fix this, please?  

I completely understand that there are signs that could be considered "racist." That exists in any culture or language (referring to slang terms). Although I understand this concept, I don't support the use of it as an insult-especially the example they gave in the book for a sign corresponding to "nigger." I can also understand how the original "Oriental" signs could come "under fire as being patronizing and inaccurate." Point out a specific group by their physical features, and there's sure to be controversy. I am sure that the "Oriental" individuals would prefer the new signs to represent their people, but I don't feel as if the original signs were meant in any degrading form, just a simple way to distinguish people.   

I think it is important for things to grow and change to fit modern times/needs. Change is inevitable, and I think it is important that ASL continues to change to fit each culture whether it be British, French, Japanese, Chinese, etc. Old signs can't forever be used and won't always be appropriate. Today, people don't go around saying "clodhopper" or other strange words to refer to people. No, we just call you a Redneck. My point is, language is something that evolves...always has, always will. 

Chapter 12: 
Remember those little book order packets they used to send home in grade school? Yeah, the packets that my mother usually threw away to avoid spending crazy amounts of money on books that would more than likely just collect dust. On one specific occasion however, she fell for those precious pouty eyes. Sucker! I was looking through the advertisements when I stumbled upon a book that caught my eye. It was a beginners sign language book and I HAD TO HAVE IT! When I explained to mom that it would just be "the coolest thing ever" if I could learn a different language and teach it to all my friends at school she totally fell for it. Boy was I excited when my $12.99 introductory ASL book arrived in the mail! I carried it around and read it over and over again. I learned simple things such as "hello" and some different animals, nothing too major. That was my first introduction to sign language! I forgot about it for a few years until I had an epiphany that my career would be dedicated to helping individuals with communication disorders.

Now, I have used sources such as Signing Naturally, www.aslopro.com, and www.signingsavvy.com to guide me along! 

As far as signing space is concerned. I feel quite comfortable. Never do I feel as if my signs are too big, but sometimes I understand that they are too small.