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.