#learn american sign language

[learnasl]

Does American Sign Language Really Have Accents?

American Sign Language (ASL) records its ancestry back in the 19th century in France. And also like any spoken or signed language, ASL has evolved as time passes to represent users’ cultural and regional distinctions.

American Sign Language isn't really a rendition of English. Actually, it’s a specialized language that has its very own pronunciation, word formations, grammar, sentence structures, and idioms. Like various other natural languages, ASL has evolved spontaneously in humans through long use and repetition devoid of conscious planning. It’s the primary sign language utilized by Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in the United States Of America and the most of English-speaking Canada. ASL is really a complete, methodized visual language with both non-manual and manual features.

Public speakers of American Sign Language also have their accents or communication patterns. And similar to every various other languages, ASL is characterized by regional variants and alterations in tone. In sign language, an accent or style is observable in exactly how words are signed differently. It is a lexical distinction, similar to how certain US citizens say “pop” while other people say “soda” when mentioning a soft drink.

Regional and Cultural Variations of American Sign Language

Individuals who use spoken languages have got different accents or variations in how they converse based upon where they are coming from. Additionally, even within one country, people’s accents change from region to region. For example, in the United States, people from New York have New York accents, and those coming from the South have Southern accents. In the same way, accents, also called styles, occur in ASL.

An individual’s ASL accent or style is determined by their behaviors, expressions, gestures, phrases, speed of execution, and hand movements. ASL accents, as a whole, are expressed by users’ physical condition, age level, culture, place of birth, and use of idioms and slang. An excellent ASL user can often distinguish exactly what region or culture an individual is coming from depending on how they sign.

Black American Sign Language (BASL)

This language developed due to the fact that US schools for the Deaf within the late 19th century didn't acknowledge Black students. So, BASL emerged from the Black culture to meet the students’ necessities. It includes Black idioms and slang in conjunction with standard ASL components.

Regional ASL Styles or Accents

On the level of word meaning, the exact same signed gesture in ASL can denote various things in different parts of the United States. As an example, within the western states, particularly California, the B hand shape, with the palm facing outward and shaken vertically, signifies the city of Berkeley. In contrast, this particular sign usually signifies the city of Boston in the eastern states.

Northeastern ASL Accents/Styles

New York - Much like their Hearing counterparts, Deaf/HoH ASL users from New York City sign rather quickly. ASL users from New York sign a lot quicker and employ several body language and facial expressions than those from different regions of the US. Additionally, they use New York slang and are also inclined to use more profanity!

Philadelphia - The Philadelphia area features some unconventional signs because of the city’s long reputation of teaching Deaf/HoH individuals to communicate through speech and lip-reading. This has created a number of home-grown signs that have become a part of that region’s ASL accent or style.

Southern ASL Accent/Style

Southern ASL users express their signs to imitate the well-known Southern drawl. Southerners even touch their chests as well as the lower part of their faces more frequently when signing, and these expressions have become a part of the South’s ASL accent or style.

Midwestern ASL Accent/Style

While signers from the Northeast are generally quick with regards to their signing and Southerners are slower and meticulous, Midwesterners lie somewhere in the middle. For instance, American Sign Language users from Ohio are generally calm and relaxed with their signing, not very fast or too slow.

The Impact of ASL Accents/Styles on Communication

Accents mirror people’s unique backgrounds, and a lot of them take pride in their style and accents. Even so, as with spoken English, possessing a distinctive ASL accent could potentially cause difficulties in communicating with other native users in work, educational, and social settings.

Because of this, a number of ASL users learn how to modify or eliminate their accents to enhance signed communication skills. Another way in dealing with this problem is through standardization of ASL to help users communicate better.

[reasonsforhope]

"As a Deaf man, Adam Munder has long been advocating for communication rights in a world that chiefly caters to hearing people. 

The Intel software engineer and his wife — who is also Deaf — are often unable to use American Sign Language in daily interactions, instead defaulting to texting on a smartphone or passing a pen and paper back and forth with service workers, teachers, and lawyers. 

It can make simple tasks, like ordering coffee, more complicated than it should be. 

But there are life events that hold greater weight than a cup of coffee. 

Recently, Munder and his wife took their daughter in for a doctor’s appointment — and no interpreter was available. 

To their surprise, their doctor said: “It’s alright, we’ll just have your daughter interpret for you!” ...

That day at the doctor’s office came at the heels of a thousand frustrating interactions and miscommunications — and Munder is not isolated in his experience.

“Where I live in Arizona, there are more than 1.1 million individuals with a hearing loss,” Munder said, “and only about 400 licensed interpreters.”

In addition to being hard to find, interpreters are expensive. And texting and writing aren’t always practical options — they leave out the emotion, detail, and nuance of a spoken conversation. 

ASL is a rich, complex language with its own grammar and culture; a subtle change in speed, direction, facial expression, or gesture can completely change the meaning and tone of a sign. 

“Writing back and forth on paper and pen or using a smartphone to text is not equivalent to American Sign Language,” Munder emphasized. “The details and nuance that make us human are lost in both our personal and business conversations.”

His solution? An AI-powered platform called Omnibridge. 

“My team has established this bridge between the Deaf world and the hearing world, bringing these worlds together without forcing one to adapt to the other,” Munder said. 

Trained on thousands of signs, Omnibridge is engineered to transcribe spoken English and interpret sign language on screen in seconds...

“Our dream is that the technology will be available to everyone, everywhere,” Munder said. “I feel like three to four years from now, we're going to have an app on a phone. Our team has already started working on a cloud-based product, and we're hoping that will be an easy switch from cloud to mobile to an app.” ...

At its heart, Omnibridge is a testament to the positive capabilities of artificial intelligence. "

-via GoodGoodGood, October 25, 2024. More info below the cut!

To test an alpha version of his invention, Munder welcomed TED associate Hasiba Haq on stage. 

“I want to show you how this could have changed my interaction at the doctor appointment, had this been available,” Munder said. 

He went on to explain that the software would generate a bi-directional conversation, in which Munder’s signs would appear as blue text and spoken word would appear in gray. 

At first, there was a brief hiccup on the TED stage. Haq, who was standing in as the doctor’s office receptionist, spoke — but the screen remained blank. 

“I don’t believe this; this is the first time that AI has ever failed,” Munder joked, getting a big laugh from the crowd. “Thanks for your patience.”

After a quick reboot, they rolled with the punches and tried again.

Haq asked: “Hi, how’s it going?” 

Her words popped up in blue. 

Munder signed in reply: “I am good.” 

His response popped up in gray. 

Back and forth, they recreated the scene from the doctor’s office. But this time Munder retained his autonomy, and no one suggested a 7-year-old should play interpreter. 

Munder’s TED debut and tech demonstration didn’t happen overnight — the engineer has been working on Omnibridge for over a decade. 

“It takes a lot to build something like this,” Munder told Good Good Good in an exclusive interview, communicating with our team in ASL. “It couldn't just be one or two people. It takes a large team, a lot of resources, millions and millions of dollars to work on a project like this.” 

After five years of pitching and research, Intel handpicked Munder’s team for a specialty training program. It was through that backing that Omnibridge began to truly take shape...

“Our dream is that the technology will be available to everyone, everywhere,” Munder said. “I feel like three to four years from now, we're going to have an app on a phone. Our team has already started working on a cloud-based product, and we're hoping that will be an easy switch from cloud to mobile to an app.” 

In order to achieve that dream — of transposing their technology to a smartphone — Munder and his team have to play a bit of a waiting game. Today, their platform necessitates building the technology on a PC, with an AI engine. 

“A lot of things don't have those AI PC types of chips,” Munder explained. “But as the technology evolves, we expect that smartphones will start to include AI engines. They'll start to include the capability in processing within smartphones. It will take time for the technology to catch up to it, and it probably won't need the power that we're requiring right now on a PC.” 

At its heart, Omnibridge is a testament to the positive capabilities of artificial intelligence. 

But it is more than a transcription service — it allows people to have face-to-face conversations with each other. There’s a world of difference between passing around a phone or pen and paper and looking someone in the eyes when you speak to them. 

It also allows Deaf people to speak ASL directly, without doing the mental gymnastics of translating their words into English.

“For me, English is my second language,” Munder told Good Good Good. “So when I write in English, I have to think: How am I going to adjust the words? How am I going to write it just right so somebody can understand me? It takes me some time and effort, and it's hard for me to express myself actually in doing that. This technology allows someone to be able to express themselves in their native language.” 

Ultimately, Munder said that Omnibridge is about “bringing humanity back” to these conversations. 

“We’re changing the world through the power of AI, not just revolutionizing technology, but enhancing that human connection,” Munder said at the end of his TED Talk. 

“It’s two languages,” he concluded, “signed and spoken, in one seamless conversation.”"

-via GoodGoodGood, October 25, 2024

[persephonessugarbaby]

A fantastic resource for learning sign language FOR FREE is the ASL University website

Dr. Bill Vicars, who is deaf / hard of hearing, "has been offering online sign language instruction since 1997", and still adds to his websites to this day. After much research, he has determined the most commonly used words and created his lessons "moving from most frequently used to less frequently used" words and concepts. So what does this website offer?

Lessons that include a teaching video, vocabulary list, sentences containing words learned, practice quizzes, and information on deaf culture and asl grammar

A section on the 100 most commonly used signs

A dictionary that has (1) Written description of how to sign the word, along with pictures, gifs, and videos, (2) Sample sentences showing how to use the word, and the appropriate context, often with accompanying videos, (3) In-page links to signs with similar appearance or meaning, (4) Common variations of the sign, (5) Questions he's answered regarding that words

There's more on the website, including pages on signing the alphabet and one with deaf/HoH jokes that's got some gems, but those listed above are the features I find most helpful for beginners. GOOD LUCK 😁

[classical-bluess]

Thinking about all the hearing damage All Might probably has from his decades of hero work 🤟

[isawthe-sign]

I'm learning how to do websites in my Ed Tech class, so I made The Sign - Resource. It's a bunch of reasources for learning ASL and Deaf culture.

[boos-gh0st]

I had my ASL lesson yesterday and my teacher asked me about the story of my favourite game

So I spent

The entirely of our thirty minute session

Signing about in stars and time

AND SHE WAS INVESTED

And she said it seemed really interesting

And bonus was that I learned more signs as I went through the story and she said I was very confident signing (which she rarely sees because I sign shyly with her ig 😭)

Anyway

Go play in stars and time

And learn asl so more people know about it too

[joshuakellin]

Does anyone know any apps for learning asl that don’t require u to pay for lessons after the first few

[tothelighthouse1]

i could write a book of poetry that isn’t poetry at all, just beginners of a new language

two weeks ago someone in my class asked “can you please turn the light on, it’s too dark for me to see”

they said “ask the small star look at me please. i have no eyes here.”

yesterday someone told me “the building next door to mine burned down last night”

they said “my home’s soulmate died last night. it’s death was red and orange.” i didn’t catch the last word so she spelled it out for me “O-R-A-N-G-E.”

[habitual-creatures]

Learn American Sign Language w/ HABIT !

THIS WEEK'S SIGN IS...

RABBIT

ENJOY THE LITTLE LESSON, RABBITS.

[ REGARDS, HABIT ]

[sincerely-astra]

Hiii <3

can i request Garnet with a s/o who uses ASL? like they can hear it's just their first/home language lol

☁️Garnet x reader who uses ASL☁️

As someone learning ASL, this request got me so excited! :)

Garnet first met you in a party supply store, Garnet getting party decorations for Steven's birthday party.

You were trying your best to communicate with the cashier, trying to return an item you had accidentally bought the day prior, but no matter what you did the cashier was still left utterly confused.

Nonetheless, you continued trying to communicate with them even over their growing frustrations. They kept asking for you to, "Just tell me what you want!" Refusing to look at any note you wrote to them.

The tension kept rising as the cashier was about to kick you out, thankfully though, Garnet was there just in time to stop a potential fight.

She stopped the cashier mid sentence and turned to you, calmly asking, "What excatly do you need?" Then quickly taking the note you handed to her, reading it, and turning back to the cashier.

"They are looking to return this item."

And after one frustrated grumble later, you managed to get your money back! ...In store credit-

A win is a win you suppose.

Garnet led you out of the store, having bought her supplies while the cashier processed the return.

The automatic doors closed behind you two, and you turned to face Garnet, signing, "Thank you!" And although Garnet didn't understand what the sign meant, she replied with a, "No problem." Before walking off to the temple.

After that, you hadn't seen eachother for a while. Garnet had missions, and you had life to deal with.

Garnet being busy didn't stop her from thinking about you though, infact, your interactions intrigued her. Of course, she's met deaf and hard of hearing people before, but something about you stuck out to her...

...

Maybe, it's because she thought you were cute.

When she came to this revelation, she thought it was as good as a time if any to learn ASL.

' It's an important skill. ' She tried to rationalize, just a tad in denial.

When you guys met again, this time at the Big Donut, you can only imagine your suprise when you asked Garnet about her day in ASL, and she signed back-

You were rightfully ecstatic!

Only a few people in Beach City knew ASL, so it was nice to actually be able to communicate with someone else. Not to mention, Garnet was a fast learner too!

You rapidly signed back to Garnet, asking when she learnt ASL and if there was anything like sign language for gems.

Garnet and you grew expectionally close in one afternoon.

From then on, you would visit the temple to hang out with Garnet. This, of course, meant you met the other gems, Steven, and eventually Connie, you all got along well though.

Steven and Amethyst love to go on adventures with you, Pearl enjoys having you help out around the temple, and Connie is actually learning ASL from you.

You make sure to reserve some time with Garnet too amid the shenanigans.

As Garnet grew closer to you, it was getting harder and harder to deny her feelings for you. The inner Ruby and Sapphire in her were urging for Garnet to confess to you, in the most cheesy ways possible...

Garnet knew how she'd confess to you, and she didn't even need future vision for it.

Garnet invited you to go on patrol with her during the evening, which was really just strolling on the beach.

And as the sun set hit the tide, the temple back in the distance, Garnet turned to you and signed, "I love you." A simple gesture, but something she really hope you would love.

How could you say no to that???

You guys were now officially dating, And Garnet is absolutely in love. Ruby and Sapphire are not helping, as they urge her to hurry up and get a ring-

Garnet loves to get you any kind of ASL related thing she can find, shirts, mugs, pins, bumper stickers, all of it.

She also teaches the Crystal Gems (minus Pearl) ASL so they can communicate easier with you.

It was while you were dating that you told Garnet why you use ASL and it's cultural significance to you, which she is extremely supportive of. It really doesn't matter if you can or can't hear, she loves you for you.

And if you want to open up about your voice and actually speaking, then she's more than happy to help you. Definitely makes sure you are completely comfortable with it and makes sure you won't push yourself too hard, she doesn't want you to feel forced to do anything.

The first time Garnet heard your voice her jaw dropped, her thought process was literally, ' How can someone be so perfect? '

Loves your voice, 10/10, would 100% listen to it again, only if you want to though.

It really doesn't matter how often she uses her future vision, you always leave her breathless.

God help any bullies that try and mess with you, Garnet is not having it. She might seem calm, cool, and collected, but inside, she is seething.

How can they bully someone for such an arbitrary thing like using another language??

Personal bodyguard Garnet❤️💙

Now, when Garnet unfuses and you get to meet Sapphire and Ruby, you best believe they are all over you.

Ruby is determined to learn ASL from you and no one else!

Sapphire is just giddy to meet the person Garnet loves so much. She would also love to learn ASL too though.

Ruby and Sapphire would practice with eachother and go on dates while only communicating in ASL-

Garnet would also love to meet your family if you'd let her, being able to see your family and culture is definitely on her bucket list.

Sorry that this is so long, I just love Garnet-

[butchjo]

people who know asl/any kind of sign language: does sign language have 'filler' words? like how when people are thinking about what they're going to say next, they'll go 'umm'? is there an equivalent in sign?

[learnasl]

How American Sign Language has Evolved Over Time

During the past decades, American Sign Language transformed mainly by means of face-to-face interaction. Yet presently, a whole new signed word can easily spread out like wildfire on social media platforms like YouTube or TikTok.

This article examines the transformations occurring in ASL, largely attributed to the extensive use of smartphones and video technology. As a result of these advancements, there has been a substantial increase in American Sign Language communications.

Early Development Stages of American Sign Language

American Sign Language was developed in the early 19th century at the American School for the Deaf (ASD) in West Hartford, Connecticut, through language connection with English. Ever since then, the usage of ASL has been widely disseminated by Deaf schools and Deaf community groups throughout the United States and beyond.

During its initial stages, French Sign Language significantly affected American Sign Language, but it wasn't formalized or standardized right up until 1817. The volume of ASL users these days is estimated at 500,000, but it might be a lot higher.

Methods of Learning ASL Now Versus Before

During the past decades, receiving face-to-face instruction from educators, tutors, close friends, or relatives was practically the only way to learn ASL. But in the present day, many method of learning the language are readily available, such as the following.

Participating in a face-to-face classroom setting

Enrolling in an internet based virtual course

Acquiring knowledge through online video tutorials

Signing up for a Deaf club or an ASL group

Visiting a Deaf café

Getting a personal tutor

Watching and mimicking interpreters

Utilizing an educational application and

Being taught by Deaf family members or friends

Regardless of what method of learning ASL you choose, it is necessary to have fun and work together frequently with many other ASL users. This process will speed up your language procurement and facilitate your access to the D/HoH community.

Impact of Phones on ASL

The cell phone has brought a considerably less remarkable impact on American Sign Language. Then again, when mobile phones began to feature video displays (i.e. smartphones),this situation changed immensely.

Impact of Video Technology on ASL

Video technology has empowered ASL users to connect more easily and teach the language to lots more people. It also increases the possiblity to rapidly create and circulate brand new signs that reflect either modifications in technology or completely new modes of acting and thinking.

Influence of Social Media on ASL

These days, thriving ASL communities can be found on YouTube, TikTok, and various other social media networks.

The Current State of American Sign Language

Shrinking of Signs

To fit the small spaces of video and cell phone screens, words usually signed with both hands might currently be signed with just one. These particular kinds of changes only sit well with some ASL users.

New Signed Words

In earlier times, ASL evolved through face-to-face interaction. Now, a whole new signed word spreads rapidly on social networking platforms.

Preserving American Sign Language

Whatever issues might develop as ASL grows, preserving the language for future generations is vital. Doing this can help to safeguard Deaf culture and ensure that Deaf/HoH people have access to their method of self-expression and communication in the decades to come.

[sadpoeticandgay]

learning welsh is so funny bc it’s like no, i don’t take it in school, no, i’m not welsh, no, i’ll never use it but i love it so much it’s my little celtic nightmare of a language

(and for the love of god, it’s not all vowels)

[moomoocowmaid]

Just finished my American Sign Language final—need a coffee ASAP. I'm on the verge of combustion from pure needless worry. Only two more finals to go..

[adhd-languages]

Does anyone have good resources for ASL? Not looking to become fluent, just some basic signs to communicate with someone.

I’m asking because I’ve heard there’s a lot of misinformation on YouTube and whatnot about sign language.

[kermits-cup-of-tea]

i've been learning asl for the past year, i wanted to know how to speak with those in the Deaf community and unexpectedly i fell in love with it

with the ease it takes to speak it, it comes almost naturally now. but oddly, its the sounds i love most

the laughter unbridled, no fear of being heard, hands on hands on hands, the tapping of knuckles and palms together the only thing the rest of the world can understand while we paint our words in gestures. and it feels almost wrong to say i love the sound of asl

to say i appreciate something that you can't. but maybe thats what love is