#learnamericansignlanguage

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Hand Talk: The Native American Sign Language that Prior to ASL

Centuries prior to the development of American Sign Language, Native American Sign Language, also called Hand Talk, was developed. It features four essential parameters: hand location, hand movement, hand shape, and hand orientation:

Hand Location: The relates to the positioning of a sign in space. A sign’s meaning can be altered when placed in a different area, for instance in front of one’s face as opposed to in front of the chest.

Hand Movement: This relates to how one's hands move when creating a sign. As an example, in Hand Talk, the signs “afternoon” and “mid-day” are formed in the same way. The only variation is the fact mid-day is stationary, and afternoon shifts from above the head to the side of the head in an arching motion.

Handshape: Each sign takes on a specific shape in the hand, known as a handshape. The handshapes of signs are necessary factors. As an example, the signs for “yes” and “I know” are similar in most aspects with the exception of the handshape; in “yes” the hand forms the characteristic J shape, whilst in “I-know” the hand makes the L shape.

Orientation: This refers to palm position which is noticeable within the Hand Talk words “above” and “add.” Both signs involve utilizing the left-hand to create a base, through which the right-hand rises, and both have identical movements, handshapes, and locations. On the other hand, when signing “above,” the non-dominant hand is positioned palm down, while in “add” the non-dominant hand is palm up.

Hand Talk’s Impact on American Sign Language

No one individual takes recognition for making American Sign Language. Its history reaches straight back to early 19th century, when varieties of signs developed in New England’s Deaf communities. And during the latter portion of that century, Hand Talk impacted the development of ASL, but historians generally dismiss this fact.

Hand Talk comes with regional versions which exist all over North America. Some examples are a northeastern version that ranges over the present-day New England, upper Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic states. Experts consider this version of Hand Talk significantly impacted the creation of American Sign Language. This influence took place within the 19th century through the signing of Native American youngsters who attended the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut. An online video titled “The Hidden History of “Hand Talk” presents powerful evidence for Hand Talk’s impact on ASL and US culture.

Nevertheless, regardless of its once-large number of users and powerful impact on American Sign Language, Hand Talk is in decline. This particular effect is caused by the widespread depopulation and Americanization of Native North Americans over the past 200 years. For example, in 1885, around 110,000 Blackfoot, Cheyenne, Sioux, Kiowa, Arapaho, and other tribal peoples utilized Native American Sign Language or Hand Talk. But by the 1960s, merely a portion of this number remained. And in the Twenty-first century, a small amount of active Hand Talk users remained.

Such as the other indigenous languages of North America, Native American Sign Language is decreasing in numbers. But as the quantity of proficient signers might be minimal, the language is still being used to varying degrees by a few members of Siouan and Algonquian tribes.

In addition, activists like Deaf Cherokee researcher Dr. Melanie McKay-Cody of Arizona are working diligently to help keep North American Hand Talk in existence. Dr. McKay-Cody works with tribal groups to assist them to protect their signed languages. She also advocates for Hand Talk to be integrated into the mainstream education of Deaf and Hard of hearing students. It’s hoped that such efforts can help Hand Talk to exist. In this way, forthcoming generations can continue to use and relish the language and understand the rich ethnic tradition from which it originated.

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Sioux Falls School Expands American Sign Language Program

The Sioux Falls School District’s (SFSD’s) recent move to expand its American Sign Language program addresses an important aspect of the D/HoH lifestyle. Deaf educator Colleen Barber sees the initiative as a significant boon to her community. Before the new policy was implemented, she was the only person teaching ASL. But this time there's one other American Sign Language instructor. And seeing the program expand, Ms. Barber is hopeful with regards to ASL’s future in her community.

Within past years, high school students could only get just one single year of language credits from studying ASL. At this time, with the addition of American Sign Language level 3 and 4 classes, students can satisfy their particular second language requirements with ASL solely

The SFSD‘s Rebecca Wimmer states that responding to the community’s diverse needs is progressively important as the city of Sioux Falls develops. A majority of these needs would be the necessities of Deaf and Hard-of-hearing students. For that reason, the School District has expanded its ASL program to benefit these learners and hearing students. “For our high school students, we [need to] prepare them for that next phase of life, make sure that they’re getting access to college programs, that they have career readiness skills,” Ms. Wimmer adds.

The Advantages of Expanding American Sign Language Programs

Social Advantages

Offering hearing pupils the possibility to consider ASL courses promotes greater inclusivity in the schools along with nearby local communities at the same time. Learning ASL as a second language furthermore widens the scope of hearing students’ social networks to involve people in the D/HoH populace.

Likewise, teaching American Sign Language in public schools offers D/HoH learners several added possibilities to have interaction with their hearing classmates.

Cognitive Benefits

Numerous studies have established that learning a whole new language enhances cognitive processes, which leads to greater academic achievement and increased chances for career success.

Creative thinking

Mental flexibility

Problem-solving skills

Listening skills

Abstract reasoning

Additional Benefits

Communicating in a visual way like signing improves students’ spatial awareness, visual sensitivity, and ability to mentally rotate an object and view it from various perspectives.

Employment Opportunities

Mastering ASL as a second language increases students’ employment opportunities. By way of sign language interpreting and teaching to speech audiology and pathology, the range of work opportunities regarding American Sign Language is enormous.

Beyond the many incentives that American Sign Language programs provide individual D/HoH and hearing students, they also benefit communities. For this reason, at least 35 states currently acknowledge ASL as being a modern language in their school systems. And more and more US colleges and universities offer ASL courses.

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Unlock Your Potential: Learn American Sign Language and Explore New Career Possibilities

If you happen to be wanting to learn American Sign Language (ASL), you are a part of an evergrowing trend. The use of sign language is becoming increasingly popular around the world. A lot of people are making use of the language as a communication tool or learning it as an academic subject. In the United States and Canada, roughly 250,000 - 500,000 people of various age groups and backgrounds use sign language as their 1st language. In the U.S. now, ASL is the 3rd most widely used language after English and Spanish.

Sign language is a largely manual form of communication most often used by those people who are Deaf or Hard of hearing. Sign language isn't universal in form. Deaf or Hard of hearing (Deaf/HoH) individuals from different countries speak distinct sign language varieties. The actions or symbols used in sign languages are structured linguistically with distinctive grammar as well as word orders. Each gesture in a sign language is termed a sign. Each sign has 5 basic components that are used during signed communication. These include hand shape, hand position, hand movement, palm orientation, and also non-manual elements like facial expressions and body posture.

Since it is the most widely used sign language in the U.s., it’s essential to learn ASL for a couple of reasons. First, being adept in the using ASL helps you communicate with a broad range of hearing, Hard of hearing, and Deaf individuals. These include students in regular schools and Deaf school or university programs, and even Deaf/HoH company owners and residents of your community. Moreover, fluency in ASL improves the level of quality and depth of family interactions for hearing individuals who have Deaf/HoH relatives.

Aside from these benefits, as more Deaf/HoH and hearing individuals learn sign language, all the various careers available to individuals with this particular skill is growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the career of a sign language interpreter continues to grow far more faster than ever before, with a 19% rate of growth predicted in the next five years.

Job Opportunities in Education

Job opportunities in this industry include serving as sign language interpreters for individuals, organizations, seminars, and classes in educational institutions. What’s more, ASL-proficient educators are needed at Deaf schools, special education programs, as well as post-secondary schools such as Gallaudet University and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. A related occupation involves working with Deaf-blind students using a tactile type of sign language.

Work Opportunities in Healthcare

Career paths for individuals who learn sign language also are growing in healthcare. Medical ASL interpreters are in the lead of helping Deaf and Hard of hearing patients in healthcare settings. They work with numerous communication methods, which include sign language and speech reading, otherwise known as lip reading.

Sign language interpreters are important to break down the language barrier and properly treat patients. And to ensure a high-quality and safe interpreting experience for Deaf/HoH patients, all professional ASL interpreters are certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).

Career Opportunities in Communications

Interpreters enable successful communication amongst clients in the subsequent environments:

· seminars and formal meetings;

· company gatherings like exhibits, personnel meetings, and product launches;

· criminal justice proceedings such as police interrogations, court hearings, attorney interviews, arbitration meetings, as well as immigration hearings (work conducted in these settings is referred to as public service interpreting); and

· community-based activities and tasks.

The task of sign language interpreters may also consist of translating documents into sign language. This process, known as sight translation, is the rendering of a written text into ASL or another sign language and it is often carried out in real-time.

Work Opportunities in Movies and Entertainment

Good interpreting in T.V., films, or the theatre needs not only understanding of sign language. It entails an understanding of the entertainment sector as well. Thus, qualified sign language interpreters, consultants, or tutors in the field also seek training in acting or film direction to be able to effectively meet clients’ needs.

Sign language interpreters

Sign language interpreters who function behind the camera facilitate communication amongst actors, directors, and others on set throughout meetings, at cast reads, and at rehearsals in the studio and also on location.

Sign language tutors

Identical to dialect coaches, sign language tutors teach and also coach actors in using sign language necessary for specific roles. As they learn ASL, tutors become pros in the subtle nuances of the language. Such intricacies comprise of facial expressions along with physical movements vital for accurate communication.

On camera, on stage, and voice-over interpreters

ASL interpreters can also be hired to provide their services live on camera or stage at concert events as well as political events. On top of that, they could do voice-over job for movies or television shows.

Technical consultants on sign language

People who learn sign language may also get jobs as advisors who work together with script writers, directors, script supervisors, as well as actors. Their job is to ensure the accurate use of the language and features particular to Deaf Culture and the Deaf/HoH community.

Job Opportunities in Social Services

Interpreting in the social services industry is vital to a community’s well-being. Social services sign language interpreters assist social workers in bettering the lives of Deaf/HoH kids and families.

In light of the countless remarkable new careers opening up every day for individuals who learn ASL, the economic and social value of the language is certainly growing. So, if you opt to pursue a career path relating to sign language, it may be one of the best decisions you will ever make.

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Meet Juliette Gordon Low: Founder of the Girl Scouts and A Deaf Champion Who Wouldn’t Hear “No”

Every year on October 31st, Girl Scouts across the United States commemorate their movement's Founder's Day. The date was chosen to honor Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low's birthday. Ms. Low would not accept "No" for an answer when confronted with negativity in her never-ending quest to make Girl Scouts of the USA a success, blazing a trail for countless young girls to follow and living a life of daring, self-assurance, and integrity.

Use of Sign Language

Although the Girl Scouts of the United States now offer a sign language badge, it was not available during Juliette Gordon Low's lifetime. Juliette was never known to use sign language to communicate. The fact that she was a Deaf woman who achieved a rare level of greatness, on the other hand, has left a lasting impression on the world. She encouraged Deaf and hearing girls to communicate effectively by any means necessary to achieve their goals.

Juliette's primary goal in establishing the Girl Scouts movement was to inspire girls of all ages, ethnicities, and religions to work together to develop courage, confidence, and character.

Watch the video below to know more about Juliette Gordon Low.

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The Dance Routine of BAFTA Winners Makes a Strong Statement on Behalf of Sign Language

Rose Ayling-Ellis and her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice won the Must-See Moment BAFTA for their appearance on the UK television show Strictly Come Dancing.

During their ballroom dance to Clean Bandit's song "Symphony," the music was turned off for a few seconds as the couple danced in silence.

Rose, an EastEnders actor, became the show's first Deaf contestant. Through her outstanding performance on the show, she powerfully brought society's perceptions of the Deaf community to the forefront.

The BAFTA Presenter Impresses Audience

English singer and tv presenter Rochelle Humes gave Rose her BAFTA in the most touching manner by introducing the winner in sign language. Rochelle’s noteworthy action was in sync with the new UK law that acknowledges British Sign Language (BSL) as an official language in England and Wales.

The Accomplishment of Rose Ayling-Ellis had a Major Impact.

Ms. Ayling-Ellis and Mr. Pernice received the first "perfect score" in the show's history, which was a huge victory for Deaf performers all over the world.

Rose Ayling-Ellis Uses Strictly Come Dancing as a Platform to Raise Awareness About Deaf Issues.

Ms. Ayling-Ellis stresses that it isn't enough to merely have Deaf people in front of the camera. More have to be behind the camera too, working as writers, producers, and directors.

“We still need to keep going, and keep the pace. We need people behind the scenes because that’s what makes it authentic and real to what Deaf people’s experiences are like." - Rose Ayling-Ellis

Giving Deaf People a Role Model

She likes to continue demonstrating that the possibilities for Deaf people are limitless once the limitations are removed.

“Hopefully, it will give them the realization they can do whatever career they want,” she says. “Nothing is impossible, and I know that a lot of Deaf children grow up in a society that thinks it’s not possible. But no - you can do it.” - Rose Ayling-Ellis

A Means of Promoting the Deaf Cause

In May of 2022 she became the first celebrity who used sign language to tell a bed time story on CBeebies.

In August 2022 she presented to the public the first Deaf Barbie doll outfitted with behind-the-ear hearing aids.

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Hearing Toddler Interprets for Deaf Father By Using American Sign Language

Young kids always surprise their moms and dads when they achieve milestones in their lives, like from learning to walk to potty training. For deaf dad, Zachary Lotane of Laguna Beach, California, who communicates only in American Sign Language (ASL), witnessing his hearing 1-yr-old daughter interpret for him by doing sign language was a big one.

Madison, the little girl, was waddling down an aisle in a supermarket one day when she dropped two packages of dish-washing sponges. She quickly demonstrated to her father what she was concerned about by signing, "Baby crying," and then pointing to the sound she heard, which her father couldn't hear. Zachary then mimicked Madison's motion and asked, "Baby crying? " as she knelt to pick up the sponges she had dropped.

Zachary then posted it to his TikTok account under the name @oursignedworld. Not only was it a “wow” moment for Zachary Latone, but it was also a heartwarming one for the many people who viewed the video. TikTok users around the globe were blown away by the sweetness and uniqueness of young Madison’s remarkable act.

Since first posting Madi’s amazing act of signing in the supermarket, the Lotane family has been extending their love of ASL and belief in tolerance and inclusivity to a wider audience. Their videos of Madi learning about the world around her are inspiring others to envision big things for their own Deaf or Hard of Hearing youngsters.

According to Zach, the family's social media posts have also inspired many users to begin learning sign language. A growing number of their supporters are enrolling in ASL classes at high schools, community colleges, and universities.

Potential Benefits of Using Sign Language with Toddlers

The following are a few of the possible advantages of using sign language to communicate with very toddlers:

Earlier aptitude at understanding speech, especially from ages one to two

Earlier use of speaking skills, mainly from one to two years of age

Earlier use of proper sentence structure when speaking

Less crying and whining to express desires or feelings

Improved parent-child bonding

Increase in IQ level

According to educational researchers, using sign language with your young child has no downsides and may have quite a few advantages. To conclude, learning American sign language at a young age may help your son or daughter enhance their communication skills as well as progress in other areas like language acquisition.

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Troy Kotsur Appears on Sesame Street Teaching American Sign Language

Troy Kotsur, an Academy Award-winning Deaf actor, recently appeared in an episode of the classic PBS children's show "Sesame Street" teaching American Sign Language. He is the second Deaf person in history to win an Oscar, the first being his CODA co-star Marlee Matlin. He appeared on the show to teach two of the Muppets and the show's global audience the show's regular "Word of the Day" in American Sign Language (ASL). He explained to Sesame Street characters Rosita and the Count that he is Deaf and communicates with others through ASL.

What is American Sign Language (ASL)?

This widely recognized form of sign language is used by Deaf people throughout North America and other parts of the world, including Canada. Signing is the use of sign language to communicate. To convey messages, ASL employs both manual or hand-based gestures as well as movements with other parts of the body.

The Word of the Day is Diversity

The 53-year-old star of the 2021 film CODA explained that diveristy means understanding and appreciating the differences in how people look, where they come from, and how they communicate with others.

The Importance of Troy Kotsur’s Appearance on the Show & Teaching ASL for the Deaf Community

Troy Kotsur's guest appearance on Sesame Street is notable for combining three different languages - American Sign Language, English, and Spanish - and repeating several words. This feature of the signing segment improves viewers' ability to sign these terms and demonstrates the diversity of sign language use.

Seeing a Deaf actor perform do American Sign Language on Sesame Street, which has a global audience, can help to fill the void in media representation of Deaf people.

Small Strides toward Improved Awareness and Inclusivity

Small changes in the global media have a big impact because they get people talking. Hearing people become more aware of the Deaf, are exposed to Deaf communities, and begin to comprehend some of the accessibility issues that Deaf people face on a daily basis.

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Key Points to Remember about International Day of Sign Languages

The International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) provides an opportunity for people to maintain and also safeguard the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of Deaf individuals and other sign language users around the globe. Countries highlighted the worldwide oneness engendered through the use of sign languages during the 2022 observance, which showcased the theme “Sign Language Unites Us.” Through the event, Deaf groups, government bodies, as well as civil institutions continued to feature and acknowledge national sign languages as essential to preserving their respective countries’ distinct linguistic environments.

The sentences below show the importance of International Day of Sign Languages for deaf people and society in general.

Sign language is the sole means of communication for the Deaf and people who cannot speak. Having a special day that recognizes their distinct verbal medium is thereby encouraging and helpful to such groups.

The IDSL stresses the importance of having access to learning sign language at a young age for the growth and education of Deaf and hard of hearing people.

This day provides a platform for sign language’s future growth and development.

The International Day of Sign Language highlights the importance of preserving sign language as a means of communication for the Deaf.

The IDSL reinforces the unifying aspects of signing as a universally-understood mode of communication across countries and cultures.

IDSL attracts attention to the globally agreed-upon sign language growth goals as well as achievements.

By means of supporting the continued expansion as well as conservation of sign language, the IDSL raises awareness about the value of preserving the human rights of those who are deaf, and of providing them their rightful place in today’s social order.

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A Young Girl Decided to Learn Sign Language to Give a Touching Message to Her Deaf Delivery Man

Close to 2% of individuals in the US are deaf or nearly deaf, and many people report having difficulties with hearing even though they aren't completely deaf. For these particular facts, many people rely on sign language to interact with their relatives and friends and also do business.

A Kind Gesture to Learn Sign Language Moves Thousands of People All Over the World

Eight-year-old Tallulah McLellan of Ashton-under-Lyne, a town in Greater Manchester, England showed a level of empathy and also kindness far before her years when she learned sign language so as to communicate with her deaf community delivery driver Tim Joseph.

Tallulah drew a #thankyou rainbow for delivery man Tim to say thanks to him for all of his hard work delivering packages during the Corona virus lockdown. After that gesture of kindness, the two unlikely pals made a strong bond over the following weeks.

Tallulah made use of sign language to express "Have a good day!" to him, which made him and his family happy. They taught her the way to sign a few more common phrases, and she signed them back to him.

The video of the Tallulah and Tim's interactions moved a lot of people who saw it to start learning sign language, thus making Tim very pleased.

If more and more people learn the inclusive universal language of signing, fewer deaf people will feel disempowered, society overall will become more all-inclusive, and people will be able to communicate with each other more successfully.

The Importance of Learning Sign Language to Interact with Deaf People

• A lot of the signs utilized in sign language are regular actions that we use every single day to interact non-verbally with one another.

• Both children and adults can understand the signs quickly.

• The simple fact that it's very easy to be skilled at really helps to entice people to try learning it.

It Is Utilized Worldwide

• For millions of people in the US alone, sign language is their native language.

• Globally, the deaf community is everywhere.

• People who are employed in restaurants or stores usually come across consumers who sign.

It Becomes Very Valuable in Day To Day Life

• Sign language can become the most frequently used language you ever learn.

Sign Language is Beautiful!

• There are no negative aspects to knowing and using sign language.

Available Resources for Learning Sign Language

• Many materials are on hand for learning sign language.

Learn Sign Language!

Learning sign language could be one of the best decisions you will ever make, as it is global in scope, flexible in use, not to mention good for just about all who interact with it.

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Learn American Sign Language like Fans of Eternals Star, Makkari

Nowadays, more and more people are becoming interested to learn American sign language. And good thing is, individuals can learn ASL from blockbuster films like Eternals, Godzilla vs. Kong, Quiet Place Part 1 & 2, CODA, and many more.

Regardless of whether a big or supporting role, Deaf actors are obtaining a lot more opportunities to rise to popularity and commence acting careers. And guess what, a newly released Marvel movie, Eternals, features a Deaf woman known as Lauren Ridloff who acted as superhero Makkari. This movie was released on November 5, 2021 and was directed by Chloe Zhao. According to Wikipedia, Eternals is a race of superhumans, and Makkari is one of the members . Ridloff is the first Deaf actor to play in a superpower movie. Based on the New York Times, Ridloff had taught filmmakers how to work with a Deaf actor.

It is amazing that the film industry is giving Deaf actors a lot more opportunities and even implementing American Sign Language in their movies. Deaf people are shining through and are also marking their accomplishments. It does not just give triumph and collaborative moments for the Deaf people, but most importantly, these movies are opening the door for more exposure as well as awareness of Deaf people and also the Deaf community. A growing number of Deaf people are on the media and becoming social media influencers.

As we wait for the another excellent movie with deaf stars, let us try to learn more about the American Sign Language and the Deaf culture.

Watch the following video clip if you want to know the sign language for the ten characters in Marvel's Eternals.

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American Sign Language Name Sign for VP Kamala Harris

An American sign language sign name was given to Kamala Harris right after she won as president Joe Biden’s vp. She is an American politician as well as attorney who's the 49th vice president of the United States Of America. She is the 1st female vice president as well as the highest-ranking female official in the history of US, not to mention the first African American and also first Asian American vice president.

VP Harris' name sign was created by a team of Black and Indian Deaf women, Smita Kothari, Ebony Gooden, Kavita Pipalia, and Candace Jones, who worked with one another for several weeks. This particular women’s group worked together in order to put together a list of possible sign names and afterwards sent out a survey to the Deaf community in particular to gather their votes from February 1 to 5, 2021.

Watch the video here:

The Importance of Name Sign

Deaf culture has several valued traditional aspects that happen to be significant to the Deaf community, and one of them is the “name sign.” A name sign is actually a sign that's only given to the individual, and it's usually made according to the individual's qualities, persona, hobbies, etc., which in turn uniquely and precisely identify a person. It plays a vital part in identifying exactly who the individual is and their personal identity.

This tradition of Deaf people awarding individuals not in the Deaf community their name signs closely resembles Native Americans giving names to honorary members from outside their tribe.

Name signs can be made in two ways. One way is descriptive, which means the name sign is dependent on physical aspect, job, habit, the similar sound of the person’s name, or any other particular qualities. Another way is initially combined with descriptive, which means that the name sign starts with the first letter of the person’s name, followed by a description of the person’s unique attribute.

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