Learning American Sign Language
This semester, alongside my academic studies, I decided to take an American Sign Language (ASL) course. I’ve always wanted to learn a new language, and after hearing about this course from a close friend who is learning ASL for her career as a speech language pathologist, I felt inspired to take the leap.
I am taking the course through Queer ASL, an online program led by Deaf 2SLGBTQIA+ instructors from across Canada and the USA. The program offers an inclusive and affirming space to learn ASL while centering Deaf voices, experiences, and culture. As a future educator, learning ASL feels like an incredible way to support students in my future classroom and foster an inclusive school community.Each week I plan to reflect on my experiences in this course, sharing not only what I’m learning about the language itself. But also insights into Deaf culture, history, and helpful resources.
In my first week, I learned the ASL alphabet and numbers, which allows me to fingerspell words and names. While I still need to go slowly, learning the alphabet came more easily than I expected. Even with foundational skills, I already feel like I’ve taken a meaningful step toward communicating in ASL, which is very exciting! On the right is a video of my name in ASL.
We also explored the history of ASL, which developed from a blend of French Sign Language and various local sign languages. I learned that there are over 300 distinct sign languages used around the world, and that ASL was prohibited for nearly 100 years. It was not recognized as an acceptable method for educating children until relatively recently, resulting in an entire generation of Deaf individuals being denied access to language. I really appreciate that Queer ASL integrates this important history and centers Deaf perspectives alongside the language instructions.
Here is a link to an interview with Sarah Young Bear-Brown, a wonderful artist, mother and advocate/activist for the Indigenous Deaf community.
I am looking forward to learning this new skill and sharing the journey with you all. Hope you enjoy!
Thank you for posting a good start on blogging. I was not aware of the history behind ASL, but I have noticed its prevalence has grown. This is a great inquiry project, and I look forward to learning more about ASL as you explore.