I love this language.

As per Sum's request for more signing stories, here's more stuff about ASL.

American Sign Language and Deaf Culture FAQs

1. Isn't ASL just signed English?

No. ASL is its own language. It has its own grammar structure that is completely different from spoken English. There is something called Sign Exact English (SEE) that uses a different set of signs and maintains English grammar. ASL is completely different.

2. Don't all Deaf people sign/read lips/etc?

Not necessarily. Whether or not a Deaf person signs depends on how they were raised, and how language was taught to them. If taught through Oral ideology, they will most likely read lips and not sign. If taught through signing, they will obviously sign, and may or may not read lips based on individual speech therapy experience.

3. Why is Deaf capitalized?

It can also be written lower case. When capitalized, it refers to Deaf people who are an integral part of Deaf Culture. When lower case, it refers to people who cannot hear, but are not an active part of Deaf Culture.

4. What is the best way to learn ASL?

Take a class, if available. Learn from someone who knows it. Make friends with Deaf people. They will be your greatest source of learning conversational skills.

5. Is ASL universal?

No, it's not. American Sign Language (ASL) is used primarily in the United States and Canada. Every other country has its own sign language. e.g. French Sign Language (FSL), British Sign Language (BSL), Russian Sign Language (RSL) etc. BSL is actually completely different from ASL, although the spoken language is the same. Go to France speaking ASL, and Deaf French people will not understand you.

6. What is Deaf culture like?

It is a very complex, interesting culture comprising all deaf individuals who actively seek it out. It is strongly based in social ties, as most Deaf people did not live near other Deaf people, and long distance communication between Deaf people was much more difficult before the advent of modern technology. If you are hearing, you can never completely be integrated into Deaf culture. You can be associated with it, but only those who cannot hear are truly a part of it. It is much more involved than that brief description. I can recommend good books about it if you want to learn more.

7. When using ASL, how do you communicate sarcasm or emotions that normally come through with tone of voice?

Your tone of voice has to come through facial expressions and body language. It also depends on how you sign a certain sign/phrase. You can sign it sarcastically - mostly by indicating with your face and body language that you're joking. It is an extremely expressive language.

8. How did you learn ASL?
I learned it at college. I took classes for a few years, worked and studied really hard, and made friends with the Deaf people at my school. I was also a member of my school's ASL Club, and also occasionally attended a local Deaf branch of my church. Spending time talking to my Deaf friends was really influential in my ASL education; that's where I learned how to have conversations.

9. Is ASL difficult to learn?

It is as difficult to learn as any other foreign language. It all depends on your aptitude for remembering vocabulary and the associated signs, but mostly depends on how much time and effort you are willing to exert to learn the language and the culture. Learning about Deaf culture is just as important to learning the language as the vocabulary because it is such an integral part of the language.

10. What do you love about ASL?

I love the beauty of the language. It is so expressive, and can get across points that spoken language cannot - almost like music in that way. You can talk across crowded rooms, quiet rooms. Mostly, I love it because it's fun to learn, and it's a wonderful way to learn more about a fascinating culture and people.