Chapter 18 talks about ASL and signed English. There are
many differences between the two. I learned that a sign-language continuum is “a
diagram representing the entire population of sign-language users from the
purest Signing-Exact-English approach to the purest ASL approach, and all
possible blends or variations in-between” (123). In other words ASL is on one
side of the spectrum while English is on the opposite side. Signed English is in-between
but more towards English. In order to tell the difference between the two you
must pay attention to the rhythm. Both have their own rhythm and different
syntax. I think that I maybe could tell the difference. I always look for the
topic, because in ASL it usually comes first (after time).
“ASL, it
should be emphasized is not synonymous with ‘sign language’” (124). Before
learning ASL I categorized all sign language into one category. I was not aware
that there were various types. When someone asks me what classes I am taking I
always say ASL, I stopped saying sign language. I have realized that a lot of people
are unaware that there are different types of sign language.
Works Cited
Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.
I have found myself doing the same thing when others ask me what language I'm taking! I almost never say sign language anymore. I think it is important to note the difference between ASL and 'sign language' because everyone assumes everything is all the same.
ReplyDelete