A masters student at Cal State Fullerton has won an award for his thesis titled Lend Me Your Eyes: Attending to Deaf Culture and the Maneuverability of Identity. The award committee called Ian Barraza's work “excellent, lucid, interesting, well-written and exceptionally well-researched.” For his effort, Barraza will receive the Giles T. Brown Outstanding Thesis Award which is named in honor of Giles T. Brown, associate vice president emeritus for academic programs and graduate studies, professor emeritus of history and recipient of the university’s Outstanding Professor Award. Here's a video from a few years back of Barraza when he was first learning to sign.
Category: ASL
The Secret is in the hands
To best understand someone, don't look at their face, look at their hands. That's the finding of Stanford University researchers. Here's why: Michael Slepian and his team showed videos to volunteers from the World Series of Poker. Some videos showed player's faces, other clips showed their hands. Some clips showed chest, arms and head. The volunteers weren't very good at figuring out the quality of the player's hands when watching just the player's face. Their guesses improved when the player's could be seen from the waist up. But the best guesses came when the volunteers could see only the person's hands. Slepian speculates that people break their rhythm in body movements when anxious. While the researchers didn't look into how this might play out with sign language, their findings may suggest that signers could be more likely to spot anxiety and thus deception on the part of other people because of the awareness sign language users have of a speaker's hands and arms. Details of the Stanford study are in the journal Psychological Science.Related Blogs
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Deaf Culture #13
NTID stands for: National Technical Institute for the Deaf?
True! NTID is located in Rochester, New York, and is one of nine colleges within RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology). Started in 1967, the school’s mission is to give Deaf and Hard of Hearing students a quality education in technological fields. According to the website, nearly 1,400 of the 1,529 students enrolled are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, and in the last five years an astonishing 91% of graduates that pursue employment have found a job within a year.
Gallaudet University is located in Washington D.C.?
Gallaudet University is, in fact, located in Washington D.C. We have previously discussed the history and implementation of Gallaudet, but what it is most known for is the “Deaf President Now” movement. In 1988 the University found itself in need of a new president. They began interviewing candidates and narrowed it down to two Deaf men, and one hearing woman who did not know sign language. In a move that I’m not sure anyone, including those involved, understood, they chose the hearing woman as the president of a Deaf university. This sparked an intense 3 day protest in which the students chanted “Deaf President NOW!” and blocked access to the university, effectively shutting it down. After 3 days, the administration relented and selected I. King Jordan, a well-educated Deaf man, to be the next president of the University.
DPN (Deaf President Now) is a moment in history where the whole nation was focused on the Deaf, and their needs. As a result (and rightly so), DPN is a huge point of pride for the Deaf Community.
NTID is located in Rochester, New York?
True! To be more specific, NTID is located at:
52 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, NY 14623
However, if a road trip is not in your future, you can go to http://www.ntid.rit.edu/virtual-tour and take a virtual tour of campus. While you are there, check out their calendar of awesome campus events and schedule your vacation time accordingly. It will be the perfect way to practice everything that you have learned at ASLDeafined.com!
Gallaudet University was founded by Edward Miner Gallaudet?
True! In 1857, Amos Kendall donated the land for Columbia Institute for the Deaf and Blind, and made known his wish for Edward to become it’s leader. Mr. Gallaudet jumped at the chance and became the school’s first principal. Gallaudet, however, had bigger plans for the school. He wanted to see it become a college. To do this, he appealed to the higher powers, even going so far as to request a bill be signed in to law, which was an unnecessary move. He was appeased, however, when the president at the time, a Mr. Abraham Lincoln, signed such a bill, giving the authorization for the Columbia Institute to begin awarding college degrees. Gallaudet remained active in the college, both as President of the University and then later, President of the Board of Directors, until his retirement in 1911.
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet was instrumental in bringing ASL to America?
It may be difficult to understand the motives of Edward Miner Gallaudet without first speaking of his father, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet.
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet dreamed of becoming a preacher. That was until he met nine-year-old Alice, the deaf daughter of his neighbor, Dr. Mason Cogswell. Alice befriended Thomas, who began trying to teach her the names of objects by writing in the dirt with a stick. As you can guess, this effort did not reap the desired outcome. Alive with new purpose, Thomas abandoned his dreams, as well as the master’s degree that he received at the age of 20 from Yale University, and took off for Europe to study methods for teaching deaf students. After several dead ends, Thomas was introduced to Abbe Siccard who ran the Institution Nationale des Sourds-Muets a Paris (The National Deaf-Mute Institute of Paris), who in turn introduced him to Laurent Clerc, and Jean Massieu, two of his deaf faculty members. Thomas, impressed with the advanced education that the two men had obtained by using the manual method, begged Clerc to return to America with him. Clerc agreed, and on the three month journey home, taught Thomas Sign Language. Upon his return to America, Thomas took Clerc around the eastern seaboard, campaigning and collecting money to begin their own school. They succeeded and built a school that would eventually become known as the American School for the Deaf. The first class consisted of seven students, including, of course, his young friend Alice.
Deaf Culture #12
It is not unusual for deaf people to have difficulty with the English language?
This is true. The English language is incredibly complex. We have words that look the same but mean different things, sound the same but are spelled differently, odd rules for pluralizing, and that’s just the beginning! Add the fact that for most deaf individuals, English is their second language, as well as the linguistic rules of ASL being completely different to those in English, and…well…it’s pretty easy to see why deaf people may have difficulty. They are not alone either. Most major publications hire a “copy editor” whose only job is to correct the spelling, grammar, and syntax of the writer’s work. Many native English speakers, born and raised into the language, and taught how to use it at every stage of their schooling, still struggle to follow all of the complex, and seemingly ever changing, rules.
Deaf people prefer to use the TTY than a videophone?
This is the perfect follow up to the previous question. It is true that the majority of the deaf community prefer to use a videophone to a TTY because, when using a videophone, they can use their native language of ASL. Using a TTY requires the user to be able to write, read, and comprehend English. While this is certainly possible, it would be rare to find anyone, deaf or hearing, that would feel more comfortable conversing in his or her second language.
Another reason that the videophone is preferable is for linguistic nuances and non-verbal cues. Head nods, eyebrow movement, and eye gaze are a few examples of “non-manual markers” and are extremely important to the meaning behind what is being said, and are how ASL users display prosody, or voice inflection. If you think about your own English conversations, you will notice that you use the speakers voice inflection to understand if their comment is rude, sincere, sarcastic, or even funny. These nuances are lost when the conversation is in text, and the speaker’s intent can easily be skewed. Anyone who has ever opened an email or received a text and thought “What do they mean by that?” has had first hand experience as to the clarity that inflection can add to a message. Videophones can add back in the meaning that simple text is lacking.
Deaf people use flashing lights to indicate a knock or noise?
They sure do! Many Deaf homes have lights that will flicker to indicate that someone has pushed the doorbell or that the phone is ringing. There are also lights installed on the smoke detectors to indicate when there is a fire, and many Deaf have a pillow or pad on their mattresses that will vibrate when their alarm goes off in the morning. The world that we live in is very much centered around sound which means that accommodations must be made so that the Deaf have equal access to the information that Hearing people receive through their ears.
American Sign Language is becoming more popular under World Languages?
True. With advances in diversity requirements, more and more members of the Deaf community are gaining access to equality in both the educational and professional worlds. Because of this, more of the hearing population is becoming familiar with both ASL itself as well as ASL Interpreters. The extra exposure has created an interest in the language, which in turn, has led to schools adding ASL to their foreign language offerings. This change in attitude towards ASL is a huge advantage for the Deaf because the more people that know ASL and understand Deaf Culture, the more equal access there will be for the Deaf.
American Sign Language is more popular than Signing Exact English?
This is true for many reasons, and those who use ASL will likely share their opinion with you, loudly and vehemently.
The main difference between ASL and SEE is that ASL is a language, while SEE is not, nor was it ever intended to be. SEE is a system that was devised to help Deaf children learn English. The system is cumbersome, requiring nearly twice the number of signs as the same sentence in ASL, as well as adding hand shapes to indicate some words and word endings such as: the, is, -ing, -ed, etc.
Not only does SEE remove the beauty of ASL, it also changes the structure. SEE, like English, is a linear language. One thing leads to another, and you must wait until the end to get a clear picture of the concept. ASL begins with the picture, or the concept as a whole, and adds to it. Here is and example:
ASL:
“The boy is climbing the tree.”
TREE-BOY, and show him climbing up the tree.
SEE:
(Words in bold are signs or movements that do not exist in ASL)
“THE BOY IS CLIMB-ING THE TREE”
As you can see, a lot of the magic is missing.
SEE should not be confused with PSE (Pidgin Signed English). PSE is ASL in English word order. While it is not a language, nor is it as beautiful as ASL, it is accepted as a mode of communication in the Deaf Community.
Deaf Culture #9
Deaf people should wear contrasting colors in order for people to see their signs?
Not necessarily. In general, this rule applies to an interpreter, or a Deaf individual that will be giving a presentation to a large crowd. As you can guess, it is usually easier to see signs with a solid, contrasting background when watching from a distance. Those times, however, are somewhat rare, and normal clothes are perfectly fine for everyday interactions.
How do people become deaf?
There are lots of ways that a person can become deaf, and the most common ways are illness and injury. Because neither illness nor injury has any effect on your genetic material, you can imagine that heredity is the least common way for a person to become deaf. As previously discussed, 90% of deaf children have hearing parents. The remaining 10% are deaf children that were born to deaf parents, and most are deaf due to a genetic abnormality. This being the case, there is a fair chance that they will pass their deafness on to their own children. This type of hereditary deafness is somewhat of a legacy in the Deaf Community. Those involved in multi-generational deafness are seen as a “dynasty” and regarded as superior. This hierarchy is much like the “old money” families in the South.
How do people learn American Sign Language? (From other deaf, from a book, from ASLdeafined.com)?
The easiest, and by far the best way to learn ASL is from ASLdeafined.com, of course! Learning ASL from other Deaf is also quite effective, and learning ASL from a book is possible, but much more difficult. ASL is a 3 dimensional language, and it is difficult to get a feel for the movements of the language from the pages of a book. It is also nearly impossible to start to understand someone else that is signing without seeing them physically use the language. Learning from other deaf is a wonderful way to learn, as you gain exposure to both the language, and the culture. However, in our busy day-to-day lives, ASLdeafined.com is the best of both worlds. It offers the ease and accessibility of a book, as well as the exposure and culture of language interaction.
Text messaging is a popular way to communicate among the deaf?
Text messaging is the single greatest advantage that has come to the Deaf community in recent memory. Now, with texting being so prevalent, Deaf individuals can do everything from conversing with friends and colleagues, to talking to their child’s teacher, to scheduling a doctor’s appointment. Video phone is wonderful for a long chat with a friend, or something that cannot be completed via text or in person, but is often inaccessible outside of the home. This was a distinct disadvantage to the Deaf community until the implementation and widespread use of texting. Now, members of the Deaf Community are equally as accessible as those in the Hearing Community.
The term, “Deaf and Dumb” is not acceptable?
This is true. The terms “Deaf and Dumb”, “Deaf-Mute”, or referring to someone as a “Mute” are all unacceptable by today’s standards. Most people prefer being simply “Deaf”, or depending on their hearing loss, “Hard of Hearing”. If you have a hard time remembering the correct term, simply ask yourself if you would like to be referred to as “dumb”. The answer, most likely, is no.
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Deaf Culture #8
How do you reference a person who is not in the same room while you are signing? (Point to a specific location in front of you)?
If the person that you are referring to is not in the room, you can point to a specific location in front of you. By doing so you “set them up” or assign them that spot. This makes it easy to continue to refer to the person by simply pointing to the place where you set them up. Wherever you put them is where they will stay until you change topics in the conversation, or you assign them somewhere else. You can also set up more than one person at a time. A cautionary word, the more people you set up, the harder it is to remember who was where!
All deaf people sign ASL?
All of those who live in America do not speak English, those who have lost a limb do not always have a prosthetic, and all deaf people do not use ASL. Each person adapts to their environment differently, which is what makes us all unique individuals. The decision to use ASL or any other form of communication is partially that of those who raised or are raising the deaf individual, as well as the individual’s personal preference. Some may begin their lives lip reading, or communicating by writing, and then eventually decide that they would prefer to learn ASL. The opposite is also true. Some people may never master the art of ASL and find it easier to follow different avenues of communication. There are also many different styles of ASL, as well as different skill levels. So it is important to remember that just because someone is deaf, does not mean that they can sign.
Most deaf people attend a residential program?
Much to the Deaf Community’s dismay, this is not true. The residential programs are by far the preferred method of learning in the Deaf Community, but due to tuition constraints, location, and parental preference, attending a residential school is often impossible. Most students attend what is referred to as a “mainstream” program. This usually consists of the student being enrolled in a special education program, (hopefully) supplied with an interpreter, and given other accommodations to aid in their education. In areas with a larger Deaf population, the school may have an HI (Hearing Impaired) classroom. This functions as a place for students to get extra classroom help, improve their signing skills, learn about the tips and tools that they may need to function in a hearing world (such as how to care for their hearing aids, or how to use an FM system), and to socialize with other deaf students.
Deaf schools tend to be the cultural hub of the Deaf Community?
Schools, in general, are a cultural hub, however Deaf schools are even more so. While hearing children are exposed to different cultural norms throughout their everyday lives, many deaf children are surrounded by hearing people and know few, if any, other deaf. This makes the attending a residential school even more important. Not only are these children getting a quality education in their first language, they are learning to socialize with others, learning independence and self-advocacy, “how” to be deaf, and also have access to positive adult Deaf role models. Like any school, many lasting friendships are formed as a young adult, and even more so at a residential school where you actually live with your classmates. Although there may be some downfalls, attending a residential school has a huge positive impact on the rest of a deaf child’s life.
Cochlear Implants are not acceptable in the Deaf Community?
As discussed in the Deaf Culture Quiz #4, Cochlear Implants are not widely accepted among the Deaf community. It is worth reiterating, however, that the person with the Cochlear Implant is not looked upon negatively, or treated as an outcast. Instead, it is the idea of the implant in general, and the parent’s tendency to force their children to get the implant. Aside from being an unaccepted practice, the surgery is extensive and painful, and it is documented that most people who receive an implant are plagued with headaches that do not ease until the implant is turned off. It is also worth noting that this is a touchy subject within the community. Much like discussing politics or religion, it is usually unwise to enter in to a discussion with a Deaf person about Cochlear Implants until you know that person quite well.
"I was ready to commit suicide"
A new play that incorporates ASL into the story is running in Los Angeles this weekend. The Boyle Heights' Casa 0101 Theater production is titled Tamales de Puerco. It's the story of Norma, an illegal immigrant who escapes the abuse of her huband with her deaf son. It's based on the the life of the writer, Mercedes Floresislas. She was homeless, illegal, and raising a deaf son while trying to get her college degree. She tells LA Weekly that when her son was still a toddler:I went to specialists and they told me the silliest things you've ever heard: "He's got a little Down's Syndrome" or "He's just lazy." No, he was deaf. That's all he was... I was ready to commit suicide because I didn't see a way out. After I became a therapist, hearing those stories from my deaf clients -- they would blame themselves for anything. "Mom died because I'm deaf," or "It was my fault Mom went away." ...And now, it's completely different. My son is 17, and he's in the play. I'm in a really nice place in my life right now -- just to see how things worked out for my boy. It's a good thing I stuck around... One of the beautiful people in the deaf community told me when my son looks at himself in the mirror, he doesn't see me -- he sees his father. So I have to somehow bring his father into the deaf community and have him be there for him. His father is able to communicate at least through spelling.The last show is today at 5pm. Find out about tickets here. Read more of the interview here.
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"I was ready to commit suicide"
A new play that incorporates ASL into the story is running in Los Angeles this weekend. The Boyle Heights' Casa 0101 Theater production is titled Tamales de Puerco. It's the story of Norma, an illegal immigrant who escapes the abuse of her huband with her deaf son. It's based on the the life of the writer, Mercedes Floresislas. She was homeless, illegal, and raising a deaf son while trying to get her college degree. She tells LA Weekly that when her son was still a toddler:I went to specialists and they told me the silliest things you've ever heard: "He's got a little Down's Syndrome" or "He's just lazy." No, he was deaf. That's all he was... I was ready to commit suicide because I didn't see a way out. After I became a therapist, hearing those stories from my deaf clients -- they would blame themselves for anything. "Mom died because I'm deaf," or "It was my fault Mom went away." ...And now, it's completely different. My son is 17, and he's in the play. I'm in a really nice place in my life right now -- just to see how things worked out for my boy. It's a good thing I stuck around... One of the beautiful people in the deaf community told me when my son looks at himself in the mirror, he doesn't see me -- he sees his father. So I have to somehow bring his father into the deaf community and have him be there for him. His father is able to communicate at least through spelling.The last show is today at 5pm. Find out about tickets here. Read more of the interview here.
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Colorado’s Listen Foundation
KDVR-TV has a video interview with children who say they have been helped by The Listen Foundation, an oral training center based in Denver (no captions).
