American Sign Language
The Life and Death of Martha's Vineyard Sign Language
An interesting look at Martha's Vineyard Sign Language, which is now almost extinct. Martha's Vineyard had an abnormally high percentage of deaf people and MVSL was used by both hearing and deaf people on the island. [Published on 09-25-2015]
Black American Sign Language (BASL) "slang"
This is Otis demonstrating some BASL terms. [Published on 12-04-2020]
Culture Surrounding the Use of American Sign Language (ASL)
Play videoAmerican Sign Language (ASL) is often regarded as a language that is “less than” when compared to English, or more mainstream languages but the Deaf culture continues to express their pride on their unique visual language. Deaf children are socialized into using the language in ways that fit with the cultural norms of the Deaf community ensuring that the language will be used for years to come.
10 ASL Signs All Police Officers Should Know
Play videoA deaf youtuber shares 10 signs that would be beneficial for police officers to know. Their knowledge of these signs would increase cooperation, breakdown linguistic barriers, and relieve anxiety for both the police officer and the person being detained.
ASL Interpretation of Music
Play videoThe video starts by explaining some basics of ASL. It goes on to discuss the complexities of interpreting music in ASL and the language ideologies associated with ASL and deafness. I think this video also addresses issues of language and power when it discusses how ASL is subordinate to spoken language at things like music events, which limits access for those who are part of the ASL speech community.
A Few Things to Know About American Sign Language
Play videoSimilar to the different accents that exist in the English language, different styles of sign language express different cultural upbringings. This video is a short personal account into a few individual’s experiences with sign language and its perception from none deaf people. Explaining issues like the use of the term “hearing impaired”, is considered more offensive than being labeled deaf because it does not recognize deaf people as a “linguistic minority”. The point is that deaf people have a culture. One of the speakers talks about how slang has influenced ASL specifically in the African-American cultural community. Being deaf does not exclude people from existing in a living language that adapts and changes to fit the times. Rich with the impact of various cultures.
What Do Deaf People Think of the Show, "Switched at Birth"?
In this thread, we see a few responses to the question, "What do deaf people think about the show, "Switched at Birth"?" The show is a teenage drama sitcom which portrays many deaf and hard-of-hearing characters alongside hearing characters. The show features characters whose first language is ASL, some who learned later in life and some who are just learning. The first piece on the thread, written by Spencer Horelik is a pretty detailed response to the question. I thought his comments on a hearing actress playing the show's main character, a Deaf teen to be very interesting. [Published on 02-14-2015]
Rather Be ASL Cover Music Video
Play videoA teacher, Brittany Adams, creates her own version of popular music videos using American Sign Language (ASL) as a way to connect with her students and make learning enjoyable and fun, as well as raise awareness in hopes that others will want to learn ASL as a way to communicate.
5th Grade Class Starts American Sign Language Club to Better Communicate with Deaf Classmate
Students at an elementary school in Illinois have started learning ASL signs to communicate with a hearing-impaired student in their class. [Published on 02-25-2016]
Sign Language Exchange Between Starbucks Barista and Customer Inspires Others
A Starbucks Barista initially trying to take an order in English then code-switching to ASL to communicate. This video also includes specific language used only in Starbucks, for example the sizes of the orders. [Published on 11-04-2015]
Deaf Poetry Jam: Rives on Deaf Poetry
Play videoAfrican American and white ASL varieties
An article examines Black American Sign Language and the ways it differs from a white ASL variety, revealing surprising cultural implications [Published on 09-07-2012]