My T-Shirt
“I am not a Sign Language interpreter.”
Steve’s T-Shirts
“I am deaf. Tap me on the shoulder or wave.”
“Look at me when you talk or write a note.”
“I read, write, speak, and sign English.”
The comment by BEG below gives me an idea on how to help our hearing friends learn some Sign Language. They might be afraid because they think he uses ASL. He uses PSE or Pidgin Signed English. I’m excited now because I might be able to get more interest. Thanks BEG.
“PSE is probably the most widely used communication modality in the United States among deaf and hearing persons who work with them. Many teachers use PSE or Signed English. The vocabulary is drawn from ASL but follows English word order. Words that do not carry information (e.g. to, the, am, etc.) are often dropped, as are the word endings of English (e.g. -ed, -s, -ment, etc.). This means that the signer can easily speak while signing, since it is possible to keep pace with spoken English. It is simpler to learn than ASL or SEE, since one does not need to include all English endings, nor does one to master the structure or idioms of ASL.” Reference http://www.listen-up.org/sign2.htm
Filed under: Communication Issues
Unless Steve’s signing SEE, he’s not signing English. ASL is another language entirely.
I know. This is why we need to put on a T-shirt that he signs English (PSE). I have had several people tell me he uses a different language and that makes them afraid of communicating with him because they do not know ASL. I don’t know ASL either. I think if they realize that he and I use the same language as they do, they CAN communicate with him just fine if they would only make the effort. Maybe they wouldn’t be so afraid to try.
Does that make sense?