Ok, so we are canceling our little ASL class at the church at least for the duration of the summer. It was suggested we have the class twice a month rather than every week, but with only two people showing up, it did not seem worth it. I do not know if we will try again in the fall.
So, now that Steve and I are attending the Deaf ward, I decided to start taking classes at the Salt Lake Community College; I am currently in my seventh week of instruction. I started this curriculum about three years ago, but was not sure if it would be worth the time and money when Steve did not use ASL and there was little to no opportunity to practice the language. I was also overwhelmed with the other issues we were trying to deal with. Things are different now, and it’s time to get serious about learning ASL and Deaf Culture.
The class at SLCC is twice a week, three hours on Monday and three hours on Wednesday with a one hour lab each week. There are sixteen people in the class (if I can count); guess who is the oldest. So far I am enjoying it very much. While I still believe it’s good for anyone to learn some Sign Language (hey folks, if I can do it anyone can), there is definitely something to be said for taking a real ASL class.
We are using the Signing Naturally Level 1 book and video, as well as studying the book Deaf in America: Voices from a Culture. I still have my Book of Mormon in ASL, which has been very helpful, and other videos. Most of all however, I am looking forward to learning from the people in the Deaf wards and any other Deaf functions I can get to. There is much I want to learn and I want to learn it from those who know.
Our instructor was born deaf, is an active member of the Deaf Community, of course is fluent in ASL, and is a seasoned instructor at the college. Some people wonder if it makes a difference if the teacher is Deaf or hearing as long as the person is fluent in ASL. In my opinion, if you want to be able to learn from someone with first-hand and intimate experience with what it means to be Deaf, learn it from a Deaf instructor. We get many opportunities to practice what we learn, tell stories, and play games. I do not know how other language classes are taught since I have only been taught English in elementary school, but I doubt many of them are as much fun as this ASL class. Those who have no time or desire to learn ASL are really missing out.
I am hoping things will work out so that I can continue with the schooling and obtain some kind of degree or certificate for working with the Deaf. SLCC offers an Interpreter Training Program only, but there are schools that offer other programs. So we will see how far I can take this.
Filed under: Sign Language
