#carodeaf

[carodoodles]

I just found out that there's a pretty high chance I am losing my hearing (maybe not fully it's too early to tell apparently but I want to be safe) and I was wondering if you have any recommendations for where to start when learning sign. I know a bunch of separate words but I always feel like I'm doing things wrong when I practice.

Hi! Glad you are seeking out to learn sign language! Here are some good resources: The best sites are: aslpro and lifeprint . I’m not a HUGE fan of youtube videos because you don’t often know that person’s credibility. Though, if you send me links I’ll be happy to check out and let you know if it’s thumbs up or down. :)But, the BEST way to become good at ASL is interacting with deaf people and taking ASL classes irl. 

[carodoodles]

Hi! I’ll be probably totally Deaf next year. I learn to sign, I go to actions with Deaf, but thats all. I would like to know about some blog, page, whatever, where could I connect more. Do you know about anything? I feel a little bit lost right now bc I’ve started loosing my hearing this year but I can’t communicate with hearing well now. (Important note, I live in Europe, so I would need something international, but I can read English).

Sure! A cool thing about Europe is that they have so many organizations. Nice thing about signs is that you can adapt to talk to people from other countries using international signs. So that makes it easier for deaf europeans to work together. EUD: European Union of the Deaf. https://www.eud.eu/ EUDYS: ^ but for youths in categories- kid to about 12 years old, 13 years old to 18 years old, and 18 years old to 30 years old. Each country has their own country association of the deaf and youth association. Also there are several deaf events in Europe, such as: Clin d’Œil in France (deaf film and arts festival. I just went there and it was so fun!), DEAFestival 2019 in Greece, Frontrunner’s iFrontrunner Festival in Denmark, Signmark performance, Sencity Festival in 2020 in Netherlands, etc. Some of these I found from looking up in facebook events. You can always contact your local deaf organization and ask. My organization in Canada- Ontario Association of the Deaf- get asked all the time about events. :) You could look up performers from Clin d’Œil’s social media and follow them. Here are the lists of artists: https://cdn.website-editor.net/d5695df609e144f7a27e8a0d8d2bbecb/files/uploaded/LIVRE%2520PROGRAMME%2520FINAL.pdf Example is Dawn Jani Birley who is an actress from Canada and lives in Finland. Her instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dajabi/?hl=de. Also, Signmark is another example. I hope these help :)  

[carodoodles]

I'm partially hearing and I can hear most things pretty well, so ive never had much experience with the deaf community. I want to learn ASL to be able to communicate with people who are more HOH and deaf, and in case one day I lose all of my hearing. Is this appropriation of deaf culture or do you think it's okay? I love all languages but I think ASL is extremely interesting and important. I've been told I may be overstepping my bounds. What are your thoughts as a deaf person?

Oh no this is not appropriation of deaf culture. Anyone learning ASL is NOT a cultural appropriation. If people get mad at ya, tell them to talk to me. Idk why people are telling people it’s a cultural appropriation to learn ASL. If it is, then how would we have ASL interpreters?

[carodoodles]

Hey I'm interested in learning some basic sign language because at my store we have about 5 deaf or mute people that come in and I want to be able to tell them their total, you're welcome, and thanks come again. I won't be able to be fluent as I have neither the time patience or attention span but I'd like to do something. Also I was the only girl in highschool who didn't know it cause they learned so they could talk to each other in art class :( help? Links? Please?

http://lifeprint.com/ is a really great site to start with! Also, ASL app is really amazing app. These both would be good for you to learn few basics signs. Have fun!

[carodoodles]

Are you a Ben Bahan fan? I like his lectures, but his stories are way better in my opinion. Do you have any stories available to watch?

Haha yeah I am fan of his work. Actually he was my teacher during my first year at gallaudet university- he taught ASL class. Also, his Sign Naturally stories helped my parents to learn sign language. But sorry- I don’t know of any links to videos of his stories. What I only have is VHS of his Sign Naturally videos hah. 

[carodoodles]

'American' Sign Language seems to imply that other countries or spoken languages have their own corresponding sign languages. Is this true? I wouldn't think a language based on signs would necessarily need to follow English sentence structure; therefore it could easily be used internationally. And if that's the case is it only called ASL because it was invented in America? Or are there really other sign languages?.

Yup there are many other sign languages developed by local deaf people all around the world throughout the history!

Look at all different sign languages’ word for ‘Happy Father’s Day.”:

https://www.facebook.com/seektheworld2015/videos/1009157699199650/?pnref=story

[carodoodles]

Hi! I've been attempting to learn ASL for about two years now, I've tried my hardest not to fall out of grammar rules and such ( I've been learning online, and books). I'm not financially able to take classes, and another source has told me to get involved with the deaf community, and go to events and such. I have a deep respect and admiration for the community, and would never want anyone to think I'm using them to just learn ASL (which wouldn't be my intention, I love new friends!) Thoughts?

Hey! Yes if you really want to improve in ASL, (or any sign languages), you’ll have to get involved with deaf community. It’ll help your signing to look more natural, help you to pick up signs and grammar faster. And of course, we want everyone to learn ASL. :3I’d suggest you to focus on deaf/ASL events that are stuff like: performances, plays (often have interpreters), events with booths selling stuff, lectures, etc. There, you will have easier time interacting with deaf people, such as talking with booth seller about their products, asking questions to presenters, etc. And deaf people at these kind of events are more open to interacting with new signers- after all, they are running business/clubs and want more customers. It’s totally ok to drop by more social-focused events like socializing at bar, deaf school sports game, etc. But keep in mind that deaf people there tend to be more focused on socializing with their friends, catching up, etc. They’ll be a bit less open to signing slowly to strangers who are new signers. With that kind of event, it’s best to go there with your deaf friend(s).Have fun!

[carodoodles]

what's your opinion on the other forms of sign language used in america, such as pse, and see?

I don’t support PSE/SEE. You can’t just fuse two different languages and mash them up into something. I do know some of SEE and it’s very.... robot-like to me when I’m signing it. It’s confusing to kids. Especially that majority of deaf culturally deaf people don’t use SEE. It’s better keeping English and ASL separated. We deafies learn English just fine with ASL. ((SEE/PSE are like code-system not a language. It was created by hearing people who thought that signing exactly english (SEE) would’ve helped deaf kids acquire English better and faster. It doesn’t really. Kids who know ASL actually have better chance of becoming fluent in ASL.))