Speaking Without Sound: Exploring the Power and Impact of ASL
Hello, Shade Academia community!
In this edition, we’re diving into the fascinating world of American Sign Language (ASL) and its impact on both professional and social spaces. ASL is not just a language; it's a vibrant part of Deaf culture that connects people across communities. This week, we have a special interview with someone who has been on an incredible journey learning ASL and shares their experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future of ASL in society.
From breaking down misconceptions to exploring how ASL is used in everyday life, this interview sheds light on the powerful role ASL plays and why it's so important to understand not just the language but the culture behind it.
Let’s explore this vital conversation!
What initially sparked your interest in learning ASL and pursuing it as a career?
I’ve wanted to learn ASL since I was young, after seeing it in a movie. I used to check out an ASL dictionary from my hometown public library, where I learned the alphabet and basic signs. At that time, I was drawn to it simply because I thought it looked really cool.
How did you begin learning ASL, and what was your experience like when you first started?
I was fortunate enough to start learning ASL in my freshman year at the University of Iowa. At first, I was really nervous because ASL classes there are voice-off, meaning they’re taught entirely in American Sign Language. This approach not only immerses students in the language but also reflects the fact that the professors are Deaf and only communicate in ASL.
During the first two sessions of ASL 1, we had an interpreter, but after that, we were on our own. I knew the alphabet, but I was worried about how I’d communicate with my professors, let alone learn from them. However, my professors were phenomenal. Despite the challenges, I never felt lost. They used PowerPoints, pictures, and ASL books to guide us, which helped me understand the lessons even without knowing much of the language. Eventually, I went on to minor in ASL, taking courses like ASL 1-5, Deaf Gain, Deaf Media, and ASL Conversation.
What career path are you planning to take within the ASL field, and what are some of your long-term goals?
Right now, my goal is to become an ASL interpreter. In the long term, I want to help bridge the gap between the Deaf and hearing worlds—a connection that many hearing people often overlook.
How do you see ASL being used in real-world scenarios, both professionally and socially?
ASL and Deaf culture are often underappreciated, but they play a vital role in many areas. Socially, for example, Dummy Hoy, the first Deaf baseball player, is the reason we use hand signals in baseball today. Professionally, ASL allows Deaf individuals to communicate in their own language, and their unique perspectives bring fresh ideas into workplaces and beyond.
What challenges have you faced while learning ASL, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was figuring out how and where to learn ASL. Learning from a dictionary was only helpful to a point because there’s so much more to ASL than just learning signs. Thankfully, my experience at the University of Iowa helped me immerse myself in Deaf culture and learn the language in a meaningful way.
Today, many people use the internet or apps to learn ASL, which is an improvement from books, but these resources often lack information about Deaf culture and the language’s history. It’s crucial to understand both to build a true respect for ASL. Hearing instructors, while capable, should also continue learning from Deaf people to improve their teaching.
What changes or improvements would you like to see within the field of ASL or in how it’s integrated into society?
One of the most important changes I’d like to see is greater awareness of Deaf culture and the value it brings. Many hearing parents of deaf children, for example, turn to technology like cochlear implants to help their child fit into the hearing world, often without exploring the benefits of Deaf culture. I’d love to see more support for Deaf communities and a deeper understanding of the unique experiences Deaf individuals face.
What are some common misconceptions people have about ASL or Deaf culture that you’d like to clear up?
There are quite a few, but here are some key ones:
- ASL is the same as English. ASL has its own grammar, structure, and slang. Just because someone knows English doesn’t mean they’ll automatically understand ASL.
- ASL is universal. It’s not—ASL is specific to the U.S. Each country has its own sign language, and someone who knows ASL won’t necessarily be able to communicate in British Sign Language, for example.
- All deaf people want to be hearing. This isn’t true. Many Deaf people are proud of their culture and don’t view their Deafness as a disability. It’s important to differentiate between “Deaf,” which refers to a cultural identity, and “deaf,” which is a medical term for hearing loss.
For someone who’s completely new to ASL, what should they know when first approaching the language and Deaf culture?
Hearing and Deaf cultures are different. Things that might seem rude in one culture can be perfectly normal in the other. It’s important to learn about Deaf culture as you learn ASL. Also, learn from Deaf teachers whenever possible—there’s nuance to the language that books and apps may miss. Don’t just trust any video tutorial you see online, especially from hearing people who might have learned incorrectly themselves.
How has learning ASL impacted your personal or professional life so far?
Personally, ASL has introduced me to amazing friends and teachers, and it’s opened doors to opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Professionally, I’m still working toward my goal of becoming an interpreter.
Is there anything else you think people should know about ASL or the impact it can have?
It’s important to learn not just the language but also its history and cultural significance. ASL is a beautiful, powerful language, and the Deaf community has so much to offer. It’s often overlooked or misunderstood, but taking the time to learn and appreciate it can have a profound impact.
Just like this community member, if you or someone you know is interested in sharing your work, hobbies, or experiences as a learning opportunity, please reach out so we can collaborate!