CDIS 205

CDIS 205 is the introductory course for learning American Sign Language (ASL). The class is designed for students to learn and practice ASL, gaining knowledge of the manual alphabet, fingerspelling, vocabulary, gestures, grammar, and visual language. It also delves into understanding Deaf Culture and its historical context. With two classes each week, we focused on mastering the art of asking questions (yes/no and wh-word questions) within conversational settings. This included introducing ourselves and exchanging information about language  backgrounds, school, work, family, friends, daily activities, living situations, and preferences. The main objective was to establish a fundamental knowledge of ASL's linguistic structure and core grammar elements, such as the manual alphabet, classifiers, numbers, pronouns, noun-verb pairs, sentence structures (statements, questions, commands, topicalization), tense, the ASL timeline, time indicators, spatial agreement, and contrastive structure.

 

I participated in online lectures to develop my ASL vocabulary and practice signing, guided by my instructor. Additionally, I expanded my understanding of Deaf culture through reflections on documentaries like "Through Deaf Eyes" and "Unveiled Audism," which significantly reshaped my perspective on Deaf culture. Other students in the class also participated actively, copying and signing along with the teacher. Furthermore, we submitted group log reports, which required practicing signing for 30 minutes within our groups. This exercise aimed to challenge us to immerse ourselves in ASL communication without relying on spoken language. We also dont use spoken language during class time as our instructor was also deaf and we were encouraged to sign or rarely use text. 

 

My primary goal in this course was to acquire a basic grasp of ASL to facilitate communication with others, help me to introduce myself, exchange personal information, discuss activities, and engage in storytelling. Additionally, I also wanted to learn and understand about the Deaf community and the culture.

 

I entered this experience with great excitement. Not knowing what to expect, I was prepared for the challenges and discoveries to come. I always wanted to learn sign language since I was in Ethiopia, observing the struggles of family friends who were Deaf. I wanted to bridge the communication gap with them and decided that learning ASL was an ideal starting point to step out of my comfort zone.

 

Besides the excitement about having the knowledge of ASL and learning to sign, I didn't know the community and culture connected to the language.. I believe I was oblivious to the culture at first and didn't even understand its existence. Much of my realization of this negligence has been eye-opening, particularly as a hearing person trying to learn ASL. ASL is not merely a communication tool; it is the foundation of Deaf cultural identity. It provides a means of expressing complex ideas and emotions, and it is integral to Deaf cultural traditions.

 

This experience has exposed me to the true realities of a cultural background that stigmatizes deafness. Importantly, I've learned that many of us lack education about Deaf culture. Ethiopians have historically associated deafness with familial curses and religious beliefs, often failing to provide the necessary tools and support for Deaf individuals, children, or adults to lead lives parallel to our own. And all over the world, we tend to discriminate against them based on their hearing abilities, seeking constant "cures" and subjecting Deaf people to uncomfortable situations and experiments, defining their life paths solely based on their hearing.

 

Language and culture influence each other. ASL is not just a means of communication but also a reflection of the cultural values and norms of the Deaf community. Deaf people often share their experiences and cultural narratives through sign language. In Deaf culture, language is more than just a means of communication; it is a fundamental aspect of cultural identity and belonging. ASL is integral to the empowerment of the Deaf community and plays a central role in self-identification. It has its own cultural norms, including rules of eye contact and turn-taking in conversations. Deaf culture values visual communication, facial expressions, and body language, which are integral to ASL. ASL is used for storytelling and passing down cultural traditions.

 

A key takeaway from this experience is that art, music, dance, and storytelling are forms of creative expression found in all cultures. These artistic forms often reflect cultural values, stories, and emotions. In class, we saw documentaries about deaf people who influenced deaf culture, who united their community through art, expressing their feelings and frustrations to motivate each other and to fight for their rights.

 

From my understanding, watching “Unveiled Audism,” linguistic dominance is the power dynamic that has impacted intercultural interactions. The relentless urge within the hearing community to compel Deaf individuals to speak is what generates Audism, a practice that is morally and emotionally disrespectful. If you had asked me before, I would say yes, constantly trying to teach a Deaf person to speak would make their lives easier because I thought speech is a necessity to live and that was what was normal and right to me. The problem is this is what the hearing society has been trying to do for years. One recurring observation is our tendency to discriminate based on hearing, often attempting to find cures for Deaf individuals while subjecting them to uncomfortable situations.

 

My personal philosophy has evolved to emphasize the importance of delving deeper when trying to learn about a new person and their culture. We should move beyond mere surface-level engagement. Rather, we should truly try to be understanding of others, their values, the challenges they face, and their unique behaviors. Ask questions and, most importantly, take genuine interest and action after understanding their perspective. This has reinforced my belief that every culture deserves respect, and we should be patient with the necessity of examining cultural practices within their specific contexts, considering the historical, social, and environmental factors that shape them when we are met with what might be different from our own culture.

 

The impact of learning ASL has influenced me in unexpected ways as I encounter different people every day. I remember one time at work when a customer was signing to communicate. After some hesitation, I signed to her, and she was surprised and happy. Although my signing skills were not highly advanced, she was patient and understanding, which made me feel good. 

After class ended, I have now joined the ASL Club at school. I want to advance my signing skills and be closer to the community. In the club, I hope to engage in more interactive conversations in ASL, learn from experienced signers, and participate in cultural events and activities that celebrate Deaf culture. This hands-on experience will not only enhance my signing skills but also allow me to gain a deeper appreciation for the rich traditions and history of the Deaf community.

 

As I continue my journey with the ASL Club, I am excited to contribute to the club's mission by promoting Deaf awareness and fostering a more inclusive environment for all students, Deaf and hearing alike. Together, we can break down communication barriers and promote a greater understanding of the interconnectedness between language and culture, ultimately strengthening our bond with the Deaf community. This could be the start of promoting inclusivity, advocating for Deaf rights and culture, and challenging discriminatory practices related to deafness.

 

This experience has shifted my perspective on Deaf culture and the privilege I have as a hearing person, a realization I had never truly understood before. I now recognize the importance of understanding others and the significant impact that seemingly small actions, like saying "later," to change what is wrong can have a huge impact that could affect generations. We should avoid attempting to dictate the destinies of others; the Deaf culture has its own set of values and beliefs that deserve respect, appreciation, and support. Incorporating these insights into education and societal norms can create a more inclusive environment for Deaf individuals.