Just started ASL 1

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JennJenn

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Hey everyone :D

So basically, I'm hearing (my whole family is) but I decided I want to learn ASL because I have known how to fingerspell since I was a kid (they had diagrams in the back of my children's dictionary :P) and I know BASIC, BASIC asl...so why not expand my vocabulary. Colleges also enjoy it if you have a second language...so yeah.

My teacher is deaf...which threw me off at first because I was thinking, "How do you learn from a deaf teacher" but so far it's going really well. He had an interpreter come in for the first hour to do introductions and stuff, so that was helpful, and when he's teaching by himself he basically writes words on the board, points to them, then signs them. He'll then sign something and have us go up to the board and point to the word or phrase he signed.

Has anyone else had a deaf ASL teacher and found it difficult? I think so far it should be okay. He seems to have been doing this for a long time, and he wrote "RELAX, NO PRESSURE" on the board like a thousand times, so I think he gets that it's confusing for us.

I think this is going to be one class in school that I have to pay attention to. haha. I'm only 16 by the way. 11th grade...and I'm taking ASL once a week at night school.

:)

Jennifer
 
What an exciting time in your life!! I am so happy you found you could learn from a deaf teacher!
 
:wave:JennJenn, yes really exciting, I think you are lucky that you can take it in high school now!
My tutor-turned-friend is Deaf and for a couple of years I have been learning from her, took some ASL in college but was taught by hearing man; I think the learning is better when taught by Deaf
Good Luck!
 
I am currently enrolled at a college where my major is ASL. I am in ASL 5. My first ASL 1 professor was Deaf and the rest of them have been Deaf as well. Then again who can teach you better than someone who is Deaf and part of the Deaf community? Needless to say I have enjoyed taking classes with Deaf Professors and to tell you the truth those are the professors I am actually more inclined to go and talk to if I have problems.
 
JennJenn said:
Hey everyone :D

So basically, I'm hearing (my whole family is) but I decided I want to learn ASL because I have known how to fingerspell since I was a kid (they had diagrams in the back of my children's dictionary :P) and I know BASIC, BASIC asl...so why not expand my vocabulary. Colleges also enjoy it if you have a second language...so yeah.

My teacher is deaf...which threw me off at first because I was thinking, "How do you learn from a deaf teacher"

Has anyone else had a deaf ASL teacher and found it difficult?

:)

Jennifer
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Jen i am late deafened myself and rely on lip reading. i just started asl1 as well. the difference for me is that i already can sign some. im not fluent though and wanted to learn the correct way to sign instead of S.E.E. my instructor is deaf as well. i actually enjoy it greatly! i dont have much prob understanding her though. shes very creative with games and such to help us learn. dont get frustrated or give up, it may be a little challenging because ur not use to the Deaf environment but u will get the hang of it in no time! keep it up and have fun!! everyone is there for the same reason so do be intimidated or shy and just go with it!
 
Hi Jen! I also am hearing, have known the manual alphabet since I was a young girl (it was in the back of a book about Helen Keller) and have now decided to learn more.

I'm looking into taking college classes, or maybe starting with online classes via webcam, then moving up to college classes. I have to start with what I can afford. I'd love to eventually go into interpreting.

As far as having a Deaf teacher, I think that's the best option (if you have an option. lol) They would be the best at teaching you about the Deaf community, etc. as well as teaching you ASL. I say stick with it! You'll benefit greatly from it!

I wish I had decided to do this when I was your age... :roll:
 
I would think it would be fantastic to learn from a deaf instructor. You are so lucky to be doing this at a young age.
 
Hey Jen, my name is Cyle.... i am currently enrolled in the ITP program at my local College.... I am now in ASL 4 and i have had both Deaf and Hearing teachers... Honestly i like my Deaf teachers better only because it really forces you to become and practice the culture! Meaning you cant just walk up and talk verbally to them (even though im sure they have lots of practice dealing with us, Hearing people) i know every teacher in my program especially the Hearing teacher, makes sure there is NO talking in class, b4 class, or after class! If you have a question with my hearing teacher then you better write it down or email her if you cannot communicate through sign and get your point across! TALKING IS THE LAST OPTION!!
 
One of my ASL teachers was Deaf, the other was hearing. Also, my daughter's Deaf Mentor is Deaf. When she comes to visit it's strictly voices off ASL to the bone.

Honestly, I find learning from a Deaf teacher much easier. Sure it's frustrating at the beginning, but I personally learn faster from them than my hearing teacher because I HAVE to use it. They have been very patient and understanding and made me feel very comfortable.
 
My ASL 1 & 2 levels were taught by a Deaf Professor. Unfortunately she was a summer hire at my college and wasn't kept on. I had asked her to become my mentor and she agreed. But life has gotten in the way and we have since lost contact.
I am going to try and get back into contact with her.

Update: Woot I found her on Facebook! LOL I am convinced ya can find just about anyone on Facebook! LOL
 
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xsuperchick said:
yeaaaah! :giggle:
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indeed :dance2: lol
69dancinggif.gif
 
Update-update: YAY, she accepted me! Yet another step towards being the best terp I can be. XD
 
That's great you're taking ASL! I was taught by deaf instructors. I think the best way to learn is from someone who has a first hand perspective.
My high school used distance learning. The instructor was at the deaf school and could teach several classes all over the state of Maine at once, using cameras. It wasn't the ideal situation to learn such a visual language on a small TV screen, but I was glad my HS offered it.
 
you want to talk about messed up...
my asl teacher at college is Deaf. I am as well so i thought cool, this will work great. well i had to drop the class because she was talking to much and not sign with it and i missed alot of what was going on. I stayed lost! i told her i should not need accomodations in an asl class when you and me both deaf!
aaarrrggg! now i am back on my own for a while.
 
deafannieboo said:
you want to talk about messed up...
my asl teacher at college is Deaf. I am as well so i thought cool, this will work great. well i had to drop the class because she was talking to much and not sign with it and i missed alot of what was going on. I stayed lost! i told her i should not need accomodations in an asl class when you and me both deaf!
aaarrrggg! now i am back on my own for a while.
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What was her response to that?
 
she said what does it matter if you cannot hear me voice any way you can lip read better than me. i said it dont matter how well i lip read if i cant see face only back of head! how could i know that you were even talking at all. im upset because she said no voicing allowed in class, asl only. then she voice and talk in class to the hearies! not fair man! whats bad shes a voc rehab counc. too. she of all people should know better. geesh! haha.
 
deafannieboo said:
she said what does it matter if you cannot hear me voice any way you can lip read better than me. i said it dont matter how well i lip read if i cant see face only back of head! how could i know that you were even talking at all. im upset because she said no voicing allowed in class, asl only. then she voice and talk in class to the hearies! not fair man! whats bad shes a voc rehab counc. too. she of all people should know better. geesh! haha.
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Boy, that's messed up.
 
Tousi said:
Boy, that's messed up.
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yeah. it is! ill manage though. i guess ill just use my book from tht class and asl pro. :hmm:i learn better in person though. she was born :deaf: though so it really blows my mind. i guess she just used to hearing people. idunno. it sucks man.
 
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