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You know that one of the positive things I have experienced from my sign vocabulary study is comprehending (retention) signers I see on video. I extract more and more signs, which are reinforced with the aid of non-manual signals. Thus getting a better understanding of the meaning being signed.

It's a very slow process but the vocabulary building is making it easier for me to read signers.

I understand that how I study (now) is not the best way, according to the members here, but I am making some strides nonetheless. Progress is all I want folks.
 
Anij said:
YUP !!!
I'd much rather know, learn , live, breathe and be able to fully use only 500 signs, than hypothetically have"learned" 2000 out of a book without understanding how they are integrated into the language !
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interpreter said:
I have been waiting for someone to ask this!

You have "learned" signs, but do you know ASL?
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jillio said:
The million dollar question!
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Thanks, guys!

Personally I am getting tired of this whole thing. I see somebody who insists that he is "learning" when all he is doing is consulting a book, without making the effort to meet deaf people. Multiple people - myself, Reba, others - have tried to help the OP find deaf gatherings, but they are too far, or he's not ready, etc. etc. Until you have somebody evaluate your sign production you have not learned anything. Books are a static medium and not acceptable for learning a moving language. I tried suggesting the OP use a webcam to make a video for us, but my suggestion was ignored. The OP has long insisted on doing things his way and insists that he is learning ASL. He insists that he wants to be an interpreter but has not sought out the "So You Wanna" book or anything besides an 18-year-old pamphlet. He asks questions that make no sense, he posts stuff on webpages as if it is factual without really knowing the details behind it, he doesn't know any deaf people and makes major faux pas with regard to deaf culture. (What was that b.s. thread about deaf people farting? Have a little respect for pete's sake.) I see a whole lot of "I'm trying to learn but the world is conspiring against me" and not a whole lot of learning. I see somebody who can't take criticism without thinking that we are trying to discourage him from his sudden new dream. I imagine the OP asking "what is the best way to learn ASL" and being told "take a class" and then saying "nah, I don't want to, they are too far away" etc.

I see somebody with a big ego and a major Type-A personality. I get tired dealing with those people. I'm pretty much done here.
 
AquaBlue said:
Yes. I spoke with the director of the sign language department (of that college) on the phone regarding classes; she could not help me locate a gathering either. Grrr.

Also, those are all credit classes. Maybe next year I'll enroll in that course and get a degree in the field. Financial problems exist for me now (credit issues) so I must save up a little. I am disabled so maybe they could give me a break on the tuition. I have not looked into it though, but I will.
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I didn't mean did they find you a "gathering."

I meant, did you seriously investigate registering for their interpreter program?

I'm a firm believer that if there is a will, there is a way. You could start out with even one course, the sooner the better. You could seriously look into VR assistance and Pell grants.

If you are sincere about learning to sign and becoming an interpreter, you will find a way to take a sign language class no later than this fall semester.

I don't want to seem harsh but if you don't have the initiative to take a sign language course after all this time, in an area like metro Miami-Dade, then you don't have enough initiative to complete an ITP and become an interpreter.

Years ago, when I found out there was no local ITP program for me, I essentially created one. I coerced people to take classes to get enough students, I traveled all over the state, I initiated silent dinners, and made a real nuisance of myself. Then I became the first graduate of this particular program.

If you want it, you'll do it. If you don't want it, you'll find excuses.

We terps at AllDeaf are more than willing to help and support you. But we're not here to stroke you indefinitely.

End of sermon.
 
Reba said:
If you want it, you'll do it. If you don't want it, you'll find excuses.

We terps at AllDeaf are more than willing to help and support you. But we're not here to stroke you indefinitely.
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My feelings exactly, but so much better expressed.
 
Etoile said:
Thanks, guys!

Personally I am getting tired of this whole thing. I see somebody who insists that he is "learning" when all he is doing is consulting a book, without making the effort to meet deaf people. Multiple people - myself, Reba, others - have tried to help the OP find deaf gatherings, but they are too far, or he's not ready, etc. etc. Until you have somebody evaluate your sign production you have not learned anything. Books are a static medium and not acceptable for learning a moving language. I tried suggesting the OP use a webcam to make a video for us, but my suggestion was ignored. The OP has long insisted on doing things his way and insists that he is learning ASL. He insists that he wants to be an interpreter but has not sought out the "So You Wanna" book or anything besides an 18-year-old pamphlet. He asks questions that make no sense, he posts stuff on webpages as if it is factual without really knowing the details behind it, he doesn't know any deaf people and makes major faux pas with regard to deaf culture. (What was that b.s. thread about deaf people farting? Have a little respect for pete's sake.) I see a whole lot of "I'm trying to learn but the world is conspiring against me" and not a whole lot of learning. I see somebody who can't take criticism without thinking that we are trying to discourage him from his sudden new dream. I imagine the OP asking "what is the best way to learn ASL" and being told "take a class" and then saying "nah, I don't want to, they are too far away" etc.

I see somebody with a big ego and a major Type-A personality. I get tired dealing with those people. I'm pretty much done here.
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:ty::ty: Oh my God..........I couldn't have said it better. I'm sooo tried of the "I'm so smart I'm learing to sign from books but I want you all to help/feel sorry for me" thing too. When I first started learing ASL I did everything in my power to find social gatherings and DRIVE where ever it took to go and to find classes and DRIVE where ever I needed. I don't think I can take another "excuse" for not getting off is butt and doing somthing other than ordering another book from the Library!!!!!!!!!!
 
Anij said:
The short answer - Yes,(for both Hearing and hh/D who don't have an existing name sign, or have one which needs to be modified) and only once you're involved in the community and the Deaf community knows you. Even then, there are people who have been involved in the Deaf community for a VERY long time (hearing or Deaf) who do not have name signs. So they aren't "issued" to new signers ... they sort of 'happen' to some people that have been in the Deaf Community. (General Rule)

I don't have one ( my name is so easy to fingerspell there's not really a lot of point)
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Just an interjection on naming: I was a baby when my four-year-old deaf sister bestowed my name. Because of a prominent chin, my name is the thumb of the C sign on the chin.

Okay, the rub is that's on the lower (female) half of the face so it looks like it might be "Chaseleen" Even though I'm 6' 1" and 210 pounds, I get smirks from deafies my sister introduces.

I say my name by the two hand ASL sign for chase.
 
AquaBlue said:
But remember my friend, memorization is only a springboard into knowledge itself which leads one toward mastery gained by experience (application of the knowledge which is wisdom). You can learn in other ways of course...like how you described. But the best way, at least for me, is how I discribed it:



At least that's my philosophy.
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Remembering and memorizing are two different concepts. One remembers what one has learned over the long term. Not necessarily so with what one has memorized. Leraning is solidified through application. One recalls without effort that wich one has learned, given that there are no cognitive impairments that interfere with the memory process. What one has memorized requires effort to recall.
 
I do not know what to say. Excuses, initiative? I am not asking for pity, those are dead wrong words. Those words are offensive actually and I do not like it. I give reasons not excuses. I do not want pity but support. I do take the initiative in my personal progress. I do not understand why you all are being so discouraging. I mean don't you think that I am doing the best that I can? If you don't, then I do not care anymore because I am doing the very best can. I can't do more than what I am doing. Serious? I couldn't be more serious (more motivate than I am now).

This thread has been more of a discouragement to me than anything else. Sometimes I think why I created it. I thought (wrongly) that all I was going to get was motivating thoughts from Terps. But all I get is discouragement. I will not give in because of your words. You all will not bring me down. I will not allow it. I will be a Terp and that’s that: Regardless of the cutting words expressed here. I am doing fine as is and that's that.

You all must be fair. You are being totally unfair. Please change you ways or I will stop visiting this thread. I am a positive, self-motivating person and do not take useless, discouragement well. So please, from the bottom of my heart, get real and help me along. Don’t try to stumble me anymore.

I hate the fact that I had to write this reply, but you all forced me to do so. It’s not correct what you’re doing. A new person should receive support and not harsh criticism on every single action he/she takes in their progress. It is all so very upsetting. Thank you all for you positive answers in the past. Lately (of course) that has not been the case. I am thinking of ending my participation here and move on to a more (much more) positive agenda. Why visit a thread of unfair discouragement. What purpose would that grant me? None whatsoever. So that’s how you all make me feel…I am sorry to say. Don’t be harsh toward new ones, be positive and encouraging: That’s my advice for how to treat future ASL learners who visit AD. Be supportive and not cruelly cut new ones down to the ground. That’s just plain wrong. Now that’s my advice to you.
 
AquaBlue said:
I thought (wrongly) that all I was going to get was motivating thoughts from Terps.
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Wait, are you new to the Internet? Come on, be serious. You thought all you were going to get was motivation?

AquaBlue said:
I will be a Terp and that’s that: Regardless of the cutting words expressed here. I am doing fine as is and that's that.
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Good for you. But you had better start using your methods to train yourself to be less aggressive and more flexible, because you will need to be that way as an interpreter. Also, by what method are you evaluating that you are "doing fine as is" because I still haven't seen any willingness to demonstrate your skills.

AquaBlue said:
Please change you ways or I will stop visiting this thread.
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Whose loss is that? Seriously, it sounds like you're making threats here. Why am I affected by you not visiting this thread? Am I supposed to feel guilty here?

AquaBlue said:
Don’t be harsh toward new ones, be positive and encouraging: That’s my advice for how to treat future ASL learners who visit AD. Be supportive and not cruelly cut new ones down to the ground. That’s just plain wrong. Now that’s my advice to you.
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Uh, you seem to have not been paying attention. We have tried and tried to help you, and you have continued in your ways. You have brought this on yourself, we are not being harsh and cruel...we are being real in the face of insanity.

You really need to shape up your attitude if you're going to be a terp. Sorry, but that's the way it is.
 
So do I Etoile. What you just posted is good evidence in itself.
 
Chase said:
Just an interjection on naming: I was a baby when my four-year-old deaf sister bestowed my name. Because of a prominent chin, my name is the thumb of the C sign on the chin.

Okay, the rub is that's on the lower (female) half of the face so it looks like it might be "Chaseleen" Even though I'm 6' 1" and 210 pounds, I get smirks from deafies my sister introduces.

I say my name by the two hand ASL sign for chase.
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Aww . . . :aw:
 
Etoile said:
Wait, are you new to the Internet? Come on, be serious. You thought all you were going to get was motivation?


Good for you. But you had better start using your methods to train yourself to be less aggressive and more flexible, because you will need to be that way as an interpreter. Also, by what method are you evaluating that you are "doing fine as is" because I still haven't seen any willingness to demonstrate your skills.


Whose loss is that? Seriously, it sounds like you're making threats here. Why am I affected by you not visiting this thread? Am I supposed to feel guilty here?


Uh, you seem to have not been paying attention. We have tried and tried to help you, and you have continued in your ways. You have brought this on yourself, we are not being harsh and cruel...we are being real in the face of insanity.

You really need to shape up your attitude if you're going to be a terp. Sorry, but that's the way it is.
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Thank you Etoile
 
heh i gave up like 5 pages ago.


while i admit i've had stand-off moments with terps on this board before as well....everyone has done nothing but bend over backwards for you AB, and you dont want to listen to any idea that may conflict with what you are already going to do anyway.

you come off as very rigid, aggressive, and needy.


you live in a major metropolitan area, yet are unable to find anything other than a library. i was flabbergasted when i read that you'd be willing to drive 100 miles...there is no reason to be sitting at home reading books...none.

Deaf people dont advertise on the net because their life is not an open book, and their job in life is not to teach asl to new people. they are going about thier daily lives and get together to enjoy each others company. its really not very fun to sit around with a bunch of new signers who end up voicing to each other anyway....thats prolly why you dont see many silent dinners etc.

when you stop thinking that they owe it to you to teach you the language, you'll start realizing that if you want to be involved, you are the one who is gonna have to do the work.
 
Ariakkas said:
while i admit i've had stand-off moments with terps on this board before as well....everyone has done nothing but bend over backwards for you AB, and you dont want to listen to any idea that may conflict with what you are already going to do anyway.
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Absolutely. And this is why I haven't tried too hard in this thread. None so deaf as those who will not hear. Props to those of you who have tried so hard.

I thought (wrongly) that all I was going to get was motivating thoughts from Terps.
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You did think wrongly that if you brought terrible ideas about learning ASL and becoming an interpreter that we would welcome those ideas with open arms. I find it absolutely astonishing that you feel you know better than the incredibly experienced terps posting here (I don't include myself in that as Etoile and Reba are more experienced than I am). You are the first exception I can think of in a while to the rule that the people around here are incredibly encouraging and supportive of new interpreters. Why would that be, I wonder -- our problem, or yours?

Open your mind and grow a thicker skin. You have an EIGHTEEN PAGE thread of people trying to help and give advice. You are rude and selfish for expecting every page of that to be agreeing with your bad plans and bad ideas. Your attitude is offensive to me as a former professional in the field you want to enter, and as a member of this forum.

Good luck; I can't read this thread anymore.
 
Go to hell Interpretrator. Who gives a crap about what you think?
 
Hey Ariakkas, don't let the door hit you on your way out! Good riddance!
 
In here most Terps (or signers) think that I am a bunching bag. Well it's time for me to defend myself. I am sick of the abuse.

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