Euphoria
New Member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2011
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I am a 3rd year ASL major in college. I plan on becoming a teacher for the Deaf (eventually). I am passionate about my goals and the language I am learning.
However, when I encounter people using ASL outside of the classroom or Deaf events/clubs, I get very excited but then I freeze up. My teachers are always encouraging us to communicate with the Deaf, but I never know how a Deaf person will react to some random hearing girl coming up to them and signing. All I can think about is making a fool of myself. I don't want to interpret for them, but just have a friendly conversation. I feel like it could be an opportunity to make new friends and meet more Deaf people (also get some practice in)
I understand that every Deaf person is different. But I just want to get an idea of how most Deaf/HoH people view ASL students initiating a conversation with them.
For example, I was at Cedar Point this past summer and I was waiting in a terribly long line for one of the roller coasters when I noticed 2 teenage Deaf girls signing and a middle aged Deaf man and a young boy signing as well. For about an hour I tried to muster up the courage to introduce myself, but I couldn't do it.
What would be your suggestion if I ever encounter another opportunity to communicate with people who use ASL (besides at Deaf events/Club)?
However, when I encounter people using ASL outside of the classroom or Deaf events/clubs, I get very excited but then I freeze up. My teachers are always encouraging us to communicate with the Deaf, but I never know how a Deaf person will react to some random hearing girl coming up to them and signing. All I can think about is making a fool of myself. I don't want to interpret for them, but just have a friendly conversation. I feel like it could be an opportunity to make new friends and meet more Deaf people (also get some practice in)
I understand that every Deaf person is different. But I just want to get an idea of how most Deaf/HoH people view ASL students initiating a conversation with them.
For example, I was at Cedar Point this past summer and I was waiting in a terribly long line for one of the roller coasters when I noticed 2 teenage Deaf girls signing and a middle aged Deaf man and a young boy signing as well. For about an hour I tried to muster up the courage to introduce myself, but I couldn't do it.
What would be your suggestion if I ever encounter another opportunity to communicate with people who use ASL (besides at Deaf events/Club)?