Language: American Sign Language
American Sign Language, or ASL, utilizes hand motions relative to one’s upper body. The language is most commonly used in the deaf community and helps them to communicate visually. American Sign Language is unique to the United States; sign languages vary from country to country, similar to spoken languages.
I started learning Sign Language in high school through the ASL club. We would meet every couple of weeks and practice what we previously learned, and then we would learn how to sign new words. I knew ASL was important, but I found a new appreciation for it once I started learning it. This appreciation for the language grew, and in junior year, I became co-president of the club.
Learning ASL was difficult since it was completely different from learning a spoken language. I learned how to sign by watching videos and going to club meetings. I started out by having others sign slowly so I could observe their hand movements, and by signing slowly myself. It was easy to confuse words if their hand movements were alike. It was just like in a spoken language, where it is easy to mix up words that have common sounds.
I remember the first time I signed to someone outside of the club was at the hospital by sophomore year. I was volunteering on a Thursday, and a mother and her daughter walked in through the hospital doors. I could see they were signing to each other. I then realized they were having a difficult time finding their way around the hospital and communicating with the help desk. I quickly walked over to try to help. It was challenging to understand the mother and daughter since they signed quickly and I had little experience, but I was able to understand that they were visiting a family member and were looking for the elevator. It was astonishing to see how I could help and ease their tension even though I was only a beginner. ASL helped me connect and communicate with others, and my appreciation for the language has grown significantly.
Contractor is a senior from Livingston, NJ.
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