Welcome to the first 3 Tiny Bones blog series: Sign Language and Communication!
Over the next few weeks, we’ll cover interesting topics related to communication with deaf and hard of hearing (HoH) people such as assistive hearing devices, new technologies, sign language, and so much more!
We’ll also discuss how you can make a difference through more effective communication with the hearing impaired using the information from this series!
ASL And Communication
What is ASL?
The language has its own form of grammar and syntax, although signs often mimic English vocabulary.
Have you ever wondered how deaf and hard of hearing people communicate with each other?
Enter American Sign Language (ASL)!
It’s a completely silent and visual language that uses facial expressions and hand movements to convey information. ASL is used primarily by deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States and Canada, although there are forms of sign languages in almost every country.
ASL was developed at American School for the Deaf (ASD), which was founded by Thomas Gallaudet in 1817. The language has its own form of grammar and syntax, although signs often mimic English vocabulary.
Why do people use it?
For people with hearing loss, ASL can be used to clearly communicate with each other since their visual senses are stronger than their hearing.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing (HoH) people sometimes use ASL as their primary language and rely on it to function in the real world. Learning ASL has many benefits as it can make deaf people feel more comfortable and can even be a good tool for babies’ mental development.
Why is sign language important?
Without ASL, Deaf/HoH people would have to rely on hearing devices and spoken English to communicate which is a difficult and sometimes uncomfortable way to live.
Learning ASL as a hearing person can make communication for a deaf person significantly easier in a world of majority hearing people.!
Stay tuned to our website for new posts in the Sign Language and Communication series every Thursday!
By: Ashley Theisen and Blessing Fonge