I'm a little confused. You are hearing, but have been learning ASL for the past five years. You sign in church, but not for the purpose of communication with dDeaf (this really confuses me...like translating to russian when no one speaks russian).
Are you taking ASL class with dDeaf instructor? Do you sign with a native ASL signer? Did you begin learning ASL for a reason, or just because you enjoyed it? Do you interact with the Deaf in any way?
I'm not asking you these questions to put you on the spot, but to better understand your background and how you fit into the Deaf Community. Can you tell us more about how you became interested in ASL? You say you sign at an intermediate level. What circumstances brought you to thus level of facility? Do you have a family member or friend who is Deaf?
ASL is a living language used by the Deaf. Deaf consider an inappropriate use of ASL to be disrespectful of their culture. Poor training in the use of ASL is also disrespectful. Try visiting France and speaking French poorly...you won't get the time of day (in French) from anyone. It is the same with ASL. How many times we have seen poorly trained hearing people who think it is so cute to use their hands to butcher ASL?
Again, I don't mean to make this an inquisition, but your posts left me scratching my head, especially signing in church with no one to understand what you are signing?
