Question from ASL student

T

Tsujiru

New Member
Joined
Aug 1, 2012
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Hi guys,

I have a bit of a dilemma, but I'd really appreciate any respectful input. I am a graduate student in biology and an ASL student and I was thinking about entering a video contest run by the National Science Foundation (GRFP "Creating the Future" Video Contest). When I applied for my graduate research fellowship I wrote about my goals of not only becoming a scientist, but also becoming better at communicating in ASL, and I thought it would be nice to sign in my video as a way of thanking them for supporting my efforts.

Problem is the instructions say that entries must be in English. I feel like attempting sim-com would just make me look less fluent in both languages, but maybe I could try captions? But when I spoke with my housemates about the idea they said it would just come off as gimmicky, and that "I might as well film the video sitting in a wheelchair, because signing when you are not Deaf or HOH is the same level of misrepresentation". So what to do? I don't want to be disqualified for making a video not in English (though as a national agency, aren't they required to recognize ASL?) but even more I really don't want to do something that would potentially be offensive. As ASL is not my primary language, am I better off not risking it?
 
Not sure on what is kind?
why disqualify for making to Video on English? you means on ASL sign language?
How: my primary language?
 
Hmm if it says English I would just do it in English ...technically ASL IS English just in sign form and different grammar but I think if you're primary mode of communication is English , and you aren't Deaf, it may be better to stick with English rather than ASL. Maybe you can do the video in English and then take yourself doing it in ASL and put the ASL version in a lil video box in the corner of the main video?
 
Thanks!

OK, thank you both for the advice.

Smithtr, yes, I was worried that using ASL in the video might lead to disqualification. Also, not my primary language as I am hearing, but I have been studying to communicate better with my baby brother, for who it is his primary language.

AliciaM, good idea. I think I will do the video in English, and since it is very short I'll just include some basic ASL ((i.e) introduction and acknowledgement).
 
Tsujiru said:
OK, thank you both for the advice.

Smithtr, yes, I was worried that using ASL in the video might lead to disqualification. Also, not my primary language as I am hearing, but I have been studying to communicate better with my baby brother, for who it is his primary language.

AliciaM, good idea. I think I will do the video in English, and since it is very short I'll just include some basic ASL ((i.e) introduction and acknowledgement).
Click to expand...

Hello Tsujiru, oh i see Really! i understand I understand it is anxious ASL, you pretty, I advise to effort to you research ASL,
how his brother ? sign language ? ASL you have communication!!!

How old his baby!( brother)?

doesn't work disqualify on the language? Not perfect?
 
Hello Smithtr,

My brother is autistic and does not speak, but feels more comfortable with sign language. My family is very grateful for ASL, because without it we would not be able to communicate. It is still difficult sometimes, but much better than before. He is 13 now, but will always be my baby brother to me ;)

I am far from perfect, but will try my best. Would this make sense?
"Thank you help me follow my dream"
 
Tsujiru said:
Hello Smithtr,

My brother is autistic and does not speak, but feels more comfortable with sign language. My family is very grateful for ASL, because without it we would not be able to communicate. It is still difficult sometimes, but much better than before. He is 13 now, but will always be my baby brother to me ;)

I am far from perfect, but will try my best. Would this make sense?
"Thank you help me follow my dream"
Click to expand...


oh Really! I pretty sure your difficult to struggle on ASL his? you struggle on ASL!!
It is pretty hope be try difficult, it is not easy on communication!
 
AliciaM said:
Hmm if it says English I would just do it in English ...technically ASL IS English just in sign form and different grammar but I think if you're primary mode of communication is English , and you aren't Deaf, it may be better to stick with English rather than ASL. Maybe you can do the video in English and then take yourself doing it in ASL and put the ASL version in a lil video box in the corner of the main video?
Click to expand...

Minor point of correction... ASL and English are two distinct and separate languages. English, in sign form is Signing Exact English (SEE) which follows English rules/structure/syntax. As you mentioned, ASL has it's own grammar and syntax. Two distinct and separate languages.
 
Can you sign it in ASL and include a voice-over narration, and open captions in English on the video? That would seem to cover all bases.
 
Back
Top