Terps

[AquaBlue]

But like I said, you won't be. Don't be so worried about it. Don't let it scare you so much! Just go.

Like that old Nike slogan: Just do it!

 

[Anij]

AquaBlue,
I know you're concerned about not knowing enough - when you go be open and honest it will be expected for you to give a little history ( I'm hearing, I started learned ASL a few years ago, I'm starting classes again in spring ... I hope that I can meet with hh and deaf so that I can learn more about the language and culture - and I'm worried that my signing skill isn't good ... but I want to learn more)

It's not about joining fully - it's about sticking your toes in the water ... learning to crawl, and falling - there's alot you won't get, and that's ok - but BE HONEST ... if you get lost in a conversation be honest about it ... never pretend that you understand if you don't. You're entering a different world, a different culture, language, norms, values, and that IS scary at times ... but personally people will respect you alot more for going and learning "for real" with native ASLers than if you just memorize a bunch of signs out of a book - it's about interacting. I can't place enough emphasis on the cultural side of ASL - and if you wish to become an interpreter ... culture, community, and honesty are some of the most important things to understand.

I grew up oral - my parents didn't allow me to be involved with hh/d , didn't allow me to sign - I started learning "for real" when I was a young adult ... and it was hard because I really came from a place between worlds - I don't belong to the hearing world , but I can't ever fully be in the DEAF WORLD either ... so when I write - I understand all the nervousness and struggles - those are things I struggle with daily. I use interpreters in class - but I'm still struggling to get back into the DEAF community (I couldn't sign for a few years after a car accident, and lost touch with the community)

Take a step out ...be honest about you're abilities - but be even more honest that you're new and that you WANT to learn from us, that you value what we know - you have to want that ... you have to want to fall, because it's the only way you'll learn to walk.

 

[AquaBlue]

Thank you Anij. Your words have true value.

 

[RDC_girl]

AquaBlue - When I first went to the Deaf Club here, I was terrified. I made mistakes, but was always upfront that I was hearing, learning ASL and enthusiasic to learn more. I went with my ASL prof so that made it a little easier. by the end of the night I was hanging out with people my age and my instructor had to come find me so we could leave. lol. The next time I went, i was more comfortable and relaxed.

It is unknown and a little intimidating... but so much fun

 

[AquaBlue]

Good to know RDC_girl. Thank you.

 

[Anij]

AquaBlue,

I started a Thread for people to recommend books on Deaf Culture, community, experiences etc. - most if not all of these are available from the library (if you're local doesn't have it - as them to interlibrary loan it)

When I was in College in MN I think I spent most of my time reading anything I could get on DC.

Hope this helps

 

[AquaBlue]

AquaBlue,

I started a Thread for people to recommend books on Deaf Culture, community, experiences etc. - most if not all of these are available from the library (if you're local doesn't have it - as them to interlibrary loan it)

When I was in College in MN I think I spent most of my time reading anything I could get on DC.

Hope this helps

The book I request from the library- For Hearing People Only- is in transit from other brances so I will have it soon (I hope).

For the last month I have been learning ASL exclusively (and intensely). All my other reading plans have been placed on hold because of my passion to keep learning more about ASL. I am going to give myself an ASL break for a day or two so as to not burn myself out on the subject. Afterward I will (of course) continue full throttle as before. I just really like this language so much.

 

[AquaBlue]

I had an idea and I wanted your input. When I practice my fingerspelling I would visit this site to improve my retention. And this site for fingerspelling drills. But as regards to both sites I find that they use no useful words in the examples given. You don’t gain any further understanding with such words.

My idea is to use prefixes, suffixes and roots in place of the dead wording in the sites mentioned. That way when you fingerspell a word (and mouth the each syllable in an undertone) you gain better control over all fingerspelled words and fix errors (like misspelled words).

This site looks more useful for drills.

That's it. What do you think?

 

[AquaBlue]

What's your view Terps?

 

[AquaBlue]

Sadly no one I e-mailed has replied to my help message.

I sure hope (for my sake) that this thread doesn't fade away. I need it.

 

[Anij]

What's your view Terps?

AquaBlue,
Firstly, I think we need an example of what you mean by "dead wording" and how you intend to use these suffixes etc ... part of the POINT of those websites is that the words be random, non-nonsensical, even misspelled at times ... it's the check what you "see" versus what you "think you see"

Also - and more importantly ... you repeatedly keep bing exclusive in your posts ... you've once again asked that only Interpreters answer your questions.

The reason for which is beyond me (99% of your questions are general , meaning not "what school do you recommend I attend, policies and proceedures type stuff which would be specialized knowledge for an interpreter) ... you'd benefit from the answers of EVERYONE on this board hearing, deaf, hh, etc - but you keep picking a "target group" of hearing only, deaf, only, interpreters only ... a few people have written and politely explained that you should rethink this - but you continue to do it. If you really want to become involved in the ASL community , Deaf Community... and especially if you want to become an interpreter ... you really need to have a good sit down with yourself and find out what's up with this "exclusion thing". It's not about " ok , I've adjusted my attitude" ... because you just did it again on this thread.

This site is full of ASL students like yourself, interpreters, and every different kind of deaf and deaf-blind person you could meet ... you need to open yourself up to ALL of our experiences and wisdom.

You will not last long in the Deaf community, nor an ITP program unless you sort though this first.

 

[AquaBlue]

Respectfully speaking Anij, I think you are wrong. I am not guilty of anything you stated. Maybe I am being interpreted inaccurately (I must be) because your post does not serve me well. I understand all of what you meant and I am baffled, truly. Is as if you are talking about another person, not me.

Let's agree Anij; and let's get things clear, I do not have to sit down and think of what I am going to accomplish. I know that one day I will become a Terp regardless of your discouraging words. If for some strange reason I am wrong and you are right (fat chance) then I will be humble myself and listen: I'll be all ears. But for now I disagree with your words Anij.

Please don’t get upset.

 

[Etoile]

This site is full of ASL students like yourself, interpreters, and every different kind of deaf and deaf-blind person you could meet ... you need to open yourself up to ALL of our experiences and wisdom.

You will not last long in the Deaf community, nor an ITP program unless you sort though this first.

I agree with Anij 100%.

AB, I won't say you'll never become an interpreter, but you need to have a LOT more respect for the Deaf community before you can expect to get anywhere with this.

 

[AquaBlue]

Wait just a minute. This is going too far now. I most definitely have only but the utmost respect for the Deaf culture. From where are you both getting this idea that I have no respect for the Deaf world? Oh my goodness, please!! These accusations are now upsetting me because they do not have a bit of truth. Let's get real folks. Oh boy.

 

[AquaBlue]

I read your posts again and I just know how your ideas of me have become true (to you both). I am in shock right now. Disrespect for the Deaf culture...oh please give me a break.

 

[Etoile]

Wait just a minute. This is going too far now. I most definitely have only but the utmost respect for the Deaf culture. From where are you both getting this idea that I have no respect for the Deaf world? Oh my goodness, please!! These accusations are now upsetting me because they do not have a bit of truth. Let's get real folks. Oh boy.

You may think you do, but your words say otherwise. You don't really seem to know anything about the Deaf community yet. It's great that you want to learn, reading up on Deaf culture will help a lot. But as of right now, you are making a lot of faux pas due to your lack of understanding. Learn more, read more, ask more questions of deaf people, etc. I'm not saying you can't learn, but right now you are asking questions that are based on incorrect assumptions. Slow down a bit. Being fluent in ASL is only about 50% of what you need to be a good interpreter. Being understanding, knowledgeable, and tolerant is another 25%. The remaining 25% is patience and a thick skin.

I read your posts again and I just know how your ideas of me have become true (to you both). I am in shock right now. Disrespect for the Deaf culture...oh please give me a break.

Give you a break? How about give the rest of us a break and listen to what we have to say with an open mind, rather than constantly assuming that you're right in your beliefs?

 

[AquaBlue]

True Etoil, I do not know all that much about the Deaf world now, but that does not mean that I have disrespect for the culture. That's what eats me up.

 

[AquaBlue]

And yes I have made mistakes but those are just growing pains. In making those errors I never once deliberately meant to do so with bad intent. I have always been honest with all my comments and that will not change. I will defend myself again falsehoods targeted against me for no reason at all. This is a shame what is happening here, now.

 

[Etoile]

And yes I have made mistakes but those are just growing pains. In making those errors I never once deliberately meant to do so with bad intent. I have always been honest with all my comments and that will not change. I will defend myself again falsehoods targeted against me for no reason at all. This is a shame what is happening here, now.

I don't want this to turn into a personal thread, but I want to point something out to you:

If for some strange reason I am wrong and you are right (fat chance) then I will be humble myself and listen

another one of those needed adjustments on my part (I think not in this case).

You admit you don't know much, if anything, about deaf culture. But you keep saying that you think you are right. I would advise you to be patient and learn, rather than plowing ahead and ignoring what people try to tell you.

 

[AquaBlue]

I understand that people make mistakes, so I forgive you both for your blatant accusations. Now let’s get back to normal please. I hate this discussion; I hate disagreements. I am a peaceful man that strays from such things. Life is too short you know. All I ask for is help from the Terps. If this threat is going to turn into a circus then I regret that I every created it. Fighting doesn’t serve anyone (especially me) well. So, pretty please with sugar on top, let’s stop this dispute.

And know this, carve it deeply into your hearts and minds, I did not and will never be disrespectful toward the Deaf culture in no way, shape or form. Got that? Good.