Learning ASL

So I realize that nobody will probably read this, and I haven't posted in like months, because honestly this isn't my first priority anymore, nor my second, third and so on. I write in a journal and have for years now so that would be a bigger priority than this, but because I am in the library studying, I do not have my journal and therefore need to get this out there for my sake because personally talking or writing about big situations in my life help me, it makes me focus on what I am dong with my life or else my head is scrambled with thoughts.

I am taking summer classes here in Valdosta and performing my Deaf Studies minor and taking ASL1, 2 this summer and 3 and 4 in fall and spring this year. (Just in case you don't know what ASL means for you few: American Sign Language) I have always been interested in sign language and taught myself a few words here and there but stepping into the classroom last week was a whole new story. My teacher is partial deaf, or hard of hearing as we clearly state in America so in the class we don't speak at all. Nothing. We either mime or figure out the words on our own, which really scared me at first but honestly its the best thing for me. People say that when you learn a new language its best to just be thrown into the country and fend for yourself, well this is the same thing basically. The class is 2 and half hours each day and I stay in the library every day for about 2-4 hours depending on what day, literally practicing every word and fingerspelling everything I see, I have never worked so hard for something in my life, besides colorguard and I did very well in that department. I am basically taking the same approach. It is hard to think that in less than a year I will be fluently signing...well it used to be hard thinking that but now not so much. I learn about 30 words a day in class and a few on my own. I have been going to class for a FULL week now and know so much. Tomorrow I am telling a story in sign language, and its only been five days. I took my first test yesterday and got a 96 because I missed half of one question. It still kills me I didn't get a 100 but, better luck next time I guess.

I guess I have also been thinking about, how I got here in life, how this all spiraled into the situation I am in now. Learning a whole knew language. I learned in class that Sign Language is not English, which of course, I am hearing and got confused but it is so true. A lot of things we as ASL interpreters or Deaf signers will sign in different orders because we are grasping the whole concept, not just word by word, we don't sign English. Also I learned that in different countries they have different sign languages that aren't the same as ours or anyone elses, British Sign Language uses two hands mostly and is completely different. Eventually I plan on learning that as well, but for now I am focusing on what I chose to do :) Another thing: signing is not just about using you hands but you facial expressions are everything. You use them all the time, thats how people know you are asking a WH question like who, what, when, or a yes and no question.

Anyways, I love ASL. Like, probably more than English itself. I think that everyone should take a sign language course in their lifetime, maybe. I wish a lot more people were fluent in sign language, I know it is a skill, but I can still wish! I am basically concluding my long thought process for the day about how for the first time I am ever truly learning a brand new language and it will stick with me forever. I am extremely proud of myself and this is the end of my story :) Hope everyone has a fantastic day!

-Sara