Connect
← Return to Preparing for the Future
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
American Sign Language (ASL) is a beautiful language. It's syntax is based on the French language. It cannot be written. It is romanticized by many who think it's easy to learn. It isn't easy to learn. Learning ASL is like learning any other foreign language. The culturally Deaf community embraces it. Very few people who become hard of hearing as adults, especially in mid life, use ASL. Nor are they accepted into the culturally Deaf community.
I'm pleased to know that you have connected with HLAA. I encourage you to go to the HLAA website and look at some of the options with webinars and recorded Zoom meetings. There have been many of them since the pandemic started. They are educational and helpful, and they are all captioned. If you use hearing aids that have telecoils, buy a neckloop that you can plug into your computer. You may be amazed at how well you can hear that way.
Replies to "American Sign Language (ASL) is a beautiful language. It's syntax is based on the French language...."
Connect
Yes, ASL is a beautiful language and not easy to learn. Too few people know sign language to make it practical to use for general communication. But I continue to learn sign language a little at a time anyway. While I'm not fluent I can get by. I find it is a challenging way to exercise my aging brain, it is one more tool I can have for communication, and I'm just one more person who knows some ASL. Sign language doesn't require any batteries, cords, or devices, and it isn't expensive, and I have it with me all the time. But the negative posts about ASL above are correct.