American Sign Language

romanigypsyeyes
Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:08:19 +0000

Most people will understand you though if you use ASL in countries where ASL is not used. There may be some barriers, but there are ways around them.

I know ASL as well. I was almost fully deaf when I was younger, until I had surgery to correct my hearing (not cochlear implants). I didn’t learn it when I was young though because no one in my family knew ASL. I have a deaf cousin and we sign back and forth a little, but it is hard because he is mentally ■■■■■■■■ so many of his signs aren’t actual ASL signs. It is an especially useful language to know IMO, because it can cross many, many borders. Plus, it’s really cool to talk to someone in sign language that is used to using an interpreter (I do it occasionally at work and usually get a tip, even though people don’t tip sports photographers).

If you can fit it into your schedule, I would. If nothing else, it is a great conversation starter.