For students looking to gain a foreign language credit, a common choice is Spanish or German. But, American Sign Language (ASL) is a unique and fun option for those looking to gain credits!
American Sign Language uses space and hand movements to communicate instead of audible speech. It’s central to the community of deaf and hard of hearing, and it’s the way deaf people converse and access the world, which is why education of the Deaf culture for the hearing is so important.
While Spanish is arguably the most popular foreign language, Emma Remy, an ASL Honor Society officer, says, “ASL is completely different, especially when those that are deaf, they don’t have a lot of ways of communication, you can’t just pull up your Google Translate and translate English to ASL.”
For Emma, learning sign language is a necessary skill for her future career. she says, “being a speech pathologist, you need to know a little bit of sign language in case somebody is deaf that you’re trying to work with.”
Apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone could never teach you sign language, it’s something that you’ll only have the opportunity to learn in a classroom setting.
It can really benefit your life, too! With deafness and hearing loss being more common than left-handedness, you’re bound to run into someone who you needs to communicate with in sign language.
Mr. Checketts, an English teacher, says, “For my daughter who is now 2, we taught her basic signs because it takes a while for speech to develop, even though she was still able to identify things. This was a great way to allow her to begin communicating at an even earlier age, and I think that gave her an advantage over other kids.”
Once you’re in an ASL class, you may find yourself wanting to learn and experience more with the language, and the ASL Honor Society can be a great way to dive even deeper into the language and become involved in the Deaf community.
Activities run all year long, from themed holiday lunches to charitable fundraising.
Madi Wuthrich, an ASLHS officer said, “My favorite activities are the signing breakfasts/dinners, it’s a great opportunity to sign with those from Fremont and other high schools.”
Students can become a member at any time. You become a formal member in the spring of your senior year, with the induction ceremony taking place in may.
Other opportunities are offered to ASL students, such as the Immersion Day activities.
Everyone is invited, from beginner to advanced signers. On one day of the school year, you meet with ASL students from other schools to play games, practice and learn, and meet people from the Deaf community.
Emma Remy went to ASL immersion for her third time this year, saying of her experience, “It was definitely an experience my first time going, but this time was a lot more engaging for me because I was able to actually communicate with Deaf people, and I even bonded with some of them because they were able to tease me a little bit more and I actually understood it.”
If you’re interested in joining next year’s ASL immersion day, ask Mrs. Walker for more information.
So, if you’re looking to learn a helpful and interesting skill, interested in learning more about Deaf culture, or you just need a foreign language credit, consider adding Ms. Walker’s ASL class to next year’s schedule!
