Sign language speakers use an element of drama in their communication, like mimes at the park or the most accomplished thespians. Perhaps that is why most people consider signing to be beautiful and graceful. But it is not simply an art form to be admired, it is a language. American Sign Language (ASL) is the fourth most common language in the United States, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Common as that might seem, it is not very common outside of the Deaf community. Some deaf people do not sign, and most hard of hearing (termed HOH in the deaf world) rely on other methods to aid communication, such as hearing aids. So why would the average American learn sign language if they did not have to?
- Hearing loss is more common than you may think.
As many as 28 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those who are totally deaf in both ears may or may not use American Sign Language to communicate. A small percentage of them do not sign, relying on lip reading and other forms of communication. In some cases, parents steer their deaf children toward learning to lip read so the deaf child can participate fully in the real world. Those who sign and cannot read lips are limited to communicating personally only inside the deaf community, or require interpreters wherever they go.
Incidentally, the deaf community considers itself a minority language group. They generally do not like to be referred to as “hearing impaired,” which implies something is wrong with them.
Visit Europe and you will find that most citizens are fluent in at least two languages, often more. Americans, at least the average hearing Americans, are not used to accommodating others who do not speak English. One typical attitude is something like, “This is America. Learn English or go back where you came from.” Strangely enough, this same attitude persists in foreign lands when the English-speaking traveler is annoyed and confused that others cannot or will not speak English. Sign language is a foreign language, and most Americans feel that a foreign language is an interesting hobby or diversion for some, but not necessary to learn. Perhaps not, but they are missing out on many good things.
The NIDCD says that about 17 out of 1,000 will experience some level of hearing loss. The rate of hearing loss increases after age 65; by age 75 about 50% of the population have a hearing loss. Most of those older people will not learn ASL. But what if one of them is your aging mother or father, who at some point you decide to take into your home? Your whole family would be spared much frustration and stress by learning enough signs to communicate basic needs.
Give your business or current job an added boost.
A qualified interpreter for a deaf or hearing-impaired person is sometimes required by law, according to the Americans with Disabilities act of 1990. Sure, you can call an agency to hire an interpreter when you need it. But a basic knowledge of ASL would speak volumes to your patrons if you are a business owner.
If you lived in a foreign land, wouldn’t you rather give your business to the person you could actually talk to without an interpreter? Being familiar or fluent with ASL is a bonus on your resume, especially for vocations in which you have to interact with the public.Help your hearing children communicate and read.
Any hearing child will benefit from learning sign language. Babies can learn to make simple signs to communicate their needs long before they are ready to speak. Teaching them a few basic signs can help parent and baby to communicate, which comes in handy at meal times, or when the baby is frustrated with an unmet need.
Children benefit from learning a second language when they are very young, especially before the age of three. Languages come more naturally and easily to young children, because their brains are in that spongy stage of soaking up many new things. Scientists believe that when multiple languages are learned in youth, the brain makes room for more.
Sign language is the perfect foreign language to teach children, because it is easy to learn, and fun. Sign language helps the child who is learning English as a second language even more. Sign language helps define the word it is communicating, such as prepositions or adjectives. Just learning the alphabet in sign is a great tool for early readers. For instance, it will alert the preschooler to the fact that “ellemmennopee” is not one letter, but five.
You do not have to take a class to teach your children to sign. Many online ASL dictionaries are available with video clips of signs.
- Find a job you really love.
While some people are naturally attracted to learning languages, sign language has a wider appeal in that it is physical, not oral. You don’t have to be especially energetic or a sport enthusiast to do well at sign language, but using dramatic facial expressions and body movements are an integral part of the language. Unlike other foreign language communities, the opportunities for interpreters of sign language are spread out fairly equally nationwide.
Possible careers in sign language include being an audiologist, interpreter, social worker, teacher, or counselor. Job venues include hospitals, schools, colleges/universities, the arts, medical clinics, government agencies, the judicial system, and anywhere a deaf person requires assistance.
Most of the above positions require a college degree, sometimes even a masters, and state certification. Once you are certified, you may secure a position or decide to be a freelance interpreter.
- Be a volunteer and help others.
Once you have certification as an interpreter, you may want to use your abilities in your church or other community volunteer services, such as the theater. If you are still learning, use your abilities to sign a story to your children’s preschool or kindergarten class, or just be ready for little opportunities like helping a deaf person at the grocery store checkout.
Sign language classes are offered in most community colleges, some universities, and in at least 35 states; ASL as a foreign language is now included in secondary schools. Schools for the deaf offer sign language classes to friends or family of the deaf, and may allow others to take classes as well. To find a sign language course in your area, contact the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) at membership@rid.org.
Learning sign language is just like learning any other foreign language; it takes years to become fluent through instruction and practice, and it helps to hang out with others who only speak that language. If you want to pursue sign language seriously, be prepared for misunderstanding from the hearing and the deaf community, especially if no one in your family is deaf. Be assured that qualified sign language interpreters are needed, but it will take many years of classes, workshops and practice to reach the desired level of fluency. Even if you do not go for certification, your efforts with sign language will not be in vain. Learning a language is like a workout for your brain, no matter what your age. And you never know when you could have the chance to help someone else.