The American Sign Language Community Essay - 1221 Words

Introduction As part of daily life, we communicate and connect ourselves with certain communities. School, jobs, families, sports, extracurricular activities, and many other communities are just a few we come into contact with. Although these may seem to appear the same, there are specific types of communities such as a discourse community. A discourse community is a group of people involved in and communicating about a particular topic, issue, or in a particular field (Webcourses, N.d, Website) that has a share a common set of goals and attempt to achieve these goals (Swales, 1990). According to researcher and educator, John Swales, there are six characteristics that define whether or not a community is considered a discourse community. Following the criteria Swales states is necessary to be a discourse community, I did an in depth research on the American Sign Language community. Through my study, I was able to meet all six characteristics. Literature Review According to Swales, there are two types of communities: speech and discourse. Swales defines a speech community as a group that shares similar linguistic goals, similar language, or both as â€Å"a community sharing knowledge of the rules for the conduct and interpretation of speech† (Swales, 1990). Swales also identifies that speech communities inherit their members, unlike the discourse community that recruits its members (Swales, 1990). Although these two communities may appear to be the same, to be considered aShow MoreRelatedAmerican Sign Language And Numerical Stories1118 Words   |  5 PagesA-Z stories in American Sign Language and numerical stories as well were introduced around the 1940’s (Bauman). Gilbert Eastman stated that A-Z and numerical stories were most likely created as early as the 1900’s at the Ohio School for the Deaf (Bauman). However, with the advanced technology of the 20th century American Sign Language numerical and A-Z stories may be cherished and videorecorded for future generations (American Sign Language Literature). What are A-Z and numerical stories? A-Z storiesRead MoreThe Effects Of Deafness On Deaf Children1669 Words   |  7 Pagesperspective, collectivism, identity, transnationalism, community, and Deaf Space. American Sign Language is a visual-based language that is the primary language used by Deaf individuals. American Sign Language benefits our society due to the language’s visual nature, which produces a creative expression that is otherwise not experienced in oral languages. Research done by Bauman and Murray has shown that â€Å"Deaf individuals who use American Sign Language have more well-developed peripheral vision, a greaterRead MoreChloe Ziff . Professor Gary Rosenblatt. April 13, 2017.991 Words   |  4 PagesProfessor Gary Rosenblatt April 13, 2017 American Sign Language II Seeing Voices By Oliver Sacks Seeing Voices is a profound novel that was written by famous neurologist,  Oliver Sacks in 1989. Seeing Voices is a book that delves into the history of Sign Language and expresses a genuine meaning behind what language truly is.   Oliver Sacks is an engaging and fascinating writer. Being able to explore outside what he is used to, he can expand his knowledge about language. Being knowledgeable on psychiatryRead MoreAsl And The American Sign Language880 Words   |  4 PagesAmerican Sign Language is the interesting, logical, and fun to learn. ASL is the fourth most-used languages in the United States. ASL is used for hearing people to get the messages across to Deaf people and Deaf community. Deaf people use American Sign Language to communicate with their friends, family or their loved one who is deaf. Now parents are teaching their babies to learn ASL. 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While this may not sound extensive compared to the whole of the population, it is significant enough to warrant attention. While mass misinformation, obliviousness, and miscommunication are three of the major struggles for the Deaf community, there are multiple problems that arise underneath those categories. ForRead MoreThe Importance Of Deaf Culture1445 Words   |  6 Pagesthe hallmarks of Deaf culture such as â€Å"language, heritage art and history†, I began wondering about how the historical significance of each one impacted the modern choices of Deaf individuals (Holcomb 17). Our textbook Introduction to American Deaf Culture makes references to how important American Sign Language is to define the Deaf community which leaves me wondering how strong the foundation of Deaf culture would be if based on heritage rather than on language. Being Jewish I never learned HebrewRead More The Deaf in Society Essay1411 Words   |  6 PagesThe Deaf Community Imagine if you could never experience the sound of your favorite song on the radio. Or you could never hear the voice of a family member wishing you happy birthday. Since these situations are typical we may take them for granted. But these every day scenarios will never be part of a deaf persons life. One out of thousand infants will be born deaf every year, (Deaf Understanding). Most people dont realize the giant impact of the deaf in our society. Deaf persons canRead MoreCulture : The American Culture1014 Words   |  5 PagesThroughout the world there are many different cultures. Culture can can be based on things such as language, religion, and tradition or customs that we were raised in. Culture allows for groups of people to come together with similar interests and backgrounds to come share one common ground. Culture is everywhere we look and is in our everyday lives. I consider myself to be the American culture. My first language is English and I was born and raised in California. Growing up I was raised in a MethodistRead MoreDeaf Americans: Community and Culture1427 Words   |  6 Pagesthe deaf community and carry on the American Deaf culture. There are approximately 35 million people in the United States who are considered deaf or hard of hearing (Culture and Empowerment in the Deaf Community). The majority of these deaf people struggle in the hearing world until they can find a connection to their deafness. They constantly hunger for language and a sense of truly belonging. Once they are exposed to the deaf community, American Sign Language (ASL) as the deaf language and the closeness