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  2. hello i am actually an ASL student who is hearing at higschool and we have to attend 2 deaf events this year, that will go towards our grade. But I am also president of the ASL club at my school, and i want to host a Deaf chat at my school, now my teacher is deaf and we have a CODA that goes to our school so we will have deaf people in the organization but do you believe it will be a good social event for deaf people even though it is hosted by mostly hearing ASL students?

  3. cont…

    On the other hand, having events for ASL students and inviting Deaf people to come is another situation. That is something where the expectations and purpose is clear and probably less awkward.

    Interacting with the Deaf community is the best way for hearing people to improve their signing and learn more about Deaf culture. That is where I’m torn. I guess it’s important for both Deaf and hearing people to have their own limits and hopefully be culturally sensitive.

  4. It really depends on the attitudes of [everyone] involved. It becomes tricky because often we do just want to have time to relax and chill out without having to take the time to teach high school or college students.

    It may be best when hearing people to join those types of events if they already have a good understanding of sign, and go with Deaf friends. Rather then just showing up as the lone hearing person in the room. That’s awkward.

  5. Just remember the more people learn sign language the more easier it is for deaf individuals to be able to do things without an interpreter present. This also means that they will have to use pen and paper less to communicate with the hearing.

  6. But there are a few of them who still are a little angry about the hearing people learning their language. You have to be sensitive and use your best judgement. I grew up with a deaf friend of my own but she was very uneducated about the world and for this reason very judgemental. You have to understand them and know that there was a time when the Deaf were hidden away from our society They were given no rights, and still to this day have few rights. The best way to learn ASL is from the deaf

  7. I’ve been learning ASL for about 7 years now, but I’ve always found the Deaf community to be pretty understanding when it comes to others learning and appreciating their language. Deaf people will meet with your skill level of ASL, if they have to, and most of them are very patient.

  8. I am an ASL teacher at a high school, and I agree with you 100%. I set up my own “silent dinners” for my students to go out to eat and interact with each other in a more social setting. If Deaf people come it’s all the better, but they come with the understanding that it is an event for ASL students. I post info in my class about Deaf events in the area, and some of my students go. I have found that the Deaf community seems to be more patient (and forgiving) of high school students than college.

  9. That was one reason I gave up learning ASL years ago. I felt I was intruding in a culture I don’t understand and why should people slow down and take time to help me learn signs when they can talk to their friends who already know it well. I’m glad we have youtube and aslpro these days. Now maybe I can watch and learn without intruding. And maybe some will want to help me on here. I hope your required events go ok for you.

  10. I understand both view….. Asl student are excited happy learn ASL.. so how learn it? need conversate with deaf people for really learn it ok.. But understand my deaf friend want relax with friends, chat , be fun.
    hmmm interesting. My community has deaf pizza night. All ASL students from 3 colleges go there.. It is a full Pizza night .. many people.. But it is important support people who want to learn sign language right? interesting topic.

  11. At my school, we don’t go to any Deaf events for the first two years of study, but I was required to go to one last semester (3rd year). Some people in my class didn’t have the best grasp of ASL but most did. We went to a silent dinner at a pizza hut and we had no problem talking to the Deaf people there. I did feel a little uncomfortable though, like I was invading their event. I think I wouldn’t ever feel comfortable going to a Deaf club, but that event was a good compromise, very relaxed.

  12. Good point. I work at Interp program at a college. I always felt uncomfortable for “forcing” students to attend Deaf meetings. Because it is not polite to “bighead” jump into other peoples’ lives. Thank you for bringing up point very nicely 🙂
    NOW, other point…. I praise one student of mine. She setup an ASL Coffee Chat. And, people who go, they know many students will be there. Creative! 🙂 That is what ASL programs and students need to do. Be creative 🙂 thanks again!

  15. I am hearing and at one point an ASL student (now an interpreter) but I agree with you. Students should have a good grasp of sign language before they attend Deaf events. I now teach a class at the college and we set up our own sign and dine for the students and invite the Deaf to come. When students get into the upper level classes then encourage them to attend. The only reason that I am as skilled as I am is because of Deaf events but not because I was going before I understood the language.

  18. I am currently learning ASL. I attend deaf events to help me learn and because I am a social person. I am quite happy to spend hours sitting quietly watching as I understand how annoying it might be to make someone slow down to my level. I only involve myself if I understand the conversation and quietly sit back at watch when I don’t.

  19. I am currently taking ASL and Deaf Studies in college to eventually become an interpreter. I have been going to deaf events my whole life with my older brother, as he is deaf. I enjoy it so much and the deaf community has been so encouraging and are some of the nicest, funniest people I have ever met. I met my best friend at a deaf event. We have been friends for 7 years.
    The only way to become good at ASL and appreciate the language is to embrace it and use it as much as you can.

  20. I agree with grantlairdjr. ASL students should go to Deaf events. I posted a video on here, but not sure if I answered correctly so I’m texting a comment as well. Deaf events are fun and help students practice their signing and comprehension. Deaf people are friendly, welcoming, and helpful. It is different from a school environment. I encourage all ASL students to go to one or more event(s).

  21. I understand , but as a student who is getting ready to go into the field of interpreting i see it as deaf people want good skilled interpreters when they have to have an interpreter so interacting and going to deaf events is the best was for us to improve our skills receptively and expressively.

  23. yes very true, i agree with this. i have been going to DPHH (Deaf Professial Happy Hour) and oftenly seen ASL students show up and trying to make conv with us deaf people. i willing to help and make a conv with them. sometime it work out sometime it doesn’t. but u gave it an thoughts. it would be great idea.

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