American Deaf Culture Quiz Flashcards
What is American Sign Language (ASL)?
A language capable of expressing abstract ideas that utilizes space and movement to convey meaning. It is not “a visual form of English” as ASL is not a direct translation of English. It has its own grammar rules
Which sign language is ASL historically related to?
French Sign Language. A French man set up the first school for the Deaf in America (in Conneticuit)
ASL is used by most Deaf people in which of the following countries?
Canada and the United States. However, Quebec and the Maritimes have their own sign languages.
Approximately what percent of Deaf people who marry are married to other Deaf people?
90%
How is ASL traditionally handed down from generation to generation?
10-13% through deaf family members, the rest through Residential schools for the Deaf.
What are residential schools for the Deaf?
Students live in the school, and all students, staff, and teachers are Deaf. These schools haven’t been as common since the 80’s. Now, only about 50% of deaf children learn ASL because most of them go to main stream schools and don’t have many Deaf peers
What is the only all-Deaf university in America?
Gallaudet University
What is the primary role of facial expressions, head movements, and eye gaze in ASL?
grammatical. Obviously, facial expressions are used emotively, but they mostly add context and change the meaning of gestures
Where should you focus while watching another person sign?
On their face. You should keep your periphery open to catch their signs
Among ASL signers, what is fingerspelling used for?
To specify brand names and to give names of people and places. It can be used for beginners in the place of other signs, but should be avoided as it breaks up the flow and can cause people to be inclined to use English grammar
In ASL, what is the space in front of a signer’s body used for?
To convey distance, contrast two people, places, things, or ideas, and to express time concepts
How should you get the attention of a Deaf person who is looking the other way?
You should tap them on the shoulder. This is appropriate in Deaf culture even though it may seem rude to hearing people
If your path is blocked by two signers conversing with each other, what should you do?
Go ahead and walk through. Any other strange behaviour might be more distracting than just blocking their view for a brief moment
Which of the following are considered rude by Deaf people?
a) moving a person aside so you can pass through
b) watching a signed coversation
c) describing a distinctive feature of a person to identify them
d) talking (using voice) in the presence of Deaf people
B and D.
People signing in a public space might be assuming no one else there knows ASL and may be having a private conversation.
It is important to make people feel considered. If you are having a spoken conversation with someone else, make it clear that that conversation is just meant to be between the two of you. Otherwise, include the Deaf person in your conversation by signing or writing back and forth
In general, what is the least effective communication strategy between Deaf and hearing people?
Speech and lipreading. Only about 30% of information can be caught through lipreading. Some people don’t like writing back and forth, but it is still effective for many people
