I wonder how ASL can be taught to hearing people from an early age. the problem is that language exposure other than English is a big problem in U.S. schools. How often do our kids learn Russian? or Japanese? or Chinese? what about so many languages we don’t have the opportunity to learn? the problem is that mainstream schools often don’t expose their kids to languages other than french and spanish, if that. it’s a big problem internationally, for when it comes time to negotiate, discuss, and even to understand or empathize with international people. U.S. is english-centric. and we are a bit snobby. (smile)

ASL of course is rare in schools, although some colleges and high schools are now recognizing it as its own language and are teaching it. But we also have to think of when is a good time to be exposed? As a child right? What is the learning curve? Doesn’t it get harder to learn another language as you get older? Well, sure it does. Our brains get set in their ways. It’s hard for a hearing individual, even young in their early 20s to learn a langauge like ASL and become fluent in it. Constant exposure and immersion in the community helps–but again, deaf people, and fluent signers will have to be patient. they have to teach, educate, be tolerant and open. especially, if they want knowledge of ASL to flourish.

So there must be reasonable expectations. There must be a bridge. Do you want qualified people to work with deaf people, deaf children? YES! Qualifications include both signing and knowledge in that field. We want the best. But to allow for qualified people in that field, perhaps we should be reasonable in our expectations.

For example: when you goes visiting France, do you think the French people required you, an English language user/speaker, to communicate in French all the times just because you’re in France?

Do check it out while you can.

Several years ago, I walked in this deaf school with signs posted everywhere by my cousin, insisting that everyone sign ALL THE TIMES. To my dismay, I saw two teachers chatting vocally by the evelator with small children in their supervision. I couldn’t resist it and pointed to one of the signs nearby to them. They made excuses for not signing. Just unbelievable.

I think Gallaudet’s mission needs to be adopted everywhere once the university acts as a model. ASL needs to be standardized like how English is everywhere.