ASL / Sign to Voice Practice

ASL Comprehension is an essential part of interpreting from ASL to English. As we've learned, the first "box" is always about UNDERSTANDING the message and if we don't understand then the information doesn't have a chance of making it through the process and into the Target Text.

I've compiled a few ASL text to get us started, more will come.

Suggested Exercises for Practice with the ASL Texts:

A) ASL to English interpreting practice:

Of course this may be your first thought, to practice "voicing" the texts into English - you can find tips for this exercise a little further down. But be aware that there are other useful ways to work with the ASL texts.

B) Shadow the signer

Play the video and attempt to repeat the signs, delivering it in the same manner as the original. Include signs, space, discourse markers, pauses, and facial expressions. Record your version as you do it and watch it back. Shadowing is an informative activity to understand use of language as well as determining language comprehension. What is not understood is often not "seen" and what is not seen is not shadowed.

This is also a great way to just be more aware of how language and space are used so you can apply it to your own ASL skills. If you struggle with space, shadowing the signer is a great excercise to actually FEEL the space that's being used.

C) A Paraphrasing / Consecutive Interpreting exercise:

View the entire text and then deliver an equivlent message in EITHER ASL (paraphrasing) or English (Consecutive Interpreting).

The goal is not to remember the exact words/signs of the speaker but rather to retain the meaning behind the words/signs. The target message should retain the meaning, affect and intent. Visualization and Chunking will help to remember and organize the information.

If the text is longer, you can pause after each "CHUNK" of information and paraphrase or interpret that chunk. As always remember to record your work so you can watch it and review it.

D) As a "Dual Task" exercise:

Dual task means that you occupy your brain with another activity while you watch/listen to the source text. The other task can be anything like couting to 100 in ASL, counting down from 100 in English, playing an online game, sorting playing cards into suits and in order as quickly as possible -- you can make the task more complex as you go, for example, count down from 500 by 3's. Some dual task exercises will play an English text and an ASL text at the same time while you attempt to listen and comprehend both at the same time. These are exercises to "build" your brain muscle. Dual-task exercises help develop your abilty to manage many cognitive processes at one time.

Find a location that is quiet and where you will be undisturbed. View the selection ONE TIME. While viewing the selection, simultaneously perform one of the suggested tasks or create your own.

Reminders:

You may also try to practice any of the exercises. But whatever you do, commit to it. These texts are only COLD the first time through.

Just one more note on committing to it -- Don't practice stopping when you run into something you don't understand. KEEP GOING, push through that part and keep watching until you find the message again. If you practice stopping, that is what you will do when under pressure as well. If you practice pushing through, you'll develop the skills you need to find a way to get that message out any way possible.

Practicing Interpreting ASL to English (Voicing):

You'll have a full class on this skill in the Spring whre you will go into more detail about this process. What follows are just some tips to help you get started and not form bad habits:

+ Speak in English – Not ASL Gloss

+ Voice in complete thoughts, not several half thoughts (even if it means skipping whole thoughts)

+ Study your native English – How do people talk about things? Build scripts

+ Wait for the message – you need a complete thought before you can say a complete thought

+ Tips for not getting the FINGERSPELLING. LAG time is important… “Hello, my name is Cindy…… ??.... and I’m from…..????”

+ Don’t voice like you’re on a game show, “OH! CINDY!”

+ Affect – Don’t speak in monotone – we’re so focused, we forget to sound human.

+ Don’t speak in questions (unless it’s a question) – avoid “girl talk” or “up talk”

+ Match the speaker’s register and style – how does a 6 year old talk vs. a grad student?

+ Volume – be loud and proud – even if you’re wrong. If you’re right, and we can’t hear you, you might as well be wrong.

+ Monitor your speech for “Ums” or other fillers and replacement them with taking a breath

+ Don’t be afraid to pause – just like in ASL they have meaning too (they’re not just to catch up)

+ Don’t apologize – just fix it and move on

A little tangent on the "Sorry" thing...

Women apologize more frequently than men - it doesn't mean that men don't do this as well. Everyone needs to become more aware of how you're using language because it not only takes away your power in a situation where we might need it, it takes away the power of the Deaf consumer we're representing. So if you can't do this for you, do it for them. Stop saying you're sorry all the time.

Watch these videos to get an idea of how it sounds and what is happening to the dynamic when you say it:

Sorry, Not Sorry

Amy Schumer's 'I'm Sorry' Skewers A Culture That Makes Women Apologize Constantly.mp4

Amy Schumar's humorous look at it

OK - so what do you say instead? The Pantene commercial had a few examples, here are a few more taken from an article (the full link is posted under this):

1. To demonstrate compassion and empathy.

Many people, not just women, use “sorry” as shorthand for sympathy. While it’s both virtuous and smart to express compassion for your coworkers, apologizing for the random happenings of the universe is unnecessary and avoidable.

There are other ways to demonstrate understanding and to establish trusting relationships with colleagues. Arguably, this is one of the easiest ways to remove “sorry” from our vocabulary, because there are so many great alternatives!

Instead of: “I’m sorry you were late because of terrible New York City traffic.”

Try: “How frustrating that you were late because of that awful traffic.”

2. To fill air.

Just like words such as “um,” “uh,” and “like,” “sorry” can fill empty conversational space. It might be because we are nervous or just babbling while our mouths catch up with our brains. Either way, in these cases, “sorry” loses its meaning entirely.

Instead of: “We need to … sorry ... first, get the correct data from Finance.”

Try: “We need to < Pause | Silence >, first, get the correct data from Finance.”

3. To interrupt.

Most girls are raised to be unfailingly polite at all times, especially at work. For this substitute to work, it is crucial to know your environment.

Depending on the organizational culture, the type of meeting you’re in, and the other individuals present, interrupting with an apology can lower your status, especially when others aren’t doing the same. Listen to how your coworkers preface their contributions in meetings — and avoid saying “sorry” unless they do.

Instead of: “I’m sorry to interrupt …”

Try: “Let me say/ask this...” OR “Great points, I would like to add …”

Instead of: “Sorry, do you have a minute?

Try: “Excuse/Pardon me…”

4. To keep the peace.

Most women are also taught from an early age to be warm, nurturing, and agreeable, and we sometimes use “sorry” simply to maintain social harmony. Apologies are sometimes employed to help “reset the conversation” after a confrontational, argumentative, or uncomfortable moment. However, “sorry” also represents shame and regret and can make you look weak.

Instead of: “I’m sorry, but I don’t understand this strategy switch.”

Try: “I appreciate your work on this, but I don’t understand the reasoning behind this strategy switch.”

Instead of: “I’m sorry if this is offensive…”

Try: “What I am about to say might be controversial…”

5. To say, and actually mean, sorry.

There are plenty of times when it’s appropriate to apologize at work. The key is not only to say “sorry,” but also to express why you are sorry. If you are a chronic over-apologizer, I guarantee that training yourself to include a reason will cut down on the number of times you apologize unnecessarily. A sincere apology is more effective coupled with the reason behind it.

https://www.businessinsider.com/5-things-to-say-instead-of-sorry-2015-4

OK - Back to the practicing....

Tips for Practicing on your own:

+ Monitor yourself – and while you’re practicing it’s easiest to do that by taping yourself (does it sound like English? Complete thoughts? Fillers?

+ Interpret for someone who doesn’t know sign – did they have the same reaction?

+ Find pieces that are “cold” – you’ve never seen before, and DO NOT STOP at the first sign of trouble – COMMIT and record yourself. If you practice stopping, that’s what you’ll do when you need to perform. Part of learning to voice is learning how to deal with instances where you don’t understand. Get an audio recording phone app and record yourself.

+ Use a "warm" text: If you want to practice just the process of interpreting, start with a text that you already know so that you’re not dealing with two processes.

+ Try summarizing what you just interpreted - this gest you away from processing at a word for word lexical level

+ Select a text that has a voice interpretation with it – turn it down, voice it, then go back and listen to the voice interpretation (how did you do?) – now, go right back and voice it AGAIN. Use what you learned – we steal in this business. I'll be posting more of those kinds of videos soon.

ASL TEXTS FOR PRACTICE

Decide how you want to use them BEFORE YOU START TO PLAY THEM.

COMMIT to that exercise.

RECORD YOURSELF.

SLOW them down if you need to. No shame in that. Especially while shadowing, it allows you to see more things. The menu to slow them down is under the "cog wheel" on the YouTube controls. Look for playback speed and select .75 or .50

EVEN MORE Practice Videos:

After these texts and the comprehension questions I've posted ONE more video that has about TWO HOURS of ASL Texts with Fingerspelling use in context. They show the text at regular speed and then they show it again with the Fingerspelling components slowed down so you can see them better.

Hearing People and Gestures

(1:31)

Speech Therapy

(2:26)

The Outhouse

(4:05)

Backpacking Trip

(1:15)

A Brief History of ASL

(2:12)

Honeymoon Joke

(1:01)

XYZ

(:55)

Use of Space in ASL

(5:24)

Military Deaf School

(2:07)

Christmas Traditions

4:40

Money and Marriage

ASLTA Certification

(2:57)

Communicating with Deaf People

(3:09)

Comprehension Exercise:

The following texts have questions associated with them that allow you to ASLO use these texts as a COMPREHENSION exercise (in addition to the other suggested activities):

Watch the ASL text ONE TIME and answer the comprehension questions that you will find below, as soon as you have finished viewing the text. After you have completed the questions you can go back through and find information you missed or forgot.

Remember to just watch the texts one time all the way through before looking at the comprehension questions if you want to use this as a comprehension exercise.

You may also try to practice any of the exercises. But whatever you do, commit to it. These texts are only COLD the first time through.

Family Traditions

(4:28)

Dental Hygiene

(3:41)

Kissing Customs

(4:41)

Voting

(3:53)

Here Comes Mr. Terry

(2:39)

Rise and Shine

(5:47)

Life Experience

(9:39)

Florida Vacation

(5:17)

Debate Team Experience

(6:40)

DAS Organization Structure

(4:09

Comprehension Questions:

"Family Traditions" Comprehension questions:

Comprehension questions:

1 - Where did the signer's family go on weekends?

2 - Describe where the family stayed.

3 - Identify some of the activities the family engaged in during the different seasons.

4 - What problem did the family sometimes encounter while berry picking?

5 - What did the family feed the deer? Why?

"Dental Hygiene" Comprehension questions

Comprehension questions:

1 - How much toothpaste should be used for teeth brushing?

2 - Explain appropriate brushing technique.

3 - Why is flossing important?

4 - What is an important hygiene strategy when one has a cold or flu?

5 - If undergoing chemotherapy, what is recommended regarding dental hygiene?

6 - What is appropriate dental hygine if one has had heart bypass surgery or an organ transplant?

"Kissing Customs" Comprehension questions

Comprehension Questions:

1 - What is the custom for kissing in Arab countries?

2 - How has the American handshake changed?

3 - How has climate influenced kissing customs?

4 - Describe greetings related to status in Japan.

5 - In which country is it important to inquire about a woman's marital status and in which country is it an insult?

6 - How is #5 viewed differently by Deaf and hearing Americans?

"Voting" Comprehension questions

Comprehension questions:

1- Who did the signer and the signer's childen support in the election?

2 - Why is the signer's daughter anti-Bush?

3 - What was the son's suggestion regarding voting?

4 - What is the signer's response to this suggestion?

5 - How did the signer respond when her children asked her about who she voted for?

6. Why did the signer respond in this way? (see #5)

"Here Comes Mr. Terry" Comprehension Questions

Comprehension questions:

1 - Describe Mr. Terry.

2 - Describe Mr. Terry's typical clothing attire.

3 - Why did the boys decide to play a trick on Mr. Terry?

4 - What happened to Mr. Terry as he was about to enter the dorm building?

5 - Did Mr. Terry punish the culprits? Explain.

"Rise and Shine" Comprehension Questions:

Comprehension questions:

1 - How is the speaker awakened in the morning?

2 - Why is the speaker so familiar with the various ways deaf people have used to wake up in the morning?

3 - Where does the speaker suggest one go to learn more about how old-fashioned wind up clocks work?

4 - If deaf people aren't sensitive to flashing lights, what is another option for waking them up?

5 - What do some younger deaf people use to wake themselves up in the morning?

6 - What device was invented about ten years ago that could be used as a morning alarm but also serves other functions?

7 - Describe two other functions that could be served by the device in the answer above?

"Life Experience" Comprehension Questions

Comprehension questions:

1 - Where was the signer born?

2 - What brought the signer's father from West Virginia to Texas?

3 - How many siblings does the signer have?

4 - When did the signer's parents realize that she was deaf?

5 - Why did the signer start to fall behind in school in 9th grade?

6 - What school did the signer attend starting her sophomore year of High School?

7 - What was the signer's major at NTID and what problems did the encounter this major?

8 - What co-op experiences led the signer to realize she did not like her chosen field?

9 - What summer job did the signer have after her co-op experience?

10 - Why were people shocked at the signer's wedding announcement?

11 - Describe the signer's children.

12 - What is the signer's current occupation?

"Florida Vacation" Comprehension Questions

Comprehension questions:

1 - Why does the signer's family vacation in Florida every year?

2 - Describe the family RV.

3 - How far does the family drive and where do they sleep for their first night stop?

4 - Where does the family stay in Disney World?

5 - Describe the family traditions for the first day they arrive at camp.

6 - Is the vacation week well planned? Explain.

"Debate Team Experience" Comprehension questions:

Comprehension practice:

1- Where did the signer attend college?

2 - What was the instructor's reaction to the signer joining the debate team?

3 - What was the resolution the debaters needed to address?

4 - Where did the debate tournament take place?

5 - Why were the signer and her partner not expected to win?

6 - Did the signer and her partner place in the tournament? Describe.

"DAS Organization Structure" Comprehension Questions

Comprehension questions:

1 - What services does DAS provide?

2 - Describe the role of the Professional Develoment Coordinator.

3 - How many managers report to the director of DAS?

4 - How many interpreters does a manager supervise?

5 - What is the role of the coordinator?

6 - Why is the organizational struture of DAS so complex?

But wait, there's MORE:

ASL texts with Fingerspelling

LOVE this video because they have great ASL texts you can practice with, but they also highlight Fingerspelling comprehension and help you build tempates!

They will show each situation THREE times:

1) Normal speed for you to see what you get.

2) The FS is slowed down - the rest of the text is normal speed. This allows you to see and build a template for the FS.

3) They play it AGAIN at normal speed to show you that this time through the Fingerspelling is easier for you to catch, you've successfully built a template for that word.

Building templates - what does that mean?

When we begin to read English as a child we'll have to sound out words and stop at each one to figure it out. Once we become familiar with a word we no longer have to stop for it, we've stopped just seeing the individual letters of the word and now we see the word as one unit.

As adults we don't even recognize that we're doing this when we read UNTIL we come across a word that we're unfamiliar with. Then we have that same process where we might try to sound it out or look it up so that we're more familiar with it. The next time we see it, we won't have to stop and process it again. This is called building templates. Our brain sees these words and just "knows" them now. Unique or new words will always cause us to stop and require a bit more analysis because we don't have a template built for them.

Fingerspelling also builds templates in our brains. There are words that we may already have templates for in your head, like #JOB or #BACK. When you see those words you know what they are without much thought. But because we're second language learners we have fewer templates built than a native speaker does. The more words you see spelled and understand, the more templates you build and the easier it will be to understand that word the next time you see it spelled.

Just like with English, new or unique words will always require more analysis. This is why proper names are particularly challenging for us to comprehend - it's less likely that we have templates built for these unique words.

The process that the video uses is designed to help you build templates for receptive Fingerspelling! It's magical how you'll easily see the words the 3rd time through. TRY IT!

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