Use the American Sign Language vocabulary that you have already learned in class and participate in local Deaf community events.  These events are a great way to practice and build your conversational skills, comprehension skills, and experience a glimpse into the Deaf culture.  When learning any language, it can be intimidating to communicate with native speakers/signers.  It is very normal to feel anxious and make mistakes when you are using a new language.  Be encouraged to overcome your fears and stretch yourself.  Step out of your comfort zone and know that it is all right to make communicative errors.  Look at this as an opportunity to learn from the Deaf in your community.  Even fluent, native speakers/signers make mistakes.

It is very important to remember that these events are not school-sponsored activities.  You are responsible for making sure your parents or guardian are aware of your attendance at the events.  You should never attend any of these events alone.  At some of the events, such as Deaf community gatherings at coffee shops or restaurants, it is common courtesy to order something to encourage the establishment to continue to support Deaf community gatherings.  While attending Deaf community events, your behavior should represent your school and family well.

While you are at a Deaf community event, please show respect to the Deaf individuals you are around and refrain from having any spoken conversation in English with other hearing people.  Use this as a time to only sign what you are thinking and wanting to communicate with the people around you.  This is a time to take advantage of the opportunity that is in front of you and immerse yourself in American Sign Language.

Basic information to know when attending your first Deaf community event:

• Never go alone.  Always go with a friend or family member.

• Since the Deaf community is small, it is normal for strangers to walk up to each other and start social conversations using ASL.

• Don’t just stare at and watch people.  

• Interact with the people around you in ASL.  Be respectful and do NOT talk.  Talking at a Deaf Event is considered very rude in the Deaf Community.

• Introduce yourself by giving your name and inform them that you are hearing.

• Explain that you are learning American Sign Language.

• Share your hobbies and things that you like to do.

• If you are having difficulty communicating with a deaf person, remember you can resort to writing if all else fails.

Please choose to go to at least one Deaf community event per semester to address your Culture Standard for ASL.  After attending a Deaf community event, type a 250-word paper about your experience.

• If you are unable to attend a Deaf community event please see Mrs. Luther.  She will give you a different assignment to complete in lieu of a community event.

This is a great opportunity for you to use the language to investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the culture you are studying in class.

Events will be posted as they come up so please make sure to check back for new events happening in the Portland metro area.