Deaf Culture 101

What is American Sign Language?

• A visual form of English

• A language that uses space and movement to express complex ideas

• A language that relies on mime to express ideas

• Language using picture-like gestures to express basic thoughts

Historically, American Sign Language is related to:

• British Sign Language

• French Sign Language

• Spanish Sign Language

• German Sign Language

American Sign Language is used by most Deaf people in which of the following countries:

• Canada and the US

• Great Britain and the US

• Mexico and the US

• Australia and the US

ASL is traditionally handed down from generation to generation through what means?

• Hearing adults in the community and sign language teachers

• classroom teachers and Deaf family members

• Deaf family members and Residential schools for the Deaf

• Deaf education books and Residential schools for the Deaf

The role of facial expressions, head movements, and eye gaze in ASL is primarily:

• grammatical

• emotive

• stylistic

• unnecessary

While watching another person sign, it is appropriate to focus on the signer's:

• hands

• face

• chest area

• just above the forehead

To get the attention of a Deaf person who is looking the other way, you should:

• yell as loud as you can

• tap them on the shoulder

• wave in their face

• move around to stand directly in front of them

All of the following are valued by the Deaf community EXCEPT:

• For the community to govern their own affairs

• Restoring one’s hearing & the ability to speak well

• to be independent and self-reliant

• To have a sense of social obligation and duty to the group/community

It's rude in Deaf culture to watch a signed conversation.

• True

• False

It's rude in Deaf culture to talk in the presence of Deaf people without acknowledging them.

• True

• False