TED: The enchanting music of sign language | Christine Sun Kim

The video explores the relationship between sound, art, and American Sign Language (ASL). It begins with an explanation of playing softly in music and the concept of silence. The speaker shares the history of ASL and their personal experience as a Deaf person in a sound-centric world. They discuss sound etiquette and how they perceive sound through others' reactions. The integration of sound into art is explored, highlighting its empowering potential. The similarities between music and ASL are examined, emphasizing their spatial and inflected nature. The video concludes with a demonstration of signs in International Sign and ASL, inviting viewers to appreciate ASL's cultural richness.

What does a single 'p' in a musical score indicate?

• Play loudly

• Play softly

• Play quickly

• Play slowly

How did American Sign Language (ASL) evolve?

• It was created in the 1900s in America.

• It evolved from French sign language mixed with local signs.

• It was developed by a single individual.

• It originated from British sign language.

What realization did the speaker have about sound in their life?

• Sound was only relevant in music.

• Sound was irrelevant to their art.

• Sound was a significant part of their life.

• Sound was not important at all.

What did the speaker decide to do with sound in their art practice?

• Reclaim ownership and integrate it

• Avoid it due to its complexity

• Use it only in music

• Ignore it completely

How does the speaker describe sound in terms of social currency?

• Sound has no impact on social status.

• Sound is irrelevant to social interactions.

• Sound is only important in music.

• Sound is like money, power, and control.

What metaphor does the speaker use to explain ASL?

• A piano

• A violin

• A drum

• A guitar

How is ASL different from English according to the speaker?

• ASL uses only facial expressions.

• ASL is simpler than English.

• ASL is more like a chord, using multiple parameters simultaneously.

• ASL is linear like English.

What does the speaker suggest about learning ASL and music?

• Anyone can learn both ASL and music.

• Only hearing people should learn music.

• ASL is only for those who cannot hear.

• Only Deaf people should learn ASL.

What is the significance of the 'flash claw' in ASL?

• It represents a musical note.

• It is a hand shape used to express concepts.

• It is a tool for drawing.

• It is a type of dance move.

What is the speaker's view on ASL's place in society?

• ASL should remain a niche language.

• ASL should develop its own form of social currency.

• ASL should be replaced by spoken languages.

• ASL is not important in modern society.