Answers to Frequently Asked Questions by ASL Students

I’m part of several social media groups about American Sign Language (ASL) and I frequently see the same questions pop up over and over again.

So, let me answer a few of them:

If I see someone signing, should I ask if they’re Deaf?

Not really, not all who can sign have a hearing loss.

Some may have speech difficulties or are autistic, others may not identify as Deaf but deaf or hard of hearing, lastly it may just be two hearing people that know sign language having a conversation.

Instead you can ask “You know sign?”

Is it OK to ask if they prefer ASL, PSE or SEE?

That’s like asking a Hearing person if they prefer American, Canadian, British, or Australian English.

Don’t worry you’ll pick up on it during your conversation and adjust your signing style to match.

Do understand though, some interpreters do ask their Deaf clients this question to better match their clients communication style on the job.

Is it rude to watch a signed conversation?

Many Deaf know that signing in public is “fair game” and there’s no real privacy (except dragging someone to the bathroom or a corner for privacy).

At the same time, it is rude to “stare”, especially if you don’t know who the Deaf people are. You can just wave and say “I know sign”, and then the Deaf people can decide if it’s welcome to watch or not.

I’m afraid of asking a stupid question or looking stupid when I struggle to sign, what can I do?

First thing you need to do is relax.

We Deaf get that you’re just learning and many of us are appreciative that you want to communicate in our language. We’re all newbies at something at one time or another. Many Deaf are happy and willing to help you learn and gently correct a sign.

As for questions, don’t worry, you’re probably aren’t the first person to ask it (nor will be the last).

Understand though there are different situations suitable for "sign practice" and some that are not. Events that are "ASL-friendly" such as Deaf Coffee Chats, Silent Dinners (at local malls), and ASL Clubs at local agencies and colleges are suitable for students to practice around. Events that are "Deaf-friendly" such as Conventions, Club Meetings, and other events hosted by Deaf people are not ideal to practice your new signing there. You are welcome but take a back seat and only observe.

Granted there will be some Deaf people who are tired of new signers and will not interact with you, but just take it with a grain of salt and move on, (It’s not you, it’s them - there's too many layers to explain here).

Sometimes there are many different signs for one word! How do I know which one is right?

There are many reasons for the different signs. Here are a few reasons:

• Regional signs - A sign in California might be different from one used in New York.
• Generational signs - Older Deaf may use a different sign than the Millennials.
• Initialized vs. Non-initialized - Some Deaf signers are moving away from initialized signs.
• Adopted Signs - Some Deaf have adopted signs from other Signed Languages to use instead of the American version.

A rule of thumb to know which sign to use:

• If you’re in an ASL class, use your teacher’s version because it’s for a grade
• Use the regional sign that the local Deaf community uses
• Use the one that is seen frequently (on websites, YouTube, sign language dictionaries, etc..)

How long will it take to be fluent in ASL?

First, your learning won't end after ASL 4 or whatever is the highest course level your college or university offers.

Short answer - years. You've only really begun learning.

Let's break down the vocabulary levels shall we? College ASL Classes Levels 1 - 3 is usually focused on vocabulary building and ASL Level 4 usually is focused on improving signing skills.

After Level 3, the average student has about 1,500 signs in their repertoire (give or take a few hundred). Compare that with the spoken vocabulary of an average 8-year old child – 10,000 words.

So yeah, you have a long way to go.

(Here's a secret - regular signing interaction with the Deaf community can speed that up).

I finished my Interpreting program, but I'm not certified yet - where can I work?

You may have finished an interpreting program, but I (and many Deaf people) can assure you that you're not totally ready to jump in and interpret anywhere yet.

Unless your interpreting program required an extensive internship program where you shadowed a certified interpreter and learned the ropes on the job under supervision - I suggest this is where you start. Find an interpreter mentor and shadow them for weeks, if not months.

The second option will be to work for an agency serving the Deaf community but not in an interpreting capacity. Build up your vocabulary and signing skills, maybe even interpret a few office sessions that are casual and not complex like medical and legal topics.

After certification, continue to learn and get more certifications and educational skills. Saying "I've been signing for 30 years" is not good enough when you don't know the current trends.

But please do not accept assignments you are not qualified for - too many Deaf clients have been subjected to interpreters who were in over their heads and it costed them not you. Do not mess with Deaf people's access to clear communication.

Final Thoughts

American Sign Language is still relatively new (200 years or so), and is a fluid, changing, adapting language to meet changing times and concepts. You as a student (and interpreter), needs to change along with it and not try to control its access, or control the Deaf community (usually done by criticizing a Deaf signer's choice of sign).

Decide to be an Ally and not a Savior to the Deaf community and you'll go a long way.

If you have any further questions - leave a comment on one of my social media platforms and I'll be happy to help.