FAQs

Q. Is this a course in American Sign Language?

A. You will learn standard American Sign Language signs, but instead of using ASL syntax, you will sign in English word order, a "pidgin". In this course, you will learn a contact method of signing often called Pidgin Sign English (PSE).

Q. What is a "pidgin"?

A. A "pidgin" is a mode of communication that develops naturally when two groups in close proximity use different languages. Some features of each language blend, creating a contact language. Pidgin Sign English blends features of American Sign Language and English, namely, ASL signs and English syntax. The goal of PSE is successful contact/communication between the two groups.

Q. Why learn PSE?

A. PSE takes a lot less time to learn because we need only to learn the signs, not ASL syntax. PSE is practical and useful since a great many Deaf people switch from ASL to PSE to converse with hearing persons. Many Deaf people use PSE all the time. This is understandable because about 90% of all deaf children are born to hearing parents and are accustomed to English word order.

Q. Shouldn't all people learn ASL first before learning PSE?

A. Some people think it best to learn to swim by jumping into the deep end of a pool; studying ASL first is this "sink or swim" approach. Others think it best to learn to swim by starting in the shallow end, learning the basic strokes before entering the deep water; studying PSE first is the "easy does it" approach. We should choose the learning method that best fits our learning style and the amount of time we can invest. This course is the "easy does it" approach and builds a sign vocabulary base that provides an easy transition to ASL syntax. Note that some educators who speak for the Deaf community insist that use of the "natural language of deaf children, ASL", is the most effective way to teach them English (the "easy-does-it" approach). Using the same logic, we can say that the use of the natural language of English-speaking hearing persons is more effective in teaching them ASL (the "easy-does-it" approach)? Interesting to contemplate!"

Q. Do sign language interpreters use PSE?

A. Absolutely! Sign language interpreters must be adept at both signing and reading ASL ("interpreting") and in signing and reading PSE ("transliterating").

Q. How many Deaf and hard of hearing people are there?

A. Studies have indicated that approximately 9% or 10% of the national population are "Hearing Impaired" and about 1% of that number are Deaf and use sign language.

Q. What are some practical uses for signing?

A. A person who signs can facilitate communication with Deaf customers, clients, patients, etc. Thus, employers are likely to take note when a job applicant indicates that he or she knows sign language. A person who signs can enroll in an Interpreter Training Program to become a professional sign language interpreter and go into private practice, work for a school, a hospital, a governmental agency, etc.

Q. Is there a demand for sign language interpreters?

A. Indeed there is! There has been an increasing demand for interpreters since the Americans With Disabilities Act (1990) mandated that all places of public accommodation must provide a sign language interpreter to any person who needs and/or requests one. The supply has not kept up with the demand.

Q. Why do you capitalize the term "Deaf"?

A. A deaf (small "d") person identifies with the hearing culture and communicates via speech and lip-reading. A Deaf (capital "D") person identifies with the Deaf culture and communicates by signing.