What's 'foreign' about sign language?

A recent commentary by conservative radio host, Dom Giordano in response to the New York Tine article has many of us Deafies fuming! He basically states there is nothing "foreign about sign language." First of all, at least address the issue correctly and use ASL, because there are many different sign languages all over the world. So in a way, depending on which sign language you're referring to, may be foreign. And hello, we never claimed it was a foreign language but rather A language. That ASL developed with French influence and later Martha's Vineyard as well as numerous Deaf schools all over the country. He obviously is unaware but the A in ASL stands for American Sign Language.

Another area that shows Mr. Giordano clearly didn't do his homework. Had he, he would've realized that Higher Education has already rectify the misleading subject title Foreign Languages to Modern Languages. Which means languages used in the modern day world and numerous of them are used here in the United States every day! The term Foreign language is antiquated as apparently he is too with his backward approach to ASL. The beauty of living in this country, is the right to chose which language(s) you want to speak/use at any given time. That millions upon millions who immigrated to this country in the past or present still use their native or preferred language at home and among peers.

Now the next part that he tries to dismantle ASL credibility is with his attack on Deaf Culture and the validity of it. He basically insinuates we are deluding ourselves from our assigned handicaps by mainstream society. He then ask if other "should people who are blind and paralyzed be pushing for their own culture?" Uh they already have as I know there is a lingo speak and shared culture among many paraplegics rugby players as evident in the movie Murderball. In this film, the players share parts of their lives that no one else (able bodied) could understand completely. They tear down the veil of pity that most people want to impart on them. As for the Blind community, I came across this site which I do not think Mr. Giordano if he ever reads it, would still argue that everyone in America lives this way or that American Blind people live the same everyday lives as the rest of America does. And having been active in the Deaf-blind world, I know they too have a culture that could be seen as an extension of both Deaf culture and Blind culture or a culture in their own rights depending on who you ask.

Mr. Giordano, a culture can often arise within a group of people who share similarities due to oppression/discrimination they've experienced. These prejudices are often based on physical characteristics or belief systems that perhaps the majority does not know about or share. Its not limited to geography or what food is eaten which are in some ways superficial as all human beings originated from the same place. Your statement "What harmful nonsense [in response to Deaf people reference to cultural genocide]. The drive to aid people to overcome handicap is not an attempt to demean them, but to enable them to have and fuller life." Our language, culture and history is not nonsense. We don't personally feel that our lives are less than because we are Deaf. But rather our culture encourages to focus on what we can do. I can't speak for the others, paraplegics, blinds or whoever else is labeled "handicap."

Mr. Giordano, I earned my Masters in ASL from the Teacher's College, Columbia University who I doubt share your views on 'sign language.' My Master studies included both linguistic knowledge and teaching methods. Both legitimate subjects in the real world we share. In addition, I have been teaching ASL professionally for the past 6 years including undergrads for the recent 4 out of 6 years. These students take my ASL course at higher institutions, not the local Y to meet their modern language requirements. And not everyone earns an easy A and does well in my class. My curriculum is 3 parts, ASL the language, ASL linguistic properties and Deaf culture knowledge. I strive to take away the stereotype that ASL is a hobby, that ASL is broken English or that ASL is all gesture and easy to acquire. Also many of my students have told me they feel ASL will be useful in their chosen field because honestly, you never know when you'll run into a ASL user recreationally or professionally. Some have had Deaf family members or socialize or work with a Deaf individuals. Others are encouraged or modify their future plans to be aware and inclusive towards the Deaf community. To me learning ASL wouldn't be any different than learning a language for heritage reasons or your chosen profession will take you abroad. And what about students who choose to become Teachers? Doctors? Lawyers? you don't think they won't ever cross path with a Deaf individual?

Every since Blondie sent me Mr. Giordano's article, I have been ticked off. It only perpetuates the already existing ignorance on what being Deaf is all about. I was glad to see Queen Alpo already wrote a response to this hurtful and bias article. Funny I don't write every day about Deaf politics and believe me there's plenty. But this particular case, I had to stand up for myself and for my peers.

Lastly in the words of a famous sport's writer Ford Frick "Hear only the things you should hear - be deaf to others." So I ask you readers out in cyberland, please do me a favor and turn a deaf ear to Mr. Giordano. I gaurentee, the silence will be golden.