American Sign Language Theories for Practice

GOALS: To impart theoretical knowledge about ASL linguistic structures, Deaf Culture, and learning ASL as a second language to students of ASL. To enhance the language learning process for students of ASL. To design a text students can use independently; or, that teachers can use for ASL courses. To aid students of ASL in acquiring a bi-cultural attitude towards ASL and the Deaf community. STRUCTURE: Part 1: The pitfalls encountered when learning ASL as a second language. Part 2: Language differences between English and ASL. Part 3: Comparisons between ASL and English linguistic structures Part 4: Sociolinguistic differences between American Deaf/Hearing communities ALSO INCLUDED: Topics for Further Study, Language Activities, and Resources for Further Reference