- Los Angeles Unified School District
- World Languages and Cultures
American Sign Language (ASL)
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Resources for American Sign Language (ASL)
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American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language used predominantly in the United States and in English-speaking parts of Canada. ASL is accepted by many high schools, colleges, and universities across the United States (including LAUSD, the University of California and the California State University) in fulfillment of world language/language other than English academic requirements.
With signing, the brain processes linguistic information through the eyes. The shape, placement, and movement of the hands, as well as facial expressions and body movements, all play important parts in conveying information.Sign language is not a universal language -- each country has its own sign language, and regions have dialects, much like the many languages spoken all over the world. Like any spoken language, ASL is a language with its own unique rules of grammar and syntax. Like all languages, ASL is a living language that grows and changes over time.Source: National Association for the Deaf, http://www.nad.org/issues/american-sign-language/what-is-asl
Why Learn ASL?
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The study of ASL and deaf culture reaps many benefits. Here are just a few of the reasons to learn ASL.
- ASL is the fourth most used language in the United States, and its use in the U.S. dates back to over 200 years.
- Learners develop an understanding and appreciation of, and gain unique access to, the Deaf Community and Deaf Culture not only in the United States but also in anglophone parts of Canada.
- ASL is recognized by the University of California and the California State University as a way to fulfill the world languages admissions "a-g" requirement.
- There are many employment and career opportunities for ASL interpreters/translators as well as opportunities for advanced studies and research.
References:https://www.byui.edu/associations/aslhttp://www.jobjournal.com/article_full_text.asp?artid=955http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/careers2.htmhttp://www.ncaslta.org/asl-as-foreign-language-fact-sheet-sherman-wilcox.html - ASL is the fourth most used language in the United States, and its use in the U.S. dates back to over 200 years.
LAUSD American Sign Language Course Descriptions
ASL Professional and Learning Organizations
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American Sign Language Honor Society
Since its inception in 2006, the American Sign Language Honor Society (ASLHS) has become a valued addition to the field of ASL education. Its primary mission is to encourage and recognize high academic achievement in ASL studies for high school and college/university students. Like honor societies for other languages, the ASLHS seeks to enrich the overall learning experience of those studying ASL. -
American Sign Language Teachers Association
ASLTA is the national professional organization of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies teachers. It's mission is to perpetuate, preserve, and promote ASL and Deaf Culture through excellence in teaching. This includes ASL as a heritage or first language, as a second language, and as part of Deaf Studies. -
National Association for the Deaf
The National Association for the Deaf is the nation's premier civil rights organization of, by and for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America. Established in 1880, the NAD was shaped by deaf leaders who believed in the right of the American deaf community to use sign language, to congregate on issues important to them, and to have its interests represented at the national level. These beliefs remain true to this day, with American Sign Language as a core value.
Resources for Teachers and Learners of ASL
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CAL Resource Guide - ASL
Compiled by Bronwyn Coltrane, Center for Applied LinguisticsThe purpose of this Resource Guide is to provide resources and information on ASL to those who are interested in learning it, would like to learn more about the language, or are already involved in ASL education either as a teacher or a student. -
Deaf West Theatre, Los Angeles
Deaf West Theatre, Inc., was founded in 1991 to directly improve and enrich the cultural lives of deaf and hard of hearing individuals who live in the Los Angeles area. Deaf West Theatre consistently sets the standard of innovation for inclusive theatrical experiences of the highest quality for deaf and hearing audiences. Productions feature deaf and hearing actors working together to tell stories in a seamless ballet of movement, American Sign Language and spoken - or sung - English.
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Standards for Learning American Sign Language: A Project of the ASLTA
National standards, published on June 2013. See "The Standards for Learning ASL in the 21st Century", beginning on page 10 of the document.
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World Language Content Standards for California Public Schools
Published 2009. Includes ASL.