An Introduction to American Sign Language

Description: This workshop is primarily intended for those individuals who have a desire to learn some basic information regarding American Sign Language (ASL). The workshop will have 2 foci: first to understand a little of the history/theory of ASL, and second to learn some basic signs.

In the first part of the presentation, participants will be exposed to some of the basic linguistic theories that apply to American Sign Language (ASL). Ideas of what makes a sign, and what linguistic rules govern how a sign is made will be presented. Participants will also learn a brief history of how ASL came about in The United States and what challenges ASL is facing in a time of globalization.

During the second part of the presentation, participants will be exposed to a typical sign class, that is, a class taught completely in silence and using only ASL, gestures, and some writing. Students will be taught the manual alphabet, numbers, and some signs intended for basic communication.

Carlos Budding began learning ASL at the age of 16. Prior to becoming a teacher, he was a Sign Language Interpreter working primarily in the educational setting for almost 10 years. Carlos earned two Master's Degrees, one in Linguistics from Gallaudet University, and the other in Education from George Mason University. As a teacher, he taught ESOL to deaf and hearing students in the US, and he was also an adjunct instructor at George Mason University teaching assessment for language teachers. Currently, he is a lecturer working at Akita International University where, aside from teaching English to highly motivated and intelligent students, he also co-teaches in a club teaching both ASL and Japanese Sign Language (JSL).

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Contact Akita JALT Chapter:

URL: http://www.edinet.ne.jp/~takeshis/jalt.htm

Suzuki Takeshi:

takeshis@mail.edinet.ne.jp

Phone: Home: 0184-22-1562 Office: 0184-22-1562

Upcoming Events for Akita JALT Chapter:

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

What Language Should We Be Using In Our Classrooms?

Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: Akita

Other Past Events (Archive) for Akita JALT Chapter