Developed by Mark Halley

Competencies Addressed:  ASL semantics

Time Required for Activity: 15 mins

Objective: To identify the ASL semantics of three signs and how they might influence interpreting work.

In this video, Dr. Byron Bridges discusses three ‘wrong’ ASL signs. He urges adults who work with deaf children to help ensure children do not use these signs.

Prediction

You will watch a video in which Dr. Byron Bridges discusses three ‘wrong’ ASL signs and explains why they are semantically inappropriate. Dr. Bridges also urges adults to ensure deaf children do not use these signs. Why might Dr. Bridges feel this way?

Watch the Video

Watch the video and note the signs Dr. Bridges discusses, why they are ‘wrong,’ and his rationale for helping deaf children not to use these signs.

Check Your Work

Compare what you noted in the video to the following.  Click on links to see the excerpt from the video that goes along with the rationale.

Watch the Video Again

Now that you have seen the video watch it one more time. Dr. Bridges suggested that adults such as teachers should ensure deaf children should not use these ‘wrong’ signs. Reflect on the following questions:

  • Would it be appropriate for you to correct a deaf child’s signing if you worked as an educational interpreter?
  • How might you do so?
  • Finally, if a deaf person used these signs, how might you interpret them into English?
  • For example, if a deaf adult responded to a joke by signing fs-LOL, what options would you consider when interpreting this response?