For most Deaf people, American Sign Language (ASL) is a means of communicating with others. But the person whom we might call the Jabberbox uses English words or Signed English to block communication. He hides behind a smoke screen of English words OR Signed English that are not necessary in ASL.
Not only does this Jabberbox get more attention while everyone, Deaf and hearing alike, is trying to figure out what is that he is saying, but he also keeps others from finding out what he is really like. By using only English words that are trivial or commonplace, he keeps from revealing his thoughts, opinions, ot fears in more important matters.
His blogs and vlogs are short and boring. He uses Signed English where ASL would be better. He speaks "This is about ASL" but he signs "THIS" seven times and "ABOUT" three times. It is like to say, "This this this this this this this is about about about ASL."
Apparently, Jabberbox thinks he will make a big impression with Engish words or Signed English. He should learn that Signed English is deadwood, and ASL is better only if it is being translated into spoken English. If he cuts out the deadwood and cuts down the English words, we might discover that he has something worthwhile to say.
This this this this this is is is how I I I I think think think about about J-A-B-B-E-R-B-O-X.
;)
Friday, July 04, 2008
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3 comments:
I don't doubt for a second that ASL is a lot quicker than English words or Signed English. And we should use ASL whenever we can. We should exercise our English skills for those who do not know our language.
Mind you, when it comes down to governing an entity whether it be government of a nation or government of a small movement it becomes necessary for written laws. Laws are full of eternal words. Without it, there will be civil disobeience because there would be nothing in written necessary to enforce accountability.
If it was not for written English words then you and I would not be able to participate in a blog or vlog because there would be no such thing as internet and email... thus no such thing as VP. Code programmers rely on english words to develop all imaginable technologies and softwares, which we enjoy today.
There would be no such thing as Universitiesy or academic institutions. There would be no such thing as 'deaf' term for us to use. English words is a patterned or coded language that lends itself universally. Without it, you and I would not be here having discussions because all the technologies would not be available. Gallaudet University would not exist either and many of us would not have the education we have today. Lets' pay our respect where it is due.
Next time we look at a jabberbox, remember this and reflect on what they created through the years. But that does not mean it should belittle ASL and the beauty of our language.
Ladies and gentlemen, pray that you repeat 'pat' 27 (yes, twenty-seven) times. It will loose its significance. In ASL, repeating 'this' several times is more often than not in danger of loosing meanings and purposes. We need to describe any jabberbox so we can talk about our life, language and leisure. We need to tell stories about ourselves.
;)
Carl, I read and do not understand. Can you help me to use your ASL that I can get to understand. I dislike for not understand because it must be something that I can get to learn. Thanks!
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