I agree in some aspects. I have noticed that a lot of people have been teaching wrong signs and I would say that they should be absolutely positive that they are fluent in what they are teaching. But if you ask any good teacher they will tell you that you learn better and retain information better if you teach and explain to someone else. This has been proven over and over again. It is a different part of the brain working when you teach than when you are being instructed. However, I do agree
@maarango1 I consider myself a "good teacher." I agree that having students help each other is a good way to retain and reinforce the material learned. However, student interactions are a HUGE difference from these students creating "teaching" videos. That's not even in the same ball park. Very much an apples and oranges comparison. These students I'm referring to are those who are saying (in effect) "Hey world! Look at me! You can learn ASL from me because it is so simple and easy." Not true.
@BYUFanatic Absolutely. I understand where you are coming from and I agree. I haven't watched a large amount of these teaching videos. I've only seen a few as well as peoples response to the incorrect signing, so I have a much less credible perspective than someone who has the experience that you do.
I get your point but I think it's important that you also realize even being an ASL teacher that that doesn't always make you qualified. It makes you more qualified than a student but honestly I have seen kids come into our college from others with hearing ASL teachers and their signing stinks but it's what they've been taught from people with degrees and certificates. I am a student and wil have ASL videos online to teach ASL to my relatives because my daughter is deaf.
@berrydirl I'm very aware that there are ASL teachers who could definitely improve their skills. However, the majority of ASL teachers that are certified had to go through a rigorous testing process to ensure their skills and expertise. And while not all ASL teachers are certified, I can guarantee you that there are no ASL students who are certified to teach. If you want to teach your relatives, good for you. My video is directed at students who think they can teach the world in general.
Hello, again. I've tried to register at your website. The instructions specifically say not to register twice. I made an error while registering...wrong country. I also think, I was in the wrong link. I was not in "everyone else". Did not see such a link. I emailed you but have not received an answer. Is that website still active? I am looking for intermediate info and education concerning the syntax, grammar, idioms, etc. Can you help me?
@MsBrenda9995 I just posted the above comment and realized I didn't fully explain what I was looking for. I AM a beginner signer who has had many classes that focused on a word list and very little on sentence structure. I had hoped to learn from the Deaf themselves, but they seem very hesitant to accept hearing people into their community.
@MsBrenda9995 Unfortunately, there are those out there who don't know how to properly teach a language and will focus on word lists without grammar. Probably because they might not be very strong on grammar themselves, or simply don't know how to teach it properly. My website focus on teaching grammar WITH signs. You can't have one without the other. So feel free to check out my website.
My problem is this is my only resorce... :*( i want to talk to my deaf friends w/out interpritation... but i dont know their grammer, i sign the wrong sign, and just get nervous... :(
ASL belongs to the Deaf. If you are not going to learn it right, then why bother learning? It will not do anybody any good. Take advice from the Deaf people, its their language.
@vr4jay I believe that many school aged students take it because they think it's easier than French or Spanish and I believe adults take it because it's "beautiful". Many have no concept of what's involved and do not have deaf people in their lives at all.
This is a very good point, and concerns me to. I am hearing. It bothers me that so many people are learning the wrong information, and most do not bother to learn the Culture. I think that is rude to the Deaf Community. I want to be apart of the Deaf Community so bad, but I do not feel my ASL is strong enough to even attempt it.
Thank you for posting this video. Its a great point and I hope other people understand it.
I would love to be able to have a real teacher teach me but I don't have the money. Maybe some day I can go to real class but for the time being I will have to settle for picking up things off instructional videos.
@mistyfog24 Feel free to check out my website. I specifically created it to be as affordable to as many people as possible. As for "instructional" videos on YouTube... I'd advise against it.
@brandoncook55 No offense was taken, so no worries. *smile* I can understand your financial situation. That's exactly why I offer my online lessons for so incredibly cheap - to make it affordable to as many people as possible. Taking the exact same lessons from me in a classroom would cost thousands of dollars if you were my college student. But my online students get a set of lessons for the cost of a fast food meal. Good luck with learning ASL!
@kute1livn4jc SEE is the acronym for Signing Exact English. This is where signs are borrowed from ASL, modified, and used with English grammar structure. Think of it as a manual form of English. ASL and English are completely different languages.
i have always been interested in learning ASL, and have been learning from the Pastor of the Deaf for my church. There have been words that i have been signing incorrectly my whole life that she taught me the correct signs for in a matter of minutes. people tell me that i am a fast learner, tho.
You are so correct. There is a woman in my ASL class who teaches ASL at some school. She isn't that skilled in her signing, and she is teaching PSE or SEE, not ASL. The Deaf Culture is so rich, so interesting that teaching the random sign on YT is doing this wonderful language/culture a disservice.
@PecanSandees23 It's sad really. As you stated, the language and culture are so rich and so beautiful. Yet for these "teachers" who make it seem like nothing more than a cutsey, semi-language, they are really causing people to miss out on how beautiful the language really is.
As I watched your 6 minute and 43 second dissertation as to why ASL students shouldn't be "teaching" others the new language they are being exposed to, I thought to myself "is this educator serious?"! We learn everyday! From our children, students, colleagues and strangers. Connecting, sharing and learning should be encourage to ALL and quite honestly... I would encourage my ASL students to do just that... TEACH... after all 96% of what we learn is through what we TEACH!
@dmv1804 I could offer several counter-points. Instead, I'll simply ask you two questions: 1- How is "teaching" incorrect information to others in an unsupervised manner considered a good thing? 2- If you saw others creating "formal" educational videos to "teach" incorrect information to unsuspecting individuals, would you seriously encourage that kind of widespread and active propagation of misinformation?
I agree with your point, but I don't think it comes across well for those who aren't Deaf or haven't been exposed to Deaf culture. Too many people believe that the way babies learn to sign is the way everyone should learn. So they see a show that has vocabulary for infants, and then try to make one for adults. And that's not how it works.
I've been trying to learn ASL for about 15 years, and I want to be a teacher. I can only hope I'm half as good as a native signer when I finally start.
@slanderouslibel That's exactly what part of the problem is - many people are only exposed to signs as a form of "baby talk." They don't realize that ASL is much more than just a bunch of iconic signs and that it is a rich, complex language just like any spoken language. So for someone who has only taken a class or two to create "teaching videos" all they're doing is adding to that misconception.
Saw this video a while back and loved it, and came across it again and STILL love it. I'm glad you put something out there for those to see, as ASL is your native language! If I see one more "Learn Food Words in ASL" video on YouTube, I might die. Just saying.
I believe I would support this more if these students were claiming to be sign language teachers, or if they were charging for services that they weren't qualified to perform. Most of the videos I have seen are short clips made because the student was excited or having fun. No need to discourage a potential future colleague. I think the majority of the population realizes that a short clip on Youtube isn't necessarily a credible resource for ANY information & certainly can't create experts.
@SignLanguageLaura I think he is more worried about errors and misconceptions being spread and becoming the "majority" over the TRUE ASL. Most people who are interested, don't know the difference between SEE, ASL, SimCom, etc. and to spread information that is false is not a good thing. Let's leave it up to those whom use ASL as their native language to teach the rest of us! :) After all, they know best!
@allyballybabe I've enjoyed some of your youtube posts, by the way.
Obviously no one is going to learn a language or culture on youtube. I still think we should encourage those students to keep learning and give feedback in a postitive but helpful way. If it sparks interest enough for people to invest in actually learning the language later, great. We need to remember the RID code of ethics and show respect to sign students and consumers. Most consumers know that the posts are by amateurs.
@SignLanguageLaura I strongly disagree - showing respect to a student who is pretending to be qualified to teach ASL is not part of the RID Code of Ethics and never has been. In fact, the Code of Ethics specifically states that interpreters must be certified and qualified and should NEVER attempt to interpret without proper qualifications. But then, not sure why you're bringing up the RID when that applies to interpreters and has nothing to do with teaching.
@allyballybabe true but there aren't many out there. Of course they know best but lets face it... ASL is not being taught in all schools by Deaf teachers. These teachers are hearing and are trying to hold true to the culture and give students an understanding of the language. To stifle someones curiosity in learning a language where more and more deaf students are being mainstreamed is ludicris and only continues to segregate! Encourage, share and learn!
@dmv1804 There's a huge difference between encouraging and sharing, and pretending to be a "ambassador/liaison." There's also a big difference between those creating videos purely for entertainment, and those making "formal" educational videos. No one is stifling anyone's curiosity. What the complaint is about is simply this - STOP SPREADING MISINFORMATION. STOP CREATING MISCONCEPTIONS. And that's my public service announcement for the day...
@dmv1804 I'm not referring to videos made by hearing ASL teachers. I'm referring to ASL students specifically creating "teaching videos." Share and learn? Why not "favorite" some GOOD videos made by ACCURATE signers rather than creating inaccurate videos that only spread misconceptions and misinformation. How is sharing WRONG information a good thing???
@SignLanguageLaura Obviously you're not aware that there ARE students on YouTube creating "formal" videos claiming that ASL is super-easy to learn and then proceed to take on the role of "teacher" to create extremely limited an often inaccurate videos that do more harm than good due to the huge amount of misperceptions they create with their videos. If they truly respect the language and culture, they'd be sharing accurate sources rather than pretending to be an accurate source.
@BYUFanatic Deaf people appreciate any effort. It's not like these people hope to be fluent by using some SEE youtube. Most hearing people start out getting it wrong. Unless you live in the Deaf culture, I'm tired of you. I have lived it. I know that Deaf people would rather some goofy kid with a few conversational signs as a feeble attempt at bridging a communication gap than "Can You Read Lips?"
@SignLanguageLaura Obviously you are NOT getting it. I'm not against anyone wanting to learn ASL. I am against students who have only taken a couple of classes pretending to be experts in ASL (and yes, there are videos out there like that). As a Deaf person I, and MANY other Deaf, do NOT appreciate students pretending to be experts on our language and do not appreciate them spreading misinformation about my language. Want to learn REAL ASL, take a class or hang out with the local Deaf community.
@SignLanguageLaura Based on your lack of responses, I'm guessing that you're a hearing ASL student who thinks that because she has hung out with some Deaf people and has taken a few ASL classes that you know more about my culture and language than I do? We Deafies are not "second class" who are so desperately grateful any time a hearing person learns a few rudimentary signs (especially when they learn them wrong) just so that they'll say "hi" to us. You need to lose that attitude real quick.
@BYUFanatic How do I become friends with people in Deaf community. I do go to their gatherings, and they are polite and willing to chat until they discover that my signing shows them I'm not of their community. I tried a church with Deaf Ministry and that was no better. There was only 2 deaf, both raised in non-signing homes, sent to schools that taught them "english" and they insist on using that with the hearing, but yet they use ASL with other Deaf.
@MsBrenda9995 Hi! It varies from community to community. Many Deaf are generally accepting of those interested in being involved with the Deaf culture. But it takes time to earn their trust. Going to their activities/events and being involved with things that are important to them are ways to become friends. We are used to hearing people not really using/understanding ASL, so out of habit will sign differently around hearing than we will when we're with Deaf. Keep trying and don't give up! :)
@SignLanguageLaura Ok, I'm probably 2 months too late to comment, but I must. It is obvious to me that yes, SLLaura is correct in saying that the deaf/Deaf easily accept the high schoolers (goofy, really??), but it's not so with the adults. They are leary of, even impatient with signing adults if they are not proficient at ASL Distrustful? I struggle with memory issues, causing me to stammer and struggle. Even hearing people show impatience with me.
@SignLanguageLaura If you'll watch and read my comments more closely, you'll see I'm specifically referring to those who are creating "teaching" videos. There are SEVERAL of them. I'm not referring to ASL students who are creating entertainment videos showing what they've learned, but rather those who are "teaching" the language. Huge difference. In addition, there are MANY people who view YouTube as a credible source. They should know better than that, but...
Congratulations on your accomplishments. While I do agree that Youtube and little videos put together for fun by ASL students is not a way to learn the language or culture, I will say that it is a great opportunity to spark the interest of those who do not know any sign language. Perhaps they will decide to take a college course because of the curiosity they find in watching these students.
This message felt a bit condescending though, and could potentially degrade those excited students.
@SignLanguageLaura If students are embarrassed by my response to them, then good! They should be. By creating their own "formal" educational videos telling everyone - "Hey! ASL is super-easy to learn! Seriously, anyone can do it! Look at me!" When they do that, they're showing a HUGE level of disrespect for the language and culture. News flash - ASL is NOT super-easy to learn. I know serious students of ASL that have been studying it for YEARS and still have yet to reach near-native proficiency.
@BYUFanatic WOW, I have been an ASL interpreter for 10 years and I'm STILL learning! Learning true ASL is extremely difficult, that is to learn it correctly and better yet to be able to fully understand it and all of it's intricacies! I really appreciated your video and hope more people will simply take it for what it was meant, a plea for people to stop pretending they are qualified to teach a language that they honestly couldn't even understand at a conversational level! Thanks for the video!
As a potential ASL teacher I have to agree with you, 100%. (I'm taking my first TExES Exam in two weeks, pray for me ) Its nice to watch a video but not to learn from that video.
Also I LOVE your classroom and the handprints.I think that i may have to copy you, someday.
Hi BYUFanatic. I am late to this discussion but I have to agree 100% about everything you said. I am a qualified interpreter in New Zealand. I have been interpreting now for nearly 20 years and even NOW, I do not think I am qualified to teach NZ Sign Language. Teaching is a skill. Just like everyone that knows Sign is not qualified to interpret.
I agree with you completely on this subject. My major is deaf education, but right now I wouldn't dream of going out and teaching someone to sign when i'm still learning myself. I have friends who will ask what i'm signing from time to time and i'll tell them what it means, but to formally teach them would be crazy because i'm not qualified to teach. I think a lot of students forget that and after one class think they can go out and teach. So ya, I agree with you!
@joshgarza123 That's true. You don't have to be qualified to do brain surgery, or to teach in school, or to drive a car, or even to make burgers at McDonald's. Oh wait.... oops... Apparently there are training/qualification requirements to do all the above. My bad.
But that is a bit of a catch-22... some people just assume speaking=qualified to teach. I've had to correct people on my videos who tell me my ASL is great, or ask me to teach them... I'm not qualified to teach by any means. My videos (on my other channel, this one isn't in sign... just realized I'm using the wrong channel to type this.) are for entertainment purposes, basic vlogs, and to help me retain the knowledge that I do have (use it or lose it, right?) So yea, I agree, basically. LOL
However, that being said, I have given some quick "lessons" to friends on basic sign language, some grammar and simple phrases, to those that wanted to be able to affectively communicate with the deaf in our area, or even just understand my videos. I wouldn't try to go out and teach a class, but being able to communicate with relative ease and mastering a language are two different things. I think the people here teaching are really more along the lines of the former than the latter.
@Catwalkisnotaguru If your friends are interested in learning some very basic things such as how to say hello, etc. then there's definitely not a problem with that. My video is directed at those students (as you can see from the title) that are creating videos specifically to "teach the world." That's a HUGE difference. They are taking on the role of "teacher" when they are nowhere near qualified. And there are LOTS of channels out there doing exactly that - attempting to "formally" teach ASL.
@BYUFanatic I definitely agree with you on that point. There is a difference between "sharing" a passion and "teaching" something you have no mastery in. It's just important to distinguish between the two, not just for you, but for everyone else too. No one should assume that anyone is qualified or knowledgeable enough to teach a language just because they occasionally use it on the internet/in public/etc.
I think the issue is people really attempting to "teach" as if they are truly qualified to give a full understanding of a very rich and complex language. My ASL is not perfectly fluent, I've been signing for almost 10 years now, but for 8 years of that I used nothing but SEE/PSE (I learned by communicating with the deaf in my community, most of which use PSE. No classes available to me.) I would never consider myself qualified to TEACH ASL. Ever.
I got into a ridiculous flame war with you awhile back. And while I still disagree with certain things, I agree with this video. And I'm completely comfortable with learning most things from your videos. As I SHOULD have said the first time, I believe that you could have been less condescending with this video, but I'm pretty confident that you were not trying to be condescending. I admire you a great deal sir, and I plan on starting your ASL modules on your website before I start ASL this fall.
I got into a ridiculous flame war with you awhile back. And while I still disagree with certain things, I agree with this video. And I'm completely comfortable with learning most things from your videos.
@BYUFanatic Yes, in our region of the US, you would really be overusing rhetorical questions... we don't sign, "my job what? teacher" unless it has some drama or something... we'd just sign work, teacher ... but I guess the approaches to grammar in classroom asl is different than real-world asl (just like any other languages).
@kdocki Rhetorical questions are a common feature of "formal registers" which is perfectly normal for a presentation. Hopefully you know what registers are and what types there are and what situation is appropriate for each. So, I'll assume you've learned about registers at some point in your college career. Now, if I was having a casual conversation with some of my fellow Deafies, I would be using a much more casual register and much less rhetorical since my audience would be interactive.
BYUFanatic, do you teach at a regular highschool? or at a college? I understand your point of view. I thank you for all the time you have spent teaching people asl. I am not deaf but I have a friend who is deaf in one ear and is losing hearing in the other. Me and her both love asl.
@meria5671 I have taught in a number of different settings - community education, college, church, private tutoring, and currently high school. I'm glad you and your friend are interested in learning. Keep it up! *smile*
I know that I miss a LOT while trying to look at the book and watch the teacher; hence, the reason I am looking up videos on YouTube in the first place. I think that deaf/HoH teachers should definitely teach the 2nd, 3rd, etc levels of ASL, they are the most qualified. I still believe that some speaking is required to learn the very basics. It's like trying to hold a conversation with somebody who doesn't speak your language and expecting them to understand what you said.
Just one for thing (hopefully). I wanted to point out that I do agree that you learn the language better when you're not "spoon fed" the words; that's not the reason I would appreciate a hearing teacher. As a hearing person, we are used to learning through voice and since ASL is all visual, I believe that there needs to be a bridge between these two languages. Ie. Learning the introductory material through minimal speaking and lots of signing. (continues--sorry)
In "short", I agree, it's important to check sources (which is true with everything) to make sure you are learning the correct signs/grammar, etc. I have yet to see a video of yours which doesn't devote a decent section of time encouraging viewers to pay for your services. I feel that you are a personable, qualified individual, and I found your videos to be easy to watch and understand, but I will continue to look elsewhere for free ASL reviews. (I did use your free material on your website).
However, while I agree that we ought to look up videos from qualified professionals, I also feel that you are guilty of shamelessly plugging your website. By the way, you're website was the FIRST place I looked for source material, yet, I was driven to YouTube because you charge at least five dollars per "course". While I understand that these courses are meant to be a primary learning source, I cannot justify spending extra money when I already spent $400 for the course I am taking.
I do feel that I am learning, but it's stressful knowing that I can't ask him certain questions without taking precious minutes out of our class time to write them down or primitively sign them out. I have nothing against the deaf, but I feel that a hearing teacher would be nice so that we can ask questions and cover more material. I am guilty of looking up videos on YouTube, merely because I want a better look at a certain sign. (Will continue again...)
@BYUFanatic: I didn't go through and read all of the other comments, so I apologize if I am repeating something that has already been said. I am a current student in an introductory ASL course in college, and my teacher is deaf. While I fully appreciate the fact that he is the best to learn from, the communication barrier is extremely frustrating. He doesn't read lips very well, and we sometimes have to guess at what he is trying to teach us. (Running out of characters, will continue ..)
@Uncraftable (1 of 2) The FIRST thing I tell my students on the first day of school is I will take as long as needed to explain something. You are paying money to be in that class. Raise your hand! Ask questions! Personally I think that a Deaf teacher is better because then you don't get stuck in the habit of voicing questions and using English as a crutch in the classroom. You're forced to learn the target language and it might be slow at first, but in the long run (if you RAISE YOUR HAND)...
(2 of 2) you'll find that you're often farther ahead with your receptive and expressive abilities. As for my courses, the material covered in them is the same thing taught on the college level. Personally, I think that what I offer is a STEAL for only $5. But, if you prefer to learn free signs from unqualified sources (such as ASL students posing as teachers)that have tons of errors in their videos, you go right ahead and do that. After all, you get what you pay for.
Know one will trust you after seeing this. It is your bias to say so. Thanks for you hard work with your wrong concept. In any case, I think it maybe you who is a person just judge from the surface of things.
@termier0520 Ah, and why do you think I have a "wrong concept?" I hate to tell ya, but if you'll read through the comments, you'll see that a LOT of people agree with me and thank me for making this video. But, I'm interested in your opinion as to why you think I'm wrong.
I just found another tool to help me learn ASL! Thank you! I've been studying for a couple of years now and I love it! And yes, you're right. Even though I've been studying for a couple years, I am in no way qualified to teach anyone else! And I'm very happy you made this point. ASL is a beautiful and rich language, but in NO WAY is it easy! And most certainly not one you can master in only a few years of studying :)
I am a beginner ASL student. This guy is right on the money, and his point about whether someone who know English can teach English is totally relevant. I find it pretty interesting that there is so much controversy around this point... honestly, though language in my opinion should be flexible, certainly the grammar and basics should be agreed upon, and taught well, by qualified teachers.
i would hate to be one of his students. "you are wrong, you can do nothing, if the word TV doesnt flow, deaf people everywhere will hate you!!!" wow. one of my best friends is deaf and he just laughs when i mess up signs. i hang out with his deaf friends and they understand me. even if im not 'grammatically' correct. I think you should just be happy there are so many people that want to learn to communicate with the deaf, instead of scaring them all off with your negative and crappy attitude.
@deannarenae (part 1 of 2) Go back and re-watch my video. The topic is about ASL students who create "teaching" videos. It has nothing to do with ASL students making normal errors during the process of learning to sign. As for Melissa Schenk and her videos (your "TV" comment) - she knows NOTHING about ASL. She only created the videos as a money-making scheme. She has made dozens of videos as part of her money-making scheme (not just signing videos).
(part 2 of 2) Think of it this way - you speak/read/write English. Are you qualified to teach English? Why don't you make a series of videos on YouTube that will teach others who know absolutely NO English how to speak/read/write it? Why not? You should be happy that millions of people around the world want to learn to speak/read/write English. We Deaf do appreciate that others want to learn to sign. We DON'T appreciate non-fluent signers creating "teaching" videos and spreading misinformation.
@deannarenae i dont understand how you got any of that from this video. hes not putting down anyone. hes just suggesting that people would learn ASL the right way instead of doing sign language to a deaf person whose trying to figure out what you're trying to say because he cant understand english. i dont see any negativity from this video. hes trying to suggest something that obviously makes sense instead of putting someone down.
If your gunna get defensive and not accept negative or positive insight theres an option to turn off comments. If you want to post videos and preach and flaunt your degree in front of the camera, more power to ya.
@najo95 Like any typical Deaf person I am direct and to the point. What you call "flaunting" I call proof of qualifications. What you call "preaching" I call protecting and preserving my language and my culture. As a teacher, I respond to comments because I view them as opportunities for people to learn. If you're going to get defensive and not accept my responses, you're welcome to not respond.
You lose all credibility when you plug your website. I can understand the frustration of having to compete for business with people who post videos of the same thing you charge for, but your reason for being so bothered by the other videos teaching ASL, however valid it may be, is difficult to take seriously when you clearly have an ulterior motive for discrediting the videos.
@mds1978 YOU might think I lose credibility, but when I've been asked over and over "Ok, if I shouldn't learn from these ASL students, will YOU teach me?" (As I mentioned in my other video.) I not only list myself as a credible source for learning ASL, but I also encourage everyone to take college courses or other courses offered online or locally.
@najo95 Just because someone is Deaf doesn't mean they have lower English skills. As child growing up I read books all the time, thus that developed my English quite well. As for how I teach - I use the language to teach the language. I don't make lists of English words and teach the related sign as you see many people do in their videos. Interpreters are not necessary in my classroom, don't need one.
the impression that deaf people are stiff and do not accept mistakes, which is the complete opposite of the truth. but i love that you are going online with your teachings. keep it up.
@najo95 Hello. If you'll watch my video again, you'll see that the point that I am making is ASL students who have taken a few classes now think they are qualified to teach ASL. In doing so, they are: 1) "teaching" incorrect signs, 2) "teaching" incorrect grammar, or not even teaching grammar at all, and 3) giving the impression that ASL is a "cutsey" quasi-language that anyone can easily use just by learning a few signs. My video is accurate and dead-on. I make no apologies for my comments.
These ASL students (and people like Melissa Schenk who knows absolutely no ASL at all) are NOT doing what you stated - one advanced student helping/tutoring a beginning student - they are posing as teachers. There is a HUGE difference between TUTORING another student and pretending to have enough knowledge and experience to actually be TEACHING a language.
how to communicate even if it is very basic and simple. So in some aspect i agree with you but in others i dont, I think if an individual wants to learn even simple signs it is fine to ask another student that is a little more advanced then them or even watch one of their videos. I can tell you from expierence if you learn a wrong sign it get quickly corrected by a deaf person, and it is not the end of the world if you sign ball wrong a few fimes or tv. Your video somewhat gives off
Hi rob, I am a CODA from minnesota, and i have been very involved in deaf community ever since i was little, from doing things such as NLLC help, and traveling and attending conferences with my parents. My mother also taught ASL in the community. I have both hearing and deaf friends and i often get asked from my friends how to say things and my friends love to entertain my mother with new signs they have learned from me and also my mom enjoys that my friends are engaged and wanting to learn
I appreciate your video. I do have a question, however. I have actually taken beg., int. and advanced asl classes at cont. ed. then I went to college and took all 3 prereqs for the intptrs program. I have deaf friends, and worked for many years in the deaf community. I am NOT a teacher. I have no degree in ASL. But my problem is that these are signs I was also taught by ASL TEACHERS. Like the sigh for " tv" and ball- how can you tell me these are not correct? I dont understand ?
@LadySilverWolfe (1 of 2) Hi! The sign for TV is supposed to "flow." Melissa "bounces" each letter, forming each one separately instead of flowing from one letter to the next. This is a clear error. The sign for BALL is supposed to be the entire shape of the ball. Think of making a "5" with your hand, then curling your fingers around the ball. Melissa uses a "C" handshape. This represents something cylindrical. A ball is a sphere, not a cylinder.
(2 of 2) Often what happens is when a student of any language is learning the language, they make errors that they're not even aware of. If they try "posing" as a teacher, and pass these errors on to others, it just makes things even worse. A qualified teacher would have done the signs for TV and BALL correctly (even though you didn't see a difference as a student) and thus you will see the correct sign to model instead of modeling the wrong sign.
Do you have any videos on the grammar of ASL? For example: In English we may say something like "I like to eat food". But in ASL you might sign it "Food, I like ". Because the subject comes first, right? I'm trying to get better with the grammar part, do you have any videos on that?
Also, I was wondering, what does the "BYU" stand for in your name?
@Kristiniskool Hi! Yes, I do have a number of videos that demonstrate ASL grammar. One of them is here on YouTube and covers types of greetings. The rest are all on my website as part of the formal lessons that I offer.
BYU stands for Brigham Young University - I'm a huge fan.
A person who embraces ASL as their primary language will be considered a member of the Deaf community. I find many hot & sexy deaf girls on a Deaf dating site ----Deafornot dot c om----Good luck to them!!!
I see your point. However In the interest of "the greater good" maybe you could have humbled yourself a little and not plugged your own teaching website as the solution to this problem as you see it. Maybe it would help make your point a little more legitimate and less self serving. Just a thought.
@monatheyknowus I listed my site as one of SEVERAL choices. Self-serving to give those who want to learn ASL some real options? I don't think so. More like helping them to find legitimate sources to learn.
Thank you for stepping-up to do something about all of the misinformation that is flying around. You are very patient while also being very honest. I congratulate you for a job well done!
I don't want to boast on his behalf-- But I'm now 1:34 into one of his videos and I'm astonished at the fact that I now need to go and delete all of my other asl videos-- because they are wrong. The signs felt awkward and Now seeing his simple corrections made them feel more natural and through the simple visual explanations I'm gaining a greater understanding.
@monatheyknowus, watch the video again. He suggested several authentic places to learn. His site happens to be the best site for learning ASL on the Internet. I'm glad he mentioned it, because the more people learn from him, the better. He is an incredible teacher.
@montecarlo8588 Obviously you haven't seen any of the videos on YouTube then. YES, students (and other NON-teachers) have created video series on YouTube professing that they can teach ASL. Looks like you spouted off in your original comment without bothering to check the FACTS before telling me I'm wrong. You did bring up something that I do agree with, let's leave it at this.
@montecarlo8588 I'll tell you what, you go to school, get a few degrees/certifications in teaching, then you come back here and we'll talk. Until then, you're expressing nothing but a personal opinion whereas my comments are based on facts and professional experience. If you truly KNEW and understood ASL, you would know that it is as complex as any other language out there. These ASL students and their videos are giving the false impression that ASL is a quasi/simplistic language.
@montecarlo8588 Your analogy using the Bible is not an accurate one. I'll give you a more accurate comparison - If you, as a student, were to read a dozen random pages from the bible and then try to open a church, claiming you KNOW the gospel of Christ, that would be a lie. Same thing with these students pretending to KNOW ASL. They don't. They just act like they do. I've seen many videos made by students posing as "wanna be teachers" here on YouTube and they are FULL of errors.
@montecarlo8588 (part two) As for your remark about me being close-minded because I shared my educational background: I find it amusing you did the exact same thing (calling attention to YOUR background "as a coda and an interpreter"). As a Deaf person who would use your interpreting services, I FULLY expect you to be COMPLETELY trained and certified. (In fact, the LAW requires it.) Same thing for learning ASL. If I was to take the time and effort to learn, I want my teacher to be correct!
@montecarlo8588 I have to disagree with your comments. Having someone who is fluent in English is not going to help you correctly learn ASL when their own knowledge of ASL is limited/inaccurate. They're not looking to inspire more students to join classes, they're looking for their "15 minutes of fame." Basically they're saying - "Look at me! See what I can do! I can teach you too! Anyone can learn! It's easy!" All of that is not true. ASL, like any spoken language, is challenging and complex.
I definitely agree, I see people "teaching" asl, but really all they're doing is attempting to teach english-equivalent signs and that doesn't amount to ASL at all. I personally do ASL/PSE vlogs but that is more my attempt to become more proficient in a language that I love. If someone doesn't understand a sign I use I will tell them the meaning of it, but I'm not going to put up any videos of me "teaching" signs (and I have been asked)... because I am not qualified to teach anything.
@brandoncook55 Hey Brandon, I completely understand not having even 5 bucks to spare at the end of the week. So, I suggest (if you really are broke) seeking out local get togethers (Deaf Community events) where you can learn and practice ASL. You can look it up online. At first it can be sort of nerve racking, even if you're an outgoing person. But my experience has been that in general Deaf people are very accepting of beginners and it will give you the opportunity to learn quite a bit.
I think that students sharing knowledge with other students the knowledge of asl (no matter what skill level they may be) is the equivalent of a friend going over some spanish notes with me. i do agree certification is hard work and i commend you on earning all of thoos degrees, hopefully one day i will be at your skill level as well. but i apperciate students who share their knowledge of asl.
@BUSYGETTiNMONEY I think that there is a HUGE difference between two classmates sharing Spanish notes and an ASL student posing as a teacher giving the impression that ASL is a "cutesy, quasi-language" that anyone can learn with little or no effort. What's even worse, all the videos I've seen by ASL students on YouTube are either lacking important information, giving misinformation, or creating misconceptions. Yes, big difference compared to sharing notes with a classmate.
@BYUFanatic Actually, I've seen many legitimate ASL videos on youtube. Not everyone is incorrect with their signing. Who has claimed to be a teacher on here, yes, is probably a liar. I agree with Money, it's like sharing notes. If someone decides to try to actually legitimately learn ASL on youtube, then that is their own problem. But I've seen many videos showing correct signs, and if I am unsure about a sign I ask someone at the local college, seeing as I won't be learning until next semester.
@Frubahboi The vast majority of the videos that I have seen on here - students "teaching" ASL - are incorrect. Most of these videos aren't like "students sharing notes." On the contrary, these students are specifically saying - "Hey! Look at me! I can sign and you can learn how to sign from me!" That is wrong. And most viewers are going to believe these people. As for checking with the local college to see if they're right, that's just plain silly. Take a class at the local college instead.
@BYUFanatic One of the biggest things (as I'm sure you know) is the difference in dialects. Such as, I could argue that you sign "teach" incorrectly. But I understand. Some people DO put completely absurd signing information on here. So why not just tell them that you are an ASL teacher, and something is wrong? And I will tell you. I applaud anyone trying to broaden their horizons. That is all, feel free to dispute what I have said.
@Frubahboi These student videos are incorrect because the student is flat-out wrong. Has nothing to do with dialect. And, I have posted a number of comments on various videos. The video creators don't respond because they know they're wrong (or have long since left and their videos are still up). Unfortunately though, people will come to their defense (like you have) even when I point out specific errors and give my teaching background. I do NOT applaud anyone that is spreading misinformation.
hi my name is savanna i am in high school and love asl. My friend Cyndi and i have been working on learning a little bit of it by reading asl books. We wish to get a masters degree as well. Do you have any suggestions or tips that will help us in the future when we actually go to college and study asl?
hi my name is savanna i am in high school and love asl. My friend Cyndi and i have been working on learning a little bit of it by reading asl books. We wish to get a masters degree as well. Do you have any suggestions or tips that will help us in the future when we actually go to college and study asl?
@brandoncook55 Like anything worth learning (and learning well) there are often costs involved with it.
ASL classes at a local college would cost you hundreds of dollars. A private tutor would cost you as much as $50 an hour. Other sources, such as DVDs often cost as much as $30 or more per DVD. So, $5 for an entire lesson module on my website is an incredible deal that you won't find anywhere else.
I am an ASL student, in ASL 4. I have been researching ASL vlogs and blogs and I have seen many questionable signs. I am still learning ASL myself, so I am NO expert. I am glad to see a video such as this. I think it took courage to create.
@ckerbful Thanks for the compliment! I do get a wide range of positive and negative comments about my video. But, I felt it important to make it because of all the really bad videos out there.
Hope your boyfriend is doing good at BYU! *smile*
I understand your sentiments. However, I have to say that I have seen many hearing ASL teachers who are highly unqualified to be teaching the language. Sure, they have the proper education and certifications, but apparently those standards are not so high. It's frustrating to see your video because I am currently in an ITP and I know that teaching the language myself or even *gasp* teaching signs to introduce others to the language is superior than a lot of the "education" available.
@sclowers It would depend on where you live. For example, in Texas and Florida the standards are VERY high. Teachers often complain that the requirements are too strict (I think they could be a little stricter). States such as Idaho are very lax in their requirements - the teacher only has to have a teaching certification in any subject. However, you had to learn from somewhere. I'm willing to bet that you didn't get your signing skills from an ASL student did you?
(continued) You're right though - some teachers shouldn't even be teaching (the same could be said for a number of teachers for ANY subject, not just ASL) Never be afraid to ask a teacher for their credentials. A teacher should not be afraid to seek out as many credentials and as much education as possible to ensure their skills are adequate for the job. But, a qualified ASL teacher is better than an ASL student every time.
I've been teaching myself asl, and I even glossed a song, I showed it to an interpreter and she said that I understand the language. I'm not claiming to be fluent, by FAR lol. But I have seen a few people on youtube who are signing incorrectly, and if I can see the errors there's no doubt a deaf/HoH person can! I don't teach anyone ASL because well, as you said, I'm not certified. I don't know the in's and out's of out's of the language. So I do agree with you on students teaching students.
I have loved ASL since childhood and it has annoyed me to see those who aren't qualified interpreting or trying to teach. Thank you for this video. I will be looking at your website!
Interesting video, however...I am in an ITP and have NEVER seen a video where students are teaching ASL. In fact, most of my teachers are deaf and most of the interpreters I know (CI/CT, RID, etc) believe that "teaching" the language (ASL) should be left to qualified DEAF teachers. It is their native language. Hearing teachers introducing the basics of ASL to elementary school kids is fine, but using this "problem" (which in NOT a problem) as a intro to your site is insincere.
@Jonrobrt Obviously you don't get out much then if you are that ignorant. One simply has to browse around here on YouTube and you will see that there are HUNDREDS of videos by those who profess to be "teaching" ASL. Me insecure? More like you're ignorant. But, thanks anyways for your comment.
@BYUFanatic don't let him bug you.... Johnrobrt is just rude. I have seen lots fo videos were I can see people messing up signs and trying to teach " How are you" for instance, and messing up how. Love your website by the way.
@pookymuffin101 Hi! Not to worry, I'm not bothered by Johnrbrt's comments at all. He's just another example of an ASL student who thinks they know as much or more than ASL teachers do. *smile* My channel here on YouTube exists to educate an enlighten, so hopefully he's now been educated. Thanks for the compliment. I'm glad you enjoy the website!
WORSE... sometimes I have run into student who VOLUNTEER to interpret- think it's a compliment and a great way to practice signing!!!! AHHHHHHH.. I agree with you 100%. (I"m an interpreter, I'll all for MANY people learning ASL.) ...but they're teaching wrong info and once you learn something wrong it's hard to UNLEARN it! If you post it because of a class and for your amusement and state it's for a class... fine... don't make yourself an expert.
@Rainy64 Exactly. Posting videos for class purposes or just for fun is ok. But taking on the role of "teacher" while they are nothing more than students themselves really does a huge disservice to the Deaf and their language - causing people to think it's not really a full language and that it's super-easy to learn and anyone can teach it.
I agree in some aspects. I have noticed that a lot of people have been teaching wrong signs and I would say that they should be absolutely positive that they are fluent in what they are teaching. But if you ask any good teacher they will tell you that you learn better and retain information better if you teach and explain to someone else. This has been proven over and over again. It is a different part of the brain working when you teach than when you are being instructed. However, I do agree
maarango1 9 hours ago
@maarango1 I consider myself a "good teacher." I agree that having students help each other is a good way to retain and reinforce the material learned. However, student interactions are a HUGE difference from these students creating "teaching" videos. That's not even in the same ball park. Very much an apples and oranges comparison. These students I'm referring to are those who are saying (in effect) "Hey world! Look at me! You can learn ASL from me because it is so simple and easy." Not true.
BYUFanatic 9 hours ago
@BYUFanatic Absolutely. I understand where you are coming from and I agree. I haven't watched a large amount of these teaching videos. I've only seen a few as well as peoples response to the incorrect signing, so I have a much less credible perspective than someone who has the experience that you do.
maarango1 7 hours ago
I get your point but I think it's important that you also realize even being an ASL teacher that that doesn't always make you qualified. It makes you more qualified than a student but honestly I have seen kids come into our college from others with hearing ASL teachers and their signing stinks but it's what they've been taught from people with degrees and certificates. I am a student and wil have ASL videos online to teach ASL to my relatives because my daughter is deaf.
berrydirl 4 days ago
@berrydirl I'm very aware that there are ASL teachers who could definitely improve their skills. However, the majority of ASL teachers that are certified had to go through a rigorous testing process to ensure their skills and expertise. And while not all ASL teachers are certified, I can guarantee you that there are no ASL students who are certified to teach. If you want to teach your relatives, good for you. My video is directed at students who think they can teach the world in general.
BYUFanatic 2 days ago
Nicely said. I've seen a lot of these videos and they're riddled with wrong signs and syntax
nicholashartnett 1 week ago
@nicholashartnett Thank you. :)
BYUFanatic 9 hours ago
nicely done.good work.
SuperCheckerd 2 weeks ago
@SuperCheckerd Thanks!
BYUFanatic 9 hours ago
Hello, again. I've tried to register at your website. The instructions specifically say not to register twice. I made an error while registering...wrong country. I also think, I was in the wrong link. I was not in "everyone else". Did not see such a link. I emailed you but have not received an answer. Is that website still active? I am looking for intermediate info and education concerning the syntax, grammar, idioms, etc. Can you help me?
MsBrenda9995 2 weeks ago
@MsBrenda9995 I just posted the above comment and realized I didn't fully explain what I was looking for. I AM a beginner signer who has had many classes that focused on a word list and very little on sentence structure. I had hoped to learn from the Deaf themselves, but they seem very hesitant to accept hearing people into their community.
MsBrenda9995 2 weeks ago
@MsBrenda9995 Unfortunately, there are those out there who don't know how to properly teach a language and will focus on word lists without grammar. Probably because they might not be very strong on grammar themselves, or simply don't know how to teach it properly. My website focus on teaching grammar WITH signs. You can't have one without the other. So feel free to check out my website.
BYUFanatic 9 hours ago
I agree you.... 100%
My problem is this is my only resorce... :*( i want to talk to my deaf friends w/out interpritation... but i dont know their grammer, i sign the wrong sign, and just get nervous... :(
:( :( :(
LenAndRen9898 3 weeks ago 2
ASL belongs to the Deaf. If you are not going to learn it right, then why bother learning? It will not do anybody any good. Take advice from the Deaf people, its their language.
vr4jay 1 month ago
@vr4jay I believe that many school aged students take it because they think it's easier than French or Spanish and I believe adults take it because it's "beautiful". Many have no concept of what's involved and do not have deaf people in their lives at all.
MsBrenda9995 2 weeks ago
This is a very good point, and concerns me to. I am hearing. It bothers me that so many people are learning the wrong information, and most do not bother to learn the Culture. I think that is rude to the Deaf Community. I want to be apart of the Deaf Community so bad, but I do not feel my ASL is strong enough to even attempt it.
Thank you for posting this video. Its a great point and I hope other people understand it.
vr4jay 1 month ago
@vr4jay Don't be afraid to interact with the Deaf community. We don't bite (well, most of us don't *grin*). Keep learning and you'll improve!
BYUFanatic 9 hours ago
I would love to be able to have a real teacher teach me but I don't have the money. Maybe some day I can go to real class but for the time being I will have to settle for picking up things off instructional videos.
mistyfog24 2 months ago
@mistyfog24 Feel free to check out my website. I specifically created it to be as affordable to as many people as possible. As for "instructional" videos on YouTube... I'd advise against it.
BYUFanatic 9 hours ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@BYUFanatic I don't use youtube. I don't trust youtube videos. :)
mistyfog24 8 hours ago
I agree. I have seen many videos by students "teaching" and they are wrong many times.
Ashsavvy 2 months ago 2
@brandoncook55 No offense was taken, so no worries. *smile* I can understand your financial situation. That's exactly why I offer my online lessons for so incredibly cheap - to make it affordable to as many people as possible. Taking the exact same lessons from me in a classroom would cost thousands of dollars if you were my college student. But my online students get a set of lessons for the cost of a fast food meal. Good luck with learning ASL!
BYUFanatic 3 months ago
Awesome video^^ i like it
DarkFireMistress 3 months ago
I'm in agreement 100% Thanks
Chitchatcheeko57 4 months ago 2
@Chitchatcheeko57 Glad you agree. :)
BYUFanatic 3 months ago
what is see
kute1livn4jc 4 months ago
@kute1livn4jc SEE is the acronym for Signing Exact English. This is where signs are borrowed from ASL, modified, and used with English grammar structure. Think of it as a manual form of English. ASL and English are completely different languages.
BYUFanatic 3 months ago
Comment removed
kute1livn4jc 4 months ago
@kute1livn4jc Thanks for the comments!
BYUFanatic 3 months ago
i have always been interested in learning ASL, and have been learning from the Pastor of the Deaf for my church. There have been words that i have been signing incorrectly my whole life that she taught me the correct signs for in a matter of minutes. people tell me that i am a fast learner, tho.
bhoup2gmailcom 4 months ago
You are so correct. There is a woman in my ASL class who teaches ASL at some school. She isn't that skilled in her signing, and she is teaching PSE or SEE, not ASL. The Deaf Culture is so rich, so interesting that teaching the random sign on YT is doing this wonderful language/culture a disservice.
PecanSandees23 4 months ago
@PecanSandees23 It's sad really. As you stated, the language and culture are so rich and so beautiful. Yet for these "teachers" who make it seem like nothing more than a cutsey, semi-language, they are really causing people to miss out on how beautiful the language really is.
BYUFanatic 3 months ago
As I watched your 6 minute and 43 second dissertation as to why ASL students shouldn't be "teaching" others the new language they are being exposed to, I thought to myself "is this educator serious?"! We learn everyday! From our children, students, colleagues and strangers. Connecting, sharing and learning should be encourage to ALL and quite honestly... I would encourage my ASL students to do just that... TEACH... after all 96% of what we learn is through what we TEACH!
dmv1804 4 months ago
@dmv1804 I could offer several counter-points. Instead, I'll simply ask you two questions: 1- How is "teaching" incorrect information to others in an unsupervised manner considered a good thing? 2- If you saw others creating "formal" educational videos to "teach" incorrect information to unsuspecting individuals, would you seriously encourage that kind of widespread and active propagation of misinformation?
BYUFanatic 4 months ago
@dmv1804 Mmm... no response to my questions?
BYUFanatic 3 months ago
I agree with your point, but I don't think it comes across well for those who aren't Deaf or haven't been exposed to Deaf culture. Too many people believe that the way babies learn to sign is the way everyone should learn. So they see a show that has vocabulary for infants, and then try to make one for adults. And that's not how it works.
I've been trying to learn ASL for about 15 years, and I want to be a teacher. I can only hope I'm half as good as a native signer when I finally start.
slanderouslibel 5 months ago
@slanderouslibel That's exactly what part of the problem is - many people are only exposed to signs as a form of "baby talk." They don't realize that ASL is much more than just a bunch of iconic signs and that it is a rich, complex language just like any spoken language. So for someone who has only taken a class or two to create "teaching videos" all they're doing is adding to that misconception.
BYUFanatic 3 months ago
Saw this video a while back and loved it, and came across it again and STILL love it. I'm glad you put something out there for those to see, as ASL is your native language! If I see one more "Learn Food Words in ASL" video on YouTube, I might die. Just saying.
allyballybabe 5 months ago 2
I believe I would support this more if these students were claiming to be sign language teachers, or if they were charging for services that they weren't qualified to perform. Most of the videos I have seen are short clips made because the student was excited or having fun. No need to discourage a potential future colleague. I think the majority of the population realizes that a short clip on Youtube isn't necessarily a credible resource for ANY information & certainly can't create experts.
SignLanguageLaura 5 months ago 2
@SignLanguageLaura I think he is more worried about errors and misconceptions being spread and becoming the "majority" over the TRUE ASL. Most people who are interested, don't know the difference between SEE, ASL, SimCom, etc. and to spread information that is false is not a good thing. Let's leave it up to those whom use ASL as their native language to teach the rest of us! :) After all, they know best!
allyballybabe 5 months ago
@allyballybabe I've enjoyed some of your youtube posts, by the way.
Obviously no one is going to learn a language or culture on youtube. I still think we should encourage those students to keep learning and give feedback in a postitive but helpful way. If it sparks interest enough for people to invest in actually learning the language later, great. We need to remember the RID code of ethics and show respect to sign students and consumers. Most consumers know that the posts are by amateurs.
SignLanguageLaura 5 months ago
@SignLanguageLaura I strongly disagree - showing respect to a student who is pretending to be qualified to teach ASL is not part of the RID Code of Ethics and never has been. In fact, the Code of Ethics specifically states that interpreters must be certified and qualified and should NEVER attempt to interpret without proper qualifications. But then, not sure why you're bringing up the RID when that applies to interpreters and has nothing to do with teaching.
BYUFanatic 3 months ago
@allyballybabe true but there aren't many out there. Of course they know best but lets face it... ASL is not being taught in all schools by Deaf teachers. These teachers are hearing and are trying to hold true to the culture and give students an understanding of the language. To stifle someones curiosity in learning a language where more and more deaf students are being mainstreamed is ludicris and only continues to segregate! Encourage, share and learn!
dmv1804 4 months ago
@dmv1804 There's a huge difference between encouraging and sharing, and pretending to be a "ambassador/liaison." There's also a big difference between those creating videos purely for entertainment, and those making "formal" educational videos. No one is stifling anyone's curiosity. What the complaint is about is simply this - STOP SPREADING MISINFORMATION. STOP CREATING MISCONCEPTIONS. And that's my public service announcement for the day...
BYUFanatic 4 months ago
@dmv1804 I'm not referring to videos made by hearing ASL teachers. I'm referring to ASL students specifically creating "teaching videos." Share and learn? Why not "favorite" some GOOD videos made by ACCURATE signers rather than creating inaccurate videos that only spread misconceptions and misinformation. How is sharing WRONG information a good thing???
BYUFanatic 3 months ago
@SignLanguageLaura Obviously you're not aware that there ARE students on YouTube creating "formal" videos claiming that ASL is super-easy to learn and then proceed to take on the role of "teacher" to create extremely limited an often inaccurate videos that do more harm than good due to the huge amount of misperceptions they create with their videos. If they truly respect the language and culture, they'd be sharing accurate sources rather than pretending to be an accurate source.
BYUFanatic 4 months ago 2
@BYUFanatic Deaf people appreciate any effort. It's not like these people hope to be fluent by using some SEE youtube. Most hearing people start out getting it wrong. Unless you live in the Deaf culture, I'm tired of you. I have lived it. I know that Deaf people would rather some goofy kid with a few conversational signs as a feeble attempt at bridging a communication gap than "Can You Read Lips?"
SignLanguageLaura 3 months ago
@SignLanguageLaura Obviously you are NOT getting it. I'm not against anyone wanting to learn ASL. I am against students who have only taken a couple of classes pretending to be experts in ASL (and yes, there are videos out there like that). As a Deaf person I, and MANY other Deaf, do NOT appreciate students pretending to be experts on our language and do not appreciate them spreading misinformation about my language. Want to learn REAL ASL, take a class or hang out with the local Deaf community.
BYUFanatic 3 months ago
@SignLanguageLaura Out of curiosity? Are you Deaf?
BYUFanatic 3 months ago
@SignLanguageLaura Based on your lack of responses, I'm guessing that you're a hearing ASL student who thinks that because she has hung out with some Deaf people and has taken a few ASL classes that you know more about my culture and language than I do? We Deafies are not "second class" who are so desperately grateful any time a hearing person learns a few rudimentary signs (especially when they learn them wrong) just so that they'll say "hi" to us. You need to lose that attitude real quick.
BYUFanatic 3 months ago
@BYUFanatic How do I become friends with people in Deaf community. I do go to their gatherings, and they are polite and willing to chat until they discover that my signing shows them I'm not of their community. I tried a church with Deaf Ministry and that was no better. There was only 2 deaf, both raised in non-signing homes, sent to schools that taught them "english" and they insist on using that with the hearing, but yet they use ASL with other Deaf.
MsBrenda9995 2 weeks ago
@MsBrenda9995 Hi! It varies from community to community. Many Deaf are generally accepting of those interested in being involved with the Deaf culture. But it takes time to earn their trust. Going to their activities/events and being involved with things that are important to them are ways to become friends. We are used to hearing people not really using/understanding ASL, so out of habit will sign differently around hearing than we will when we're with Deaf. Keep trying and don't give up! :)
BYUFanatic 9 hours ago
@SignLanguageLaura Ok, I'm probably 2 months too late to comment, but I must. It is obvious to me that yes, SLLaura is correct in saying that the deaf/Deaf easily accept the high schoolers (goofy, really??), but it's not so with the adults. They are leary of, even impatient with signing adults if they are not proficient at ASL Distrustful? I struggle with memory issues, causing me to stammer and struggle. Even hearing people show impatience with me.
MsBrenda9995 2 weeks ago
@SignLanguageLaura If you'll watch and read my comments more closely, you'll see I'm specifically referring to those who are creating "teaching" videos. There are SEVERAL of them. I'm not referring to ASL students who are creating entertainment videos showing what they've learned, but rather those who are "teaching" the language. Huge difference. In addition, there are MANY people who view YouTube as a credible source. They should know better than that, but...
BYUFanatic 3 months ago
Congratulations on your accomplishments. While I do agree that Youtube and little videos put together for fun by ASL students is not a way to learn the language or culture, I will say that it is a great opportunity to spark the interest of those who do not know any sign language. Perhaps they will decide to take a college course because of the curiosity they find in watching these students.
This message felt a bit condescending though, and could potentially degrade those excited students.
SignLanguageLaura 5 months ago
@SignLanguageLaura If students are embarrassed by my response to them, then good! They should be. By creating their own "formal" educational videos telling everyone - "Hey! ASL is super-easy to learn! Seriously, anyone can do it! Look at me!" When they do that, they're showing a HUGE level of disrespect for the language and culture. News flash - ASL is NOT super-easy to learn. I know serious students of ASL that have been studying it for YEARS and still have yet to reach near-native proficiency.
BYUFanatic 4 months ago
@BYUFanatic WOW, I have been an ASL interpreter for 10 years and I'm STILL learning! Learning true ASL is extremely difficult, that is to learn it correctly and better yet to be able to fully understand it and all of it's intricacies! I really appreciated your video and hope more people will simply take it for what it was meant, a plea for people to stop pretending they are qualified to teach a language that they honestly couldn't even understand at a conversational level! Thanks for the video!
tpoplinterp 3 months ago 2
As a potential ASL teacher I have to agree with you, 100%. (I'm taking my first TExES Exam in two weeks, pray for me ) Its nice to watch a video but not to learn from that video.
Also I LOVE your classroom and the handprints.I think that i may have to copy you, someday.
aneiasl 5 months ago
@aneiasl Good luck! You'll do great! :)
allyballybabe 5 months ago
Hi BYUFanatic, cool video^^
DarkFireMistress 6 months ago
@DarkFireMistress Thanks!
BYUFanatic 3 months ago
Hi BYUFanatic. I am late to this discussion but I have to agree 100% about everything you said. I am a qualified interpreter in New Zealand. I have been interpreting now for nearly 20 years and even NOW, I do not think I am qualified to teach NZ Sign Language. Teaching is a skill. Just like everyone that knows Sign is not qualified to interpret.
riahon 7 months ago
Thank you for this :)
BDoubleD 7 months ago
@BDoubleD You're welcome! :)
BYUFanatic 3 months ago
I agree with you completely on this subject. My major is deaf education, but right now I wouldn't dream of going out and teaching someone to sign when i'm still learning myself. I have friends who will ask what i'm signing from time to time and i'll tell them what it means, but to formally teach them would be crazy because i'm not qualified to teach. I think a lot of students forget that and after one class think they can go out and teach. So ya, I agree with you!
iluvdorksohyeah 7 months ago
@joshgarza123 That's true. You don't have to be qualified to do brain surgery, or to teach in school, or to drive a car, or even to make burgers at McDonald's. Oh wait.... oops... Apparently there are training/qualification requirements to do all the above. My bad.
BYUFanatic 8 months ago 11
But that is a bit of a catch-22... some people just assume speaking=qualified to teach. I've had to correct people on my videos who tell me my ASL is great, or ask me to teach them... I'm not qualified to teach by any means. My videos (on my other channel, this one isn't in sign... just realized I'm using the wrong channel to type this.) are for entertainment purposes, basic vlogs, and to help me retain the knowledge that I do have (use it or lose it, right?) So yea, I agree, basically. LOL
Catwalkisnotaguru 8 months ago
However, that being said, I have given some quick "lessons" to friends on basic sign language, some grammar and simple phrases, to those that wanted to be able to affectively communicate with the deaf in our area, or even just understand my videos. I wouldn't try to go out and teach a class, but being able to communicate with relative ease and mastering a language are two different things. I think the people here teaching are really more along the lines of the former than the latter.
Catwalkisnotaguru 8 months ago
@Catwalkisnotaguru If your friends are interested in learning some very basic things such as how to say hello, etc. then there's definitely not a problem with that. My video is directed at those students (as you can see from the title) that are creating videos specifically to "teach the world." That's a HUGE difference. They are taking on the role of "teacher" when they are nowhere near qualified. And there are LOTS of channels out there doing exactly that - attempting to "formally" teach ASL.
BYUFanatic 8 months ago 2
@BYUFanatic I definitely agree with you on that point. There is a difference between "sharing" a passion and "teaching" something you have no mastery in. It's just important to distinguish between the two, not just for you, but for everyone else too. No one should assume that anyone is qualified or knowledgeable enough to teach a language just because they occasionally use it on the internet/in public/etc.
Catwalkisnotaguru 8 months ago
I think the issue is people really attempting to "teach" as if they are truly qualified to give a full understanding of a very rich and complex language. My ASL is not perfectly fluent, I've been signing for almost 10 years now, but for 8 years of that I used nothing but SEE/PSE (I learned by communicating with the deaf in my community, most of which use PSE. No classes available to me.) I would never consider myself qualified to TEACH ASL. Ever.
Catwalkisnotaguru 8 months ago
I got into a ridiculous flame war with you awhile back. And while I still disagree with certain things, I agree with this video. And I'm completely comfortable with learning most things from your videos. As I SHOULD have said the first time, I believe that you could have been less condescending with this video, but I'm pretty confident that you were not trying to be condescending. I admire you a great deal sir, and I plan on starting your ASL modules on your website before I start ASL this fall.
Frubahboi 9 months ago
I got into a ridiculous flame war with you awhile back. And while I still disagree with certain things, I agree with this video. And I'm completely comfortable with learning most things from your videos.
Frubahboi 9 months ago
You sure do a lot of rhetorical wh questions... lol...
kdocki 9 months ago
@kdocki Yep. Also ask several rhetorical Y/N questions as well.
BYUFanatic 9 months ago
@BYUFanatic Yes, in our region of the US, you would really be overusing rhetorical questions... we don't sign, "my job what? teacher" unless it has some drama or something... we'd just sign work, teacher ... but I guess the approaches to grammar in classroom asl is different than real-world asl (just like any other languages).
kdocki 9 months ago
@kdocki Rhetorical questions are a common feature of "formal registers" which is perfectly normal for a presentation. Hopefully you know what registers are and what types there are and what situation is appropriate for each. So, I'll assume you've learned about registers at some point in your college career. Now, if I was having a casual conversation with some of my fellow Deafies, I would be using a much more casual register and much less rhetorical since my audience would be interactive.
BYUFanatic 9 months ago
BYUFanatic, do you teach at a regular highschool? or at a college? I understand your point of view. I thank you for all the time you have spent teaching people asl. I am not deaf but I have a friend who is deaf in one ear and is losing hearing in the other. Me and her both love asl.
meria5671 9 months ago
@meria5671 I have taught in a number of different settings - community education, college, church, private tutoring, and currently high school. I'm glad you and your friend are interested in learning. Keep it up! *smile*
BYUFanatic 9 months ago
I know that I miss a LOT while trying to look at the book and watch the teacher; hence, the reason I am looking up videos on YouTube in the first place. I think that deaf/HoH teachers should definitely teach the 2nd, 3rd, etc levels of ASL, they are the most qualified. I still believe that some speaking is required to learn the very basics. It's like trying to hold a conversation with somebody who doesn't speak your language and expecting them to understand what you said.
Uncraftable 9 months ago
Just one for thing (hopefully). I wanted to point out that I do agree that you learn the language better when you're not "spoon fed" the words; that's not the reason I would appreciate a hearing teacher. As a hearing person, we are used to learning through voice and since ASL is all visual, I believe that there needs to be a bridge between these two languages. Ie. Learning the introductory material through minimal speaking and lots of signing. (continues--sorry)
Uncraftable 9 months ago
In "short", I agree, it's important to check sources (which is true with everything) to make sure you are learning the correct signs/grammar, etc. I have yet to see a video of yours which doesn't devote a decent section of time encouraging viewers to pay for your services. I feel that you are a personable, qualified individual, and I found your videos to be easy to watch and understand, but I will continue to look elsewhere for free ASL reviews. (I did use your free material on your website).
Uncraftable 9 months ago
However, while I agree that we ought to look up videos from qualified professionals, I also feel that you are guilty of shamelessly plugging your website. By the way, you're website was the FIRST place I looked for source material, yet, I was driven to YouTube because you charge at least five dollars per "course". While I understand that these courses are meant to be a primary learning source, I cannot justify spending extra money when I already spent $400 for the course I am taking.
Uncraftable 9 months ago
I do feel that I am learning, but it's stressful knowing that I can't ask him certain questions without taking precious minutes out of our class time to write them down or primitively sign them out. I have nothing against the deaf, but I feel that a hearing teacher would be nice so that we can ask questions and cover more material. I am guilty of looking up videos on YouTube, merely because I want a better look at a certain sign. (Will continue again...)
Uncraftable 9 months ago
@BYUFanatic: I didn't go through and read all of the other comments, so I apologize if I am repeating something that has already been said. I am a current student in an introductory ASL course in college, and my teacher is deaf. While I fully appreciate the fact that he is the best to learn from, the communication barrier is extremely frustrating. He doesn't read lips very well, and we sometimes have to guess at what he is trying to teach us. (Running out of characters, will continue ..)
Uncraftable 9 months ago
@Uncraftable (1 of 2) The FIRST thing I tell my students on the first day of school is I will take as long as needed to explain something. You are paying money to be in that class. Raise your hand! Ask questions! Personally I think that a Deaf teacher is better because then you don't get stuck in the habit of voicing questions and using English as a crutch in the classroom. You're forced to learn the target language and it might be slow at first, but in the long run (if you RAISE YOUR HAND)...
BYUFanatic 9 months ago
(2 of 2) you'll find that you're often farther ahead with your receptive and expressive abilities. As for my courses, the material covered in them is the same thing taught on the college level. Personally, I think that what I offer is a STEAL for only $5. But, if you prefer to learn free signs from unqualified sources (such as ASL students posing as teachers)that have tons of errors in their videos, you go right ahead and do that. After all, you get what you pay for.
BYUFanatic 9 months ago
Know one will trust you after seeing this. It is your bias to say so. Thanks for you hard work with your wrong concept. In any case, I think it maybe you who is a person just judge from the surface of things.
termier0520 9 months ago
@termier0520 Ah, and why do you think I have a "wrong concept?" I hate to tell ya, but if you'll read through the comments, you'll see that a LOT of people agree with me and thank me for making this video. But, I'm interested in your opinion as to why you think I'm wrong.
BYUFanatic 9 months ago
Yeah this is true lol.. it hurts but it's true so get over ppl!!
urztrulylili 9 months ago
I just found another tool to help me learn ASL! Thank you! I've been studying for a couple of years now and I love it! And yes, you're right. Even though I've been studying for a couple years, I am in no way qualified to teach anyone else! And I'm very happy you made this point. ASL is a beautiful and rich language, but in NO WAY is it easy! And most certainly not one you can master in only a few years of studying :)
casslovesasl 11 months ago
I am a beginner ASL student. This guy is right on the money, and his point about whether someone who know English can teach English is totally relevant. I find it pretty interesting that there is so much controversy around this point... honestly, though language in my opinion should be flexible, certainly the grammar and basics should be agreed upon, and taught well, by qualified teachers.
mamacherylfr 11 months ago 2
so i am just curious when i ask this , but are you deaf or hearing ?
austinh430 11 months ago
@austinh430 I am Deaf.
BYUFanatic 11 months ago
i would hate to be one of his students. "you are wrong, you can do nothing, if the word TV doesnt flow, deaf people everywhere will hate you!!!" wow. one of my best friends is deaf and he just laughs when i mess up signs. i hang out with his deaf friends and they understand me. even if im not 'grammatically' correct. I think you should just be happy there are so many people that want to learn to communicate with the deaf, instead of scaring them all off with your negative and crappy attitude.
deannarenae 11 months ago
@deannarenae (part 1 of 2) Go back and re-watch my video. The topic is about ASL students who create "teaching" videos. It has nothing to do with ASL students making normal errors during the process of learning to sign. As for Melissa Schenk and her videos (your "TV" comment) - she knows NOTHING about ASL. She only created the videos as a money-making scheme. She has made dozens of videos as part of her money-making scheme (not just signing videos).
BYUFanatic 11 months ago
(part 2 of 2) Think of it this way - you speak/read/write English. Are you qualified to teach English? Why don't you make a series of videos on YouTube that will teach others who know absolutely NO English how to speak/read/write it? Why not? You should be happy that millions of people around the world want to learn to speak/read/write English. We Deaf do appreciate that others want to learn to sign. We DON'T appreciate non-fluent signers creating "teaching" videos and spreading misinformation.
BYUFanatic 11 months ago
@deannarenae i dont understand how you got any of that from this video. hes not putting down anyone. hes just suggesting that people would learn ASL the right way instead of doing sign language to a deaf person whose trying to figure out what you're trying to say because he cant understand english. i dont see any negativity from this video. hes trying to suggest something that obviously makes sense instead of putting someone down.
TonganPower 10 months ago 9
If your gunna get defensive and not accept negative or positive insight theres an option to turn off comments. If you want to post videos and preach and flaunt your degree in front of the camera, more power to ya.
najo95 11 months ago
@najo95 Like any typical Deaf person I am direct and to the point. What you call "flaunting" I call proof of qualifications. What you call "preaching" I call protecting and preserving my language and my culture. As a teacher, I respond to comments because I view them as opportunities for people to learn. If you're going to get defensive and not accept my responses, you're welcome to not respond.
BYUFanatic 11 months ago 10
You lose all credibility when you plug your website. I can understand the frustration of having to compete for business with people who post videos of the same thing you charge for, but your reason for being so bothered by the other videos teaching ASL, however valid it may be, is difficult to take seriously when you clearly have an ulterior motive for discrediting the videos.
mds1978 11 months ago
@mds1978 YOU might think I lose credibility, but when I've been asked over and over "Ok, if I shouldn't learn from these ASL students, will YOU teach me?" (As I mentioned in my other video.) I not only list myself as a credible source for learning ASL, but I also encourage everyone to take college courses or other courses offered online or locally.
BYUFanatic 11 months ago
Interesting. You have very good typing grammar. But also I'm curious how you do your teachings? Write on the whiteboard? Interpreter?
najo95 11 months ago
@najo95 Just because someone is Deaf doesn't mean they have lower English skills. As child growing up I read books all the time, thus that developed my English quite well. As for how I teach - I use the language to teach the language. I don't make lists of English words and teach the related sign as you see many people do in their videos. Interpreters are not necessary in my classroom, don't need one.
BYUFanatic 11 months ago
Just curious, are you deaf? Coda? Hard of hearing?
najo95 11 months ago
@najo95 I'm Deaf.
BYUFanatic 11 months ago
the impression that deaf people are stiff and do not accept mistakes, which is the complete opposite of the truth. but i love that you are going online with your teachings. keep it up.
najo95 11 months ago
@najo95 Hello. If you'll watch my video again, you'll see that the point that I am making is ASL students who have taken a few classes now think they are qualified to teach ASL. In doing so, they are: 1) "teaching" incorrect signs, 2) "teaching" incorrect grammar, or not even teaching grammar at all, and 3) giving the impression that ASL is a "cutsey" quasi-language that anyone can easily use just by learning a few signs. My video is accurate and dead-on. I make no apologies for my comments.
BYUFanatic 11 months ago
These ASL students (and people like Melissa Schenk who knows absolutely no ASL at all) are NOT doing what you stated - one advanced student helping/tutoring a beginning student - they are posing as teachers. There is a HUGE difference between TUTORING another student and pretending to have enough knowledge and experience to actually be TEACHING a language.
BYUFanatic 11 months ago
how to communicate even if it is very basic and simple. So in some aspect i agree with you but in others i dont, I think if an individual wants to learn even simple signs it is fine to ask another student that is a little more advanced then them or even watch one of their videos. I can tell you from expierence if you learn a wrong sign it get quickly corrected by a deaf person, and it is not the end of the world if you sign ball wrong a few fimes or tv. Your video somewhat gives off
najo95 11 months ago
Hi rob, I am a CODA from minnesota, and i have been very involved in deaf community ever since i was little, from doing things such as NLLC help, and traveling and attending conferences with my parents. My mother also taught ASL in the community. I have both hearing and deaf friends and i often get asked from my friends how to say things and my friends love to entertain my mother with new signs they have learned from me and also my mom enjoys that my friends are engaged and wanting to learn
najo95 11 months ago
I appreciate your video. I do have a question, however. I have actually taken beg., int. and advanced asl classes at cont. ed. then I went to college and took all 3 prereqs for the intptrs program. I have deaf friends, and worked for many years in the deaf community. I am NOT a teacher. I have no degree in ASL. But my problem is that these are signs I was also taught by ASL TEACHERS. Like the sigh for " tv" and ball- how can you tell me these are not correct? I dont understand ?
LadySilverWolfe 11 months ago
@LadySilverWolfe (1 of 2) Hi! The sign for TV is supposed to "flow." Melissa "bounces" each letter, forming each one separately instead of flowing from one letter to the next. This is a clear error. The sign for BALL is supposed to be the entire shape of the ball. Think of making a "5" with your hand, then curling your fingers around the ball. Melissa uses a "C" handshape. This represents something cylindrical. A ball is a sphere, not a cylinder.
BYUFanatic 11 months ago
(2 of 2) Often what happens is when a student of any language is learning the language, they make errors that they're not even aware of. If they try "posing" as a teacher, and pass these errors on to others, it just makes things even worse. A qualified teacher would have done the signs for TV and BALL correctly (even though you didn't see a difference as a student) and thus you will see the correct sign to model instead of modeling the wrong sign.
BYUFanatic 11 months ago
Do you have any videos on the grammar of ASL? For example: In English we may say something like "I like to eat food". But in ASL you might sign it "Food, I like ". Because the subject comes first, right? I'm trying to get better with the grammar part, do you have any videos on that?
Also, I was wondering, what does the "BYU" stand for in your name?
Kristiniskool 1 year ago
@Kristiniskool (Continued) What I'm saying is, I'm trying not to "Pidgin sign".
Kristiniskool 1 year ago
@Kristiniskool Hi! Yes, I do have a number of videos that demonstrate ASL grammar. One of them is here on YouTube and covers types of greetings. The rest are all on my website as part of the formal lessons that I offer.
BYU stands for Brigham Young University - I'm a huge fan.
BYUFanatic 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
A person who embraces ASL as their primary language will be considered a member of the Deaf community. I find many hot & sexy deaf girls on a Deaf dating site ----Deafornot dot c om----Good luck to them!!!
deafornot3 1 year ago
I see your point. However In the interest of "the greater good" maybe you could have humbled yourself a little and not plugged your own teaching website as the solution to this problem as you see it. Maybe it would help make your point a little more legitimate and less self serving. Just a thought.
monatheyknowus 1 year ago 2
@monatheyknowus I listed my site as one of SEVERAL choices. Self-serving to give those who want to learn ASL some real options? I don't think so. More like helping them to find legitimate sources to learn.
BYUFanatic 1 year ago
@BYUFanatic
Thank you for stepping-up to do something about all of the misinformation that is flying around. You are very patient while also being very honest. I congratulate you for a job well done!
I am Deaf, and I teach "real" ASL, too.
CLDeafies 1 year ago
@monatheyknowus
I don't want to boast on his behalf-- But I'm now 1:34 into one of his videos and I'm astonished at the fact that I now need to go and delete all of my other asl videos-- because they are wrong. The signs felt awkward and Now seeing his simple corrections made them feel more natural and through the simple visual explanations I'm gaining a greater understanding.
djarnexus 1 year ago
@monatheyknowus, watch the video again. He suggested several authentic places to learn. His site happens to be the best site for learning ASL on the Internet. I'm glad he mentioned it, because the more people learn from him, the better. He is an incredible teacher.
Banerika 1 year ago
well, despite it all, we are all on the same team. check out my vlog! lol
montecarlo8588 1 year ago
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montecarlo8588 1 year ago
@montecarlo8588 Obviously you haven't seen any of the videos on YouTube then. YES, students (and other NON-teachers) have created video series on YouTube professing that they can teach ASL. Looks like you spouted off in your original comment without bothering to check the FACTS before telling me I'm wrong. You did bring up something that I do agree with, let's leave it at this.
BYUFanatic 1 year ago
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montecarlo8588 1 year ago
@montecarlo8588 I'll tell you what, you go to school, get a few degrees/certifications in teaching, then you come back here and we'll talk. Until then, you're expressing nothing but a personal opinion whereas my comments are based on facts and professional experience. If you truly KNEW and understood ASL, you would know that it is as complex as any other language out there. These ASL students and their videos are giving the false impression that ASL is a quasi/simplistic language.
BYUFanatic 1 year ago
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montecarlo8588 1 year ago
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montecarlo8588 1 year ago
@montecarlo8588 Your analogy using the Bible is not an accurate one. I'll give you a more accurate comparison - If you, as a student, were to read a dozen random pages from the bible and then try to open a church, claiming you KNOW the gospel of Christ, that would be a lie. Same thing with these students pretending to KNOW ASL. They don't. They just act like they do. I've seen many videos made by students posing as "wanna be teachers" here on YouTube and they are FULL of errors.
BYUFanatic 1 year ago
@montecarlo8588 (part two) As for your remark about me being close-minded because I shared my educational background: I find it amusing you did the exact same thing (calling attention to YOUR background "as a coda and an interpreter"). As a Deaf person who would use your interpreting services, I FULLY expect you to be COMPLETELY trained and certified. (In fact, the LAW requires it.) Same thing for learning ASL. If I was to take the time and effort to learn, I want my teacher to be correct!
BYUFanatic 1 year ago
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montecarlo8588 1 year ago
@montecarlo8588 I have to disagree with your comments. Having someone who is fluent in English is not going to help you correctly learn ASL when their own knowledge of ASL is limited/inaccurate. They're not looking to inspire more students to join classes, they're looking for their "15 minutes of fame." Basically they're saying - "Look at me! See what I can do! I can teach you too! Anyone can learn! It's easy!" All of that is not true. ASL, like any spoken language, is challenging and complex.
BYUFanatic 1 year ago
I definitely agree, I see people "teaching" asl, but really all they're doing is attempting to teach english-equivalent signs and that doesn't amount to ASL at all. I personally do ASL/PSE vlogs but that is more my attempt to become more proficient in a language that I love. If someone doesn't understand a sign I use I will tell them the meaning of it, but I'm not going to put up any videos of me "teaching" signs (and I have been asked)... because I am not qualified to teach anything.
Catwalksymphony 1 year ago
@brandoncook55 Hey Brandon, I completely understand not having even 5 bucks to spare at the end of the week. So, I suggest (if you really are broke) seeking out local get togethers (Deaf Community events) where you can learn and practice ASL. You can look it up online. At first it can be sort of nerve racking, even if you're an outgoing person. But my experience has been that in general Deaf people are very accepting of beginners and it will give you the opportunity to learn quite a bit.
JoynJesus2 1 year ago
I think that students sharing knowledge with other students the knowledge of asl (no matter what skill level they may be) is the equivalent of a friend going over some spanish notes with me. i do agree certification is hard work and i commend you on earning all of thoos degrees, hopefully one day i will be at your skill level as well. but i apperciate students who share their knowledge of asl.
BUSYGETTiNMONEY 1 year ago 2
@BUSYGETTiNMONEY I think that there is a HUGE difference between two classmates sharing Spanish notes and an ASL student posing as a teacher giving the impression that ASL is a "cutesy, quasi-language" that anyone can learn with little or no effort. What's even worse, all the videos I've seen by ASL students on YouTube are either lacking important information, giving misinformation, or creating misconceptions. Yes, big difference compared to sharing notes with a classmate.
BYUFanatic 1 year ago
@BYUFanatic Actually, I've seen many legitimate ASL videos on youtube. Not everyone is incorrect with their signing. Who has claimed to be a teacher on here, yes, is probably a liar. I agree with Money, it's like sharing notes. If someone decides to try to actually legitimately learn ASL on youtube, then that is their own problem. But I've seen many videos showing correct signs, and if I am unsure about a sign I ask someone at the local college, seeing as I won't be learning until next semester.
Frubahboi 1 year ago
@Frubahboi The vast majority of the videos that I have seen on here - students "teaching" ASL - are incorrect. Most of these videos aren't like "students sharing notes." On the contrary, these students are specifically saying - "Hey! Look at me! I can sign and you can learn how to sign from me!" That is wrong. And most viewers are going to believe these people. As for checking with the local college to see if they're right, that's just plain silly. Take a class at the local college instead.
BYUFanatic 1 year ago
@BYUFanatic One of the biggest things (as I'm sure you know) is the difference in dialects. Such as, I could argue that you sign "teach" incorrectly. But I understand. Some people DO put completely absurd signing information on here. So why not just tell them that you are an ASL teacher, and something is wrong? And I will tell you. I applaud anyone trying to broaden their horizons. That is all, feel free to dispute what I have said.
Frubahboi 1 year ago
@Frubahboi These student videos are incorrect because the student is flat-out wrong. Has nothing to do with dialect. And, I have posted a number of comments on various videos. The video creators don't respond because they know they're wrong (or have long since left and their videos are still up). Unfortunately though, people will come to their defense (like you have) even when I point out specific errors and give my teaching background. I do NOT applaud anyone that is spreading misinformation.
BYUFanatic 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
hi my name is savanna i am in high school and love asl. My friend Cyndi and i have been working on learning a little bit of it by reading asl books. We wish to get a masters degree as well. Do you have any suggestions or tips that will help us in the future when we actually go to college and study asl?
whitetigeress1234 1 year ago
hi my name is savanna i am in high school and love asl. My friend Cyndi and i have been working on learning a little bit of it by reading asl books. We wish to get a masters degree as well. Do you have any suggestions or tips that will help us in the future when we actually go to college and study asl?
whitetigeress1234 1 year ago
@brandoncook55 Like anything worth learning (and learning well) there are often costs involved with it.
ASL classes at a local college would cost you hundreds of dollars. A private tutor would cost you as much as $50 an hour. Other sources, such as DVDs often cost as much as $30 or more per DVD. So, $5 for an entire lesson module on my website is an incredible deal that you won't find anywhere else.
BYUFanatic 1 year ago
I am an ASL student, in ASL 4. I have been researching ASL vlogs and blogs and I have seen many questionable signs. I am still learning ASL myself, so I am NO expert. I am glad to see a video such as this. I think it took courage to create.
On a sidenote, my boyfriend goes to BYU.
ckerbful 1 year ago
@ckerbful Thanks for the compliment! I do get a wide range of positive and negative comments about my video. But, I felt it important to make it because of all the really bad videos out there.
Hope your boyfriend is doing good at BYU! *smile*
BYUFanatic 1 year ago
I understand your sentiments. However, I have to say that I have seen many hearing ASL teachers who are highly unqualified to be teaching the language. Sure, they have the proper education and certifications, but apparently those standards are not so high. It's frustrating to see your video because I am currently in an ITP and I know that teaching the language myself or even *gasp* teaching signs to introduce others to the language is superior than a lot of the "education" available.
sclowers 1 year ago
@sclowers It would depend on where you live. For example, in Texas and Florida the standards are VERY high. Teachers often complain that the requirements are too strict (I think they could be a little stricter). States such as Idaho are very lax in their requirements - the teacher only has to have a teaching certification in any subject. However, you had to learn from somewhere. I'm willing to bet that you didn't get your signing skills from an ASL student did you?
BYUFanatic 1 year ago
(continued) You're right though - some teachers shouldn't even be teaching (the same could be said for a number of teachers for ANY subject, not just ASL) Never be afraid to ask a teacher for their credentials. A teacher should not be afraid to seek out as many credentials and as much education as possible to ensure their skills are adequate for the job. But, a qualified ASL teacher is better than an ASL student every time.
BYUFanatic 1 year ago
I've been teaching myself asl, and I even glossed a song, I showed it to an interpreter and she said that I understand the language. I'm not claiming to be fluent, by FAR lol. But I have seen a few people on youtube who are signing incorrectly, and if I can see the errors there's no doubt a deaf/HoH person can! I don't teach anyone ASL because well, as you said, I'm not certified. I don't know the in's and out's of out's of the language. So I do agree with you on students teaching students.
ShhhhhItsasecret 1 year ago
I have loved ASL since childhood and it has annoyed me to see those who aren't qualified interpreting or trying to teach. Thank you for this video. I will be looking at your website!
PecanSandees23 1 year ago
@PecanSandees23 I'm glad you have a passion for ASL. Thanks for your support, and hope you enjoy the website!
BYUFanatic 1 year ago
Interesting video, however...I am in an ITP and have NEVER seen a video where students are teaching ASL. In fact, most of my teachers are deaf and most of the interpreters I know (CI/CT, RID, etc) believe that "teaching" the language (ASL) should be left to qualified DEAF teachers. It is their native language. Hearing teachers introducing the basics of ASL to elementary school kids is fine, but using this "problem" (which in NOT a problem) as a intro to your site is insincere.
Jonrobrt 1 year ago
@Jonrobrt Obviously you don't get out much then if you are that ignorant. One simply has to browse around here on YouTube and you will see that there are HUNDREDS of videos by those who profess to be "teaching" ASL. Me insecure? More like you're ignorant. But, thanks anyways for your comment.
BYUFanatic 1 year ago
@BYUFanatic don't let him bug you.... Johnrobrt is just rude. I have seen lots fo videos were I can see people messing up signs and trying to teach " How are you" for instance, and messing up how. Love your website by the way.
pookymuffin101 1 year ago
@pookymuffin101 Hi! Not to worry, I'm not bothered by Johnrbrt's comments at all. He's just another example of an ASL student who thinks they know as much or more than ASL teachers do. *smile* My channel here on YouTube exists to educate an enlighten, so hopefully he's now been educated. Thanks for the compliment. I'm glad you enjoy the website!
BYUFanatic 1 year ago
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@BYUFanatic no prob :) Check out my video's.. I would like to see how you think my asl is
pookymuffin101 1 year ago
WORSE... sometimes I have run into student who VOLUNTEER to interpret- think it's a compliment and a great way to practice signing!!!! AHHHHHHH.. I agree with you 100%. (I"m an interpreter, I'll all for MANY people learning ASL.) ...but they're teaching wrong info and once you learn something wrong it's hard to UNLEARN it! If you post it because of a class and for your amusement and state it's for a class... fine... don't make yourself an expert.
Rainy64 1 year ago
@Rainy64 Exactly. Posting videos for class purposes or just for fun is ok. But taking on the role of "teacher" while they are nothing more than students themselves really does a huge disservice to the Deaf and their language - causing people to think it's not really a full language and that it's super-easy to learn and anyone can teach it.
BYUFanatic 1 year ago 4
Well, You go to school to learn how to teach! I speak English and Spanish, and i did not went to school to teach any of