Any language can be art.....ASL, spanish, french, german etc....my german mother taught us some wonderful german poems and although we didn't know what most of the words meant, we loved them just the same. My cajun father never taught us his language, but I loved listening to them talk.....in my own church I do perform songs through sign and my prayer is always that someone will be blessed....and you know what? Someone always is.....and that, my friend, is what it's all about!
I am a beginning ASL student. I speak 6 other languages. The more senses a student uses the more they retain. For hearing students we have the option to use music to help us learn & retain what we learn. I understand the importance of conveying context over transliterating. I have friends who are hearing but don't speak & use ASL & friends whose children are autistic who use ASL. Using music helps me learn new words & to focus on meaning and work on using my face and body to convey meaning.
Obriensign...keep it up, I love watching your videos, they help me to see other ways I can interpret songs and different techiniques I can use. A wise ASL teacher once told me to focus on the people who encourage me in ASL, and ignore the ones who don't. Some Deaf don't think hearing people should learn at all which is discouraging. You're signing is AWESOME! very clear and ASL grammar focused which is a rare find. Thank you!
i go on youtube and see people interpreting (PS it is interpreting, not translating) songs straight from English to essentially signed English. If we can use songs to show students the difference between English and ASL and how the two don't always match word for word then I'm all for it. And if the Deaf community is so against it then why does the Deaf Performing Arts Network exist? Go check them out, it's pretty cool. ,
You know...I've read all these comments and I think that it's shameful for grown adults to be attacking each other this way. I am a hearing interpreting student and I have VERY strong feelings about respecting Deaf culture. But why can't it go both ways? I think using music is a great tool to teach students the differences between ASL and English and to perhaps encourage future interpreters who can respect both cultures.
I see NOTHING wrong with integrating music and ASL together. If we are going to be that selfish - then I will tell NSAD (National Softball Association for the Deaf) to STOP signing and doing the National Anthem before the Championship game because a group of deaf individuals says it is culturally wrong and that music has no business in our world. Give me a break! There is NOTHING wrong with using music as a tool for teaching. @obriensign you keep up with what you're doing!
I found ASL through a desire to express myself more intimately to God through worship music and worshipping in Sign Language. At first it was just fun, but as time goes on I feel it has connected me more to ASL, because 1st, I feel more comfortable interpreting something I am passionate about and 2ndly it is a unique ability to express ASL while hearing music. Not all deaf will appreciate it, not all hearing will be able to do it, but when the two become one, it's a marriage of beauty!
Bi/Bi education means equally valuing BOTH languages & cultures. This is my background... bi/bi education for Deaf. Why can't I reverse that and use it to teach my hearing kids ASL? Why can't I value their English language and hearing culture in my classroom? Music is a part of hearing culture... why can't it have a place in my classroom, too? Why do you want me to value Deaf culture in a classroom of Deaf children, but not the same for hearing? This is the inequality that frustrates me so much.
@obriensign: Not really especially if deaf kids don't understand music through ASL, then it is not equal bi/bi education for them. For hearing kids, yes but not for deaf kids. So you see the inequality there. To me, Bi/bi education is when both deaf and hearing kids are able to receive quality and equal education. You say that it frustrates you, it does frustrate a lot of us as you can see from all the comments from deaf people.
@deafmommy But I don't teach Deaf students. All of my students are hearing. The one time I did have a Deaf student, I did not allow my students to translate music because it wasn't fair for that student. I agree in equality and fairness for all, hearing as well as Deaf.
Calling it "musical lit"? I guess you could, since it would be within the genre of music. The problem is when you sign to music, you are conflating ASL, music, and Deaf culture in your students' heads, and that is the problem. ASL students are not necessarily sophisticated enough to make the distinction, and they could all too easily think it is part of Deaf culture, ASL Lit, and acceptable within our community. I'm sure you know what I'm saying.
@DrDonGCSUS While I appreciate your comment and I understand what you are saying, please don't discount the abilities of my students to distinguish between Deaf culture and the hearing community. By reading my previous comments, and watching my vlog, you should understand that I am well aware that signing music is not accepted by all members of the Deaf community, and I teach that to my students very clearly.
You say your an ASL teacher, yet you are not respecting that fact that translating a song is not a good mode of teaching in the asl class. You have numerous Deaf professors telling you that it is not a part of Deaf culture. Why not do stroytelling instead of tranlating a song. Storytelling is a very important part in deaf culture. It is your responsibility to not only teach the language but also the culture.
@BekF3487 I do teach storytelling. I teach ASL poetry. But how am I supposed to discount things like Rathskallar and Beethoven's Nightmare in my classroom? Should I not teach about those things because they include music? What about Big River?
And why can't translating a song, or an English poem, or anything else from English to ASL be a good way to teach ASL? Isn't that utilizing the bi/bi method in reverse? Why is that okay for teaching Deaf kids but not hearing ones?
@obriensign This is the lack of equality and the reason I feel like a second-class citizen. No, I am not Deaf. I don't expect to have all the rights and privileges in the Deaf community that a Deaf person does. But if Deaf people want to be treated equally, why can't they give that equality back in return?
@obriensign, I've been reading all of these comments and since I haven't had an ASL teacher assign music lyric interpretation, nor am I an ASL teacher myself, I haven't had much to say other than some ASL teachers choose this assignment for two reasons: 1) it is highly motivating and 2) it is extremely challenging, due to the metaphors and English idioms that abound in song lyrics. The combination of motivating students and challenging them is appealing. Continued ...
Continued ... however, I get that time in the classroom is very limited, vs time outside the classroom. 100% ASL and Deaf culture in the classroom does not make the tiniest dent in the whole hearing-dominated world, and what is being asked for is to at the very least, make that time completely Deaf-centric. Your desire for equality would only make sense if the world wasn't so hearing-centric and the power differential between hearing and Deaf wasn't so extreme and glaring.
@Banerika But in a high school classroom I have much more time than in college classes. I don't use music in my college classes for that reason. But I see my students for 50 minutes, 5 days a week, for a minimum of two years. In that time they have exactly ONE project where they translate music.
I agree with you, music is a highly motivating pedagogy tool for hearing students.
@obriensign I would consider Rathskallar and Beethoven to be more appropriate in a Deaf history class they were musicans who created music but did not tranlate the music into ASL. Teaching about them as people are great examples for students. My main objective is the translation of music to asl it is not cultualy accepted.
@BekF3487 In my vlog I clearly state that I am aware translating music is not culturally accepted. I translate music because my students are hearing and I choose to show equal value to their culture in my ASL classroom, just as I would give equal value to Deaf culture in an English classroom full of Deaf students.
Obriensign, my friend told me to watch your vlogs. My dear, I disagree with you 100 percent. If you sign music for the plays. That is ok. Whenever you sign music.. I did not understand you at all because you had no facial expression. Any deaf person sign music, I understand him/her because he/she expresses his/her true feelings. I don't like to belittle you but I want to be honest with you. I forbid my students to sign music in my classes.
I also know that some people love to translate music into ASL, but they need to ask Deaf people if they can really understand them. It is important to accept their feedback, especially if they say that they don't understand you, music does not come naturally for us, we cannot hear it, and when it is translated into ASL, it just doesnt make any sense to some of us. I know it may be hard for hearing people to understand this because music is central in their lives whereas it isn't for us.
@deafmommy I didn't get to see your earlier comments, but I will way that I really appreciate these comments. I am well aware that music isn't natural for all Deaf people and doesn't make sense to some of them. What my vlog is saying is that music is natural for hearing people, and ASL can be natural for some of those same hearing people. It's natural for us to want to sign music. And getting attacked for that is really hurtful towards those hearing people.
Hi, I removed my two comments as I realized that I came across a little too hard, I apologize, I hope after you read all the comments, you will understand why we are concerned about ASL instructors teaching students how to translate music in ASL. It is very hard to understand people who translate music into ASL simply because we don't listen to music and it just doesn't make any sense. If you could watch Gallaudet's song, the Bison song, you will see how it is signed in ASL and compare it.
@trinitysite72 Great question! I do most definitely acknowledge that music isn't something that the entire Deaf community enjoys. I have made that very clear to my students and I make it clear to them that I do not sign music for the Deaf community, I sign it for myself and for the hearing people that appreciate ASL and music. The problem I have is that I don't appreciate the reverse audism experience that myself and the hearies that do enjoy music and ASL.
On a note, any music interpretation bring me a bad memories of being oppressed to learn hearing way which I miss out on education that I can be empowered through ASL. It was agony painful to bear the yelling of music teacher because we deaf don't understand the meaning of music. They were try to make us a fake hearing people. It was so inorganic. Today, to this day is a pain experience.
I respect you for find love in music and ASL. There is a space for this. Keep in mind of boundaries.
@TheSterlingJOe Thank you. I understand your individual experience and I respect that. All I was asking was for respect in return, and I feel that I have recived that from you. Thank you.
Why we hate music in ASL. Music is audio engineered, not visually engineered. So, it doesn't fit us. And, we find no joy in music.
However, you can improvise by having ASL dominates the music. The problem is that people let music takes control of ASL therefore the quality of ASL diminished.
When ASL is under attack and we as the deaf community is attacked.
continued... ASL classes are places where ASL culture and literature should be taught. Music is an English/hearing thing. You tell us to respect hearintg culture, but by telling Deaf people to respect your decision to teach ASL translation of English music in class is hardly showing respect to the Deaf/ASL culture nor our objections and reasons for those objections.
@shelpotma1 I know that not all Deaf people enjoy music, and I respect that. But many times I don't feel the Deaf community respects the hearing people who are involved in their community that DO enjoy music. I teach ASL, I don't give my students sign names, I bring members of the Deaf community into my classroom, I teach them all forms of ASL lit, I teach about audism... but I am hearing and I enjoy music. So do my students. Why shouldn't I include that?
No, it is not OK for you to teach with music in ASL classroom. Once ASL is being taught in classroom, it is a "holy land" without music, you know what I mean by that? You need to remember that ASL is not sound oriented, it is a visual oriented.
@jbhutchison In an ASL classroom, students who are learning ASL need to know that it is a "holy land" for ASL only. No hearing students should not TALK with their mouth, only their hands. Get it? I'm not talking about church wise at all. 'Holy' in other words, meant blessed and righteous. ASL is a righteous language to use in classroom only. Not sound-oriented, but only visual-oriented!
@gratefuldeaf Sorry, I accidently responded from my friends account. Here's what I said (so people can follow the conversation)... I said I don't understand the "holy land" comment, since the last time I attended a Deaf church service they incorporated music. So perhaps Deaf church isn't really a holy land for Deaf people since they include music.
By the way please you need to respect Deaf's true ASL without butchering with music or any other form of crap. You'll earn Deaf people's respect, too. That's simple.
@InsaneMisha I guess this has me a little fired up because I don't sign music in front of Deaf people (most of the time) for this very reason. I respect the Deaf community... but I don't feel the Deaf community always respects the hearing people who are involved in their community. I feel like a second-class citizen in this culture that I respect and value so much that I wanted to teach it.
If Hearing people want to sign music translated into ASL, that's up to them. But in NO way make it seem like that is a form of ASL Literature. Deaf people do individually appreciate Hearing music, but Hearing music is not a part of Deaf culture. Assigning this type of thing in ASL classes gives Hearing students the impression that it is part of Deaf culture, and is culturally acceptable, and sorry to say, but it really is NOT. It is translation, and translation only.
ASL classes aren't the place for translating music into ASL. ASL classes are the place for ASL literature such as Birds of a Feather, A Decent Living. Use ASL poetry such as Valli, Lentz, etc. Music is a spoken language thing -in our situation, an English thing and very much part of American culture, but not part of ASL/Deaf culture. ASL adaptations from English literature perpetuates the misconception that ASL is visual form of Engligh
@shelpotma1 I do include Bird of a Feather, Valli's poetry, handshape stories, and other forms of ASL literature. My students are very aware that ASL is different from English and that they are interpreting music. But wouldn't you consider the musical interpretations of Keith Wann, Tiffany Hill, and Erik forms of ASL literature?
@DrDonGCSUS I will concede to you, Dr. Don, because translating The Iliad from Latin to English doesn't make it English literature. So how about calling interpreting songs Musical Literature? That way it doesn't matter WHAT language the music is in, it's all a form of Musical Lit. :)
@shelpotma1 Good question... I consider literature to be a form of expression using a chosen language. Historically, most people consider literature to be a written form of expression, but oral histories can be literature, too... consider that Navajo has no written form, yet the Navajo people have literature. The same with Deaf people... they have forms of expression in handshape stories, jokes, plays... would you consider Rathskallar's performances literature? What about Beethoven's Nightmare?
Cont'd....it is not even culturally offensive to keep music out of the class room. Therefore it is not recommended to teach music in ASL in the ASL (beginners, NO-NO, intermediate, still NO-NO, advanced, probably still NO-NO) classes. Like aslnikki says ASL music is ok outside of classroom because it would probably be a good practice though.
My daughter, Deaf of sixth Deaf generation, loves signing songs in ASL. Why? She has a CI and she knows when it is approrpiate and whne it is not to sign AS songs. In ASL classes is a big no-no. In her Deaf community, nope. In the privacy of her room with her hearie-like friends, sure!
I would say ASL and music combination need to be kept separate from ASL and Deaf Studies classes. I find it culturally offensive and insensitive if an ASL instructor (usually hearies and fence-sitters) incorporate music in their ASL instruction. It is just SO wrong. Signing music in ASL is perfectly fine if kept out of the classroom.
@aslnikki Why should music be a "no no" in ASL classes? Why is it "just SO wrong"? As I said, ASL is a form of art, and music is a form of art. Hearing people naturally combine those two, as you can see on YouTube. And with the "iPod generation" sitting in my classroom, signing music can be a phenomenal way to keep their interest. You may find it "culturally offensive and insenstive", but I find it culturally offensive for people to expect me to keep music out of my classroom full of hearies.
@obriensign FYI, ASL is not even a form of art (probably for hearing people's eyes) in Deaf people's eyes because ASL is Deaf's true and native language, period. Music and ASL is very bad combo for ASL classes...nope, it is a big FAT no-no in the true Deaf ASL teachers who work hard to teach the students the true language adaptively named ASL. Singing in ASL is somewhat different from regular ASL. That is why some Deaf may have corrected and/or criticized your ASL music. Cont'd....
@InsaneMisha English can be a form of art, can it not? Any language can be a medium of art. So why couldn't ASL be recognized as a form of art as well?
However, I do agree that "singing" in ASL is somewhat different. I work hard to explain to my students that sometimes it's not as true to the form of ASL as it should be due to the constraints of the music itself. But that's part of the fun of it, just like the constraints of handshape story rules.
@InsaneMisha Deaf people don't think ASL can be a beautiful art form? That's tragic... and clearly not true. I've seen many beautiful ASL poems that may or may not interpret English or include music. "Playing with language " is a critical component of L2 acquisition and if working the language into music (with appropriate guidance on conceptual accuracy and cultural sensitivity) helps why not encourage students to do so? It will help them fall in love with ASL: a goal of any good ASL teacher.
@lilcherubx You're missing the WHOLE point of ASL, geez! You don't ever get it at all. Deaf people can NOT consider ASL as form of art. HELL NO! Because ASL is Deaf people's true and native language, even birth right to the language, not art, for chrissake.
Singing in ASL is, of course, a form of art. Signing in Poetry in ASL is also a form of art. Yes in those two but singing doesn't belong to ASL classes however poetry is sometimes okay.
@obriensign For clarification to people who are reading this and attacking me, I am well aware that ASL is a language. I teach it. I force my students to use things like "word" rather than "sign" so they can get used to seeing ASL as a language.
What I meant in saying "ASL is a form of art" is that ANY language can be a form of art... that is what literature is. I should have said "signing ASL in music is a form of art", and I apologize for not making that clear.
dont let people put you down.. fellow your heart if you really want help music for deaf and H.H. or student learning ASL skills.. you can do showing everyone who you are! be brave lady! by the way i do see lots hearing people use asl skills durin music hip hop or rap or country or worship church many many.. not you only one person it is not true... by the way i am deaf.. smile!
My problem is I'm not that "talented" when it comes to technology, and I haven't found the time (between two teaching jobs) to teach myself how to do that yet. :)
(continued) I still know about 60-70% of the signs I have learnt, but I want to learn more and I think a great way to self-teach (as I don't have time or resources for formal classes), is watching videos. I have done this with music videos (including yours) and I think it's great, especially for conceptual comprehension. What I was wondering, however, is if you could put subtitles on videos like this so I could follow along and learn outside of music...
I have a definite interest in learning to sign, or, rather, starting to learn again. I started when I was much younger because I babysat an HOH girl, and her mom wanted me to sign some for her as well as talk so she could read lips (which is kinda hard). I learnt the alphabet as well as numbers and basic signs. I also learnt the difference between ASL and Signed English (which I notice is a common arguement online here.) But I stopped learning when we moved...
There is always going to be negative people that have to disagree.. but that is true.. we need to respect eachother. I am hearing and Have a deaf sister.. I grew up signing the my favorite songs to her and she loved it. So , It really depends on the person.. don't let it get you down.. Just do it! Your signed music is for the people who love it... not for the others who don't.
What's with the "sign in English" stuff? Honestly, that's not correct. The weird slang signs that some use on here are "English." ASL is English. However, ASL is much more strict.
I know deaf people and they have taught me to sign. I do not do every little detail like the, an, the, was, am, are, etc. I sign like our vernacular and have been told this is Ameslan or Amislan or Amislang . . . . something like that.
Hmm . . . do you know deaf people or not? ASL=American Sign Language . . . a way of signing THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. ASL tries to be more grammatically correct than "Amerslan," which is also IN ENGLISH. See the problem of "Signing in English?" ASL or Amerslan is English as neither is French or Spanish or German or any other variety of languages. What they should be explaining is that they are "signing in the vernacular" or "singing in slang," not saying they are "signing in English."
Are you asking me if I am signing in English? Because this vlog is in fairly "strict" ASL, if you want to break it down and criticize it. Which, btw, the point of this was that I don't appreciate or need anyone's opinion on my signing skills.
For the record, I am a CERTIFIED American Sign Language teacher. ASL is NOT English. The words "an, the, was, am, are" are not words in ASL.
And to answer your question, yes I know a lot of Deaf people... and that's with a capital D.
@gratefuldeaf I'm a certified ASL teacher because I earned two college degrees (including one in Deaf Studies/Deaf Ed) and took all the certification exams necessary to become an ASL teacher. Yes, I understand the history of ASL quite well, including the oppression of the Deaf Community. But I'm a bit tired of being treated like a second-class citizen in a culture that I show value and respect.
ASL= American Sign Language, but it is NOT a way of siging THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. It is a language all on its own with its own grammar and syntax. It is a way of communication amoung Deaf people in the USA and CANADA.
Great vlog. I'm personally a hearing living around Deaf culture with tons of Deaf and CODA friends in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Mexico, USA and Canada. I LOVE ASL poetry and some ASL music as well. The point is that most of the videos on YouTube simply suck, no facial expressions, no ASL grammar structure, etc. There are many though that really transmit the original meaning into the target language. Feel the same with Spanish and English.
interesting...even b4 becoming a professional terp (or having much skill in ASL) my deaf friends would love for me to sign the songs that were on the radio for them...It probably wasn't very entertaining cuz I didn't know how to sign a song very well at all but I think it was a way to connect with hearing people and opened up a part the hearing world that previously was a big secret to them...now some deaf friends love music some don't care abt it at all...if they don't like it no need to watch
hey hey hey Im deaf myself and I love to listen with speakers to my ears and watch you ASL music OH man I really cant beielve in your area deaf people put you down SHAME ON THEM there are alots of deaf poeple who love listen and watch asl its very bueaitful thing PLEASE dont let them deafies stop you from doing this. whoever deafies put you down are low scum on the earth Im sorry say this but Hey PLEASE KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING your asl are so perfect my heart melted! ; )
Well, historically speaking, ASL really is derived from French Sign Language (LSF) and an indigenous signed language used here in the United States in the early 1800s. But then again, a lot of people "scream" that English should be our national language... but it isn't native, either. :) Perhaps we should all learn a Native American language such as Navajo. :)
I personally do not enjoy music interpreted into "sign language" and so I choose not to watch those videos, particularly those in Signed English. I sign in ASL, I enjoy videos in ASL, and I try to only have videos in ASL in my playlists. It is my personal preference and for educational purposes (since my students regularly check my YouTube channel). However, I do repsect that some people do sign in English or prefer to see music signed in English. I figure if you don't like it... don't watch. :)
"Foreign" combines with "Language". "Spanish combines with "Language" and now you see "Sign" combines with "Language". I think if the word "native" is added next to "ASL" I, for one, don't mind. Would you care for a dance?
I agree that you can say "sign language", but that could encompass any "signed" language (English, Mexican, British) and isn't specific. I specifically teach (and use) American Sign Language.
Funny note on the "foreign" part, at my school I am not a part of the foreign language department. They changed it to the "Languages Other than English" department specifically because of ASL being included. :)
No pressure here. You're okay. Enjoyed watching your videos. You really enjoyed doing it I can tell. Keep it up. Tell the kids I said "hi". :-) There are just all kinds of ways you know.
There are all kinds of cookies. Know what I am saying? A jar filled with cookies are always up and emptied. make sure you don't swallow the bad ones! I wish you the best of luck. (Yoo Hoo)
Thank you, I am your side. myself into strong music theatre and dance also I am Deaf. In 2007, I was on Broadway Musical and Opera series the show "Secret Garden" and I am lead role characater in that show. BTW, your sign very clear into music. Don't give up.
Let me start by stating that I am a hearing interpreter.
But I feel that the issue may not lie solely with weather or not you like watching signed songs or not. I think the point is that there is now more "translated ASL music" on YouTube, than "native ASL poetry".
It is a clear example of how hearing people are asserting quite a bit of control on a language that isn't theirs.
How many YouTube posts are there of people singing their translation of Britney Spears in Level 2 Spanish?
hey there. love this video. it is very true. any way of expressing oneself is always appropriate and always very fulfilling. thanks for your compliments as well.
First of all, thank you for being a silent voice in the darkness for those of us who share your point of view. I have the same passion for signing music. Grew up in an ASL world while also listening to music that moved me in the same way ASL did. It's the simple art of putting those passions and feelings into something tangible - be it visual or auditory. Being fortunate enough to experience both, I can't hear a song I love and NOT want to express that same beauty in ASL.
i gotta give you some kudos - for both your message as well as the chutzpah it takes to put it out there for all to see. i think what you say about 'passion' in particular is the root of it all: it shouldn't matter if you're deaf or hearing, we should encourage fellow members of the HUMAN community to follow our individual passions. keep up the good work - the world is changing and sometimes, with all respect implied, we need to challenge the status quo.
I sign songs and I am proud to be deaf. Actually, hard of hearing, only 40% hearing.. If they dont like the ASL/MUSIC combination, they could just x it out and go to another video. Its really awesome. I know a lot of hearing people that wants to LEARN how to sign is because they have seen me or others perform in sign language. --- Katie, kudos to you! Im proud of you. You're my kind of teacher/interpreter. You have respect for the Deaf world but yet you are involved. That's GREAT! Keep it up!
I am a coda and do love to sign to music... but turn off the sound and see what it looks like to D/deaf people... kind of boring overall, really. Sorry to hear you sign songs in ASL class; that seems like the wrong place for signed songs.
Have you ever been into an ASL class in high school? This is the iPod generation. I'm constantly telling them to pull the earbuds out of their ears. Music is a HUGE part of these kids lives... and a great way to capture and keep their attention sometimes. Plus interpreting music isn't a very easy skill... and my kids do it in ASL II. Like I said, I understand and respect the Deaf point of view... but I wish that the "hearing" perspective was respected a little more than it seems to be.
Ah, never thought of the iPod thing... Funny. -- Respect goes both ways... You may well be an exception (many hearing people who teach ASL do NOT respect Deaf folks); it's a shame what is going on out there...
I agree... which is why I posted my "Hearing ASL Teachers" vlog... it really bugs me when hearing teachers don't respect that it isn't our language or culture, no matter how much of an "expert" we can become.
I don't understand why some people would object another avenue of expression. Music and movement and meaning. They all blend together wonderfully. Now if I tried to sign music, then I would totally understand being "bood" off the stage, and rightly so. I sing in the shower but wouldn't trouble anyone elses ears if they were nearby.
I absolutely LOVE your videos. You are truly an inspiration!!!!!!
is fun and keeps me up to speed with signing because that is how I practice. I think this is more of a respect issue than it is of ethics, (or whatever you what to call it.)
PS You're an amazing signer and I love your Channel. Keep up the great videos.
Actually, this was a response to that video and to the many comments I have seen posted on other channels about how people don't like music interpreted. I figure, if you don't like it... don't watch. :) Thanks for the compliments!
or not but after watching your video I find that that was everything that I wanted to tell Abcohende. I respect the Deaf Community's views on combining ASL with Music but I don't think a lot of deaf people respect hearing people who enjoy signing with music. I myself sign with music and enjoy doing so because it
Dont be silly! I think it is same as American Idol, and when we can notice that a song is not being signed well, it's the equivalent to the boot from American Idol. Your songs are awesome and I really enjoy your interpretations of the songs. It is sometimes hard to watch people who know no or very little signing trying to sign a song in ASL and thinking its so cool.
Thank you for the compliment! I agree, it does bother me at times when I see people signing things incorrectly, but there is a big difference between constructive criticism and being downright mean. I just felt the need to give my opinion before people decided to try and be mean to me. :)
:) Good job - great way of putting it!
sarace7340 1 month ago in playlist More videos from obriensign
Any language can be art.....ASL, spanish, french, german etc....my german mother taught us some wonderful german poems and although we didn't know what most of the words meant, we loved them just the same. My cajun father never taught us his language, but I loved listening to them talk.....in my own church I do perform songs through sign and my prayer is always that someone will be blessed....and you know what? Someone always is.....and that, my friend, is what it's all about!
MaryMary1965 8 months ago
I am a beginning ASL student. I speak 6 other languages. The more senses a student uses the more they retain. For hearing students we have the option to use music to help us learn & retain what we learn. I understand the importance of conveying context over transliterating. I have friends who are hearing but don't speak & use ASL & friends whose children are autistic who use ASL. Using music helps me learn new words & to focus on meaning and work on using my face and body to convey meaning.
bearanike 11 months ago
Obriensign...keep it up, I love watching your videos, they help me to see other ways I can interpret songs and different techiniques I can use. A wise ASL teacher once told me to focus on the people who encourage me in ASL, and ignore the ones who don't. Some Deaf don't think hearing people should learn at all which is discouraging. You're signing is AWESOME! very clear and ASL grammar focused which is a rare find. Thank you!
storykeeperkb 1 year ago
cont....
i go on youtube and see people interpreting (PS it is interpreting, not translating) songs straight from English to essentially signed English. If we can use songs to show students the difference between English and ASL and how the two don't always match word for word then I'm all for it. And if the Deaf community is so against it then why does the Deaf Performing Arts Network exist? Go check them out, it's pretty cool. ,
storykeeperkb 1 year ago
You know...I've read all these comments and I think that it's shameful for grown adults to be attacking each other this way. I am a hearing interpreting student and I have VERY strong feelings about respecting Deaf culture. But why can't it go both ways? I think using music is a great tool to teach students the differences between ASL and English and to perhaps encourage future interpreters who can respect both cultures.
cont....
storykeeperkb 1 year ago
I see NOTHING wrong with integrating music and ASL together. If we are going to be that selfish - then I will tell NSAD (National Softball Association for the Deaf) to STOP signing and doing the National Anthem before the Championship game because a group of deaf individuals says it is culturally wrong and that music has no business in our world. Give me a break! There is NOTHING wrong with using music as a tool for teaching. @obriensign you keep up with what you're doing!
DefLord 1 year ago
I found ASL through a desire to express myself more intimately to God through worship music and worshipping in Sign Language. At first it was just fun, but as time goes on I feel it has connected me more to ASL, because 1st, I feel more comfortable interpreting something I am passionate about and 2ndly it is a unique ability to express ASL while hearing music. Not all deaf will appreciate it, not all hearing will be able to do it, but when the two become one, it's a marriage of beauty!
Drumethan 1 year ago
Bi/Bi education means equally valuing BOTH languages & cultures. This is my background... bi/bi education for Deaf. Why can't I reverse that and use it to teach my hearing kids ASL? Why can't I value their English language and hearing culture in my classroom? Music is a part of hearing culture... why can't it have a place in my classroom, too? Why do you want me to value Deaf culture in a classroom of Deaf children, but not the same for hearing? This is the inequality that frustrates me so much.
obriensign 1 year ago
@obriensign: Not really especially if deaf kids don't understand music through ASL, then it is not equal bi/bi education for them. For hearing kids, yes but not for deaf kids. So you see the inequality there. To me, Bi/bi education is when both deaf and hearing kids are able to receive quality and equal education. You say that it frustrates you, it does frustrate a lot of us as you can see from all the comments from deaf people.
deafmommy 1 year ago
@deafmommy But I don't teach Deaf students. All of my students are hearing. The one time I did have a Deaf student, I did not allow my students to translate music because it wasn't fair for that student. I agree in equality and fairness for all, hearing as well as Deaf.
obriensign 1 year ago
Calling it "musical lit"? I guess you could, since it would be within the genre of music. The problem is when you sign to music, you are conflating ASL, music, and Deaf culture in your students' heads, and that is the problem. ASL students are not necessarily sophisticated enough to make the distinction, and they could all too easily think it is part of Deaf culture, ASL Lit, and acceptable within our community. I'm sure you know what I'm saying.
DrDonGCSUS 1 year ago
@DrDonGCSUS While I appreciate your comment and I understand what you are saying, please don't discount the abilities of my students to distinguish between Deaf culture and the hearing community. By reading my previous comments, and watching my vlog, you should understand that I am well aware that signing music is not accepted by all members of the Deaf community, and I teach that to my students very clearly.
obriensign 1 year ago
You say your an ASL teacher, yet you are not respecting that fact that translating a song is not a good mode of teaching in the asl class. You have numerous Deaf professors telling you that it is not a part of Deaf culture. Why not do stroytelling instead of tranlating a song. Storytelling is a very important part in deaf culture. It is your responsibility to not only teach the language but also the culture.
BekF3487 1 year ago
@BekF3487 I do teach storytelling. I teach ASL poetry. But how am I supposed to discount things like Rathskallar and Beethoven's Nightmare in my classroom? Should I not teach about those things because they include music? What about Big River?
And why can't translating a song, or an English poem, or anything else from English to ASL be a good way to teach ASL? Isn't that utilizing the bi/bi method in reverse? Why is that okay for teaching Deaf kids but not hearing ones?
obriensign 1 year ago
@obriensign This is the lack of equality and the reason I feel like a second-class citizen. No, I am not Deaf. I don't expect to have all the rights and privileges in the Deaf community that a Deaf person does. But if Deaf people want to be treated equally, why can't they give that equality back in return?
obriensign 1 year ago
@obriensign, I've been reading all of these comments and since I haven't had an ASL teacher assign music lyric interpretation, nor am I an ASL teacher myself, I haven't had much to say other than some ASL teachers choose this assignment for two reasons: 1) it is highly motivating and 2) it is extremely challenging, due to the metaphors and English idioms that abound in song lyrics. The combination of motivating students and challenging them is appealing. Continued ...
Banerika 1 year ago
Continued ... however, I get that time in the classroom is very limited, vs time outside the classroom. 100% ASL and Deaf culture in the classroom does not make the tiniest dent in the whole hearing-dominated world, and what is being asked for is to at the very least, make that time completely Deaf-centric. Your desire for equality would only make sense if the world wasn't so hearing-centric and the power differential between hearing and Deaf wasn't so extreme and glaring.
Banerika 1 year ago
@Banerika But in a high school classroom I have much more time than in college classes. I don't use music in my college classes for that reason. But I see my students for 50 minutes, 5 days a week, for a minimum of two years. In that time they have exactly ONE project where they translate music.
I agree with you, music is a highly motivating pedagogy tool for hearing students.
obriensign 1 year ago
@obriensign I would consider Rathskallar and Beethoven to be more appropriate in a Deaf history class they were musicans who created music but did not tranlate the music into ASL. Teaching about them as people are great examples for students. My main objective is the translation of music to asl it is not cultualy accepted.
BekF3487 1 year ago
@BekF3487 In my vlog I clearly state that I am aware translating music is not culturally accepted. I translate music because my students are hearing and I choose to show equal value to their culture in my ASL classroom, just as I would give equal value to Deaf culture in an English classroom full of Deaf students.
obriensign 1 year ago
Obriensign, my friend told me to watch your vlogs. My dear, I disagree with you 100 percent. If you sign music for the plays. That is ok. Whenever you sign music.. I did not understand you at all because you had no facial expression. Any deaf person sign music, I understand him/her because he/she expresses his/her true feelings. I don't like to belittle you but I want to be honest with you. I forbid my students to sign music in my classes.
My2BlackPearls 1 year ago
@My2BlackPearls If you don't like the way I don't sign music... don't watch the videos. Or did you not understand that point in this vlog?
obriensign 1 year ago
I also know that some people love to translate music into ASL, but they need to ask Deaf people if they can really understand them. It is important to accept their feedback, especially if they say that they don't understand you, music does not come naturally for us, we cannot hear it, and when it is translated into ASL, it just doesnt make any sense to some of us. I know it may be hard for hearing people to understand this because music is central in their lives whereas it isn't for us.
deafmommy 1 year ago
@deafmommy I didn't get to see your earlier comments, but I will way that I really appreciate these comments. I am well aware that music isn't natural for all Deaf people and doesn't make sense to some of them. What my vlog is saying is that music is natural for hearing people, and ASL can be natural for some of those same hearing people. It's natural for us to want to sign music. And getting attacked for that is really hurtful towards those hearing people.
obriensign 1 year ago
Hi, I removed my two comments as I realized that I came across a little too hard, I apologize, I hope after you read all the comments, you will understand why we are concerned about ASL instructors teaching students how to translate music in ASL. It is very hard to understand people who translate music into ASL simply because we don't listen to music and it just doesn't make any sense. If you could watch Gallaudet's song, the Bison song, you will see how it is signed in ASL and compare it.
deafmommy 1 year ago
Hmm. I got a heads up on this flick of yours.
Uhm, I think it's innovative way to teach the hearings on usage of ASL with incorporation of music.
However, I trust you do acknowledge it's quite a taboo in the capital D community and do convey that knowledge to your hearing students as well?
trinitysite72 1 year ago
@trinitysite72 Great question! I do most definitely acknowledge that music isn't something that the entire Deaf community enjoys. I have made that very clear to my students and I make it clear to them that I do not sign music for the Deaf community, I sign it for myself and for the hearing people that appreciate ASL and music. The problem I have is that I don't appreciate the reverse audism experience that myself and the hearies that do enjoy music and ASL.
obriensign 1 year ago
On a note, any music interpretation bring me a bad memories of being oppressed to learn hearing way which I miss out on education that I can be empowered through ASL. It was agony painful to bear the yelling of music teacher because we deaf don't understand the meaning of music. They were try to make us a fake hearing people. It was so inorganic. Today, to this day is a pain experience.
I respect you for find love in music and ASL. There is a space for this. Keep in mind of boundaries.
TheSterlingJOe 1 year ago
@TheSterlingJOe Thank you. I understand your individual experience and I respect that. All I was asking was for respect in return, and I feel that I have recived that from you. Thank you.
obriensign 1 year ago
There is a space for music and ASL.
Why we hate music in ASL. Music is audio engineered, not visually engineered. So, it doesn't fit us. And, we find no joy in music.
However, you can improvise by having ASL dominates the music. The problem is that people let music takes control of ASL therefore the quality of ASL diminished.
When ASL is under attack and we as the deaf community is attacked.
TheSterlingJOe 1 year ago
Comment removed
deafmommy 1 year ago
continued... ASL classes are places where ASL culture and literature should be taught. Music is an English/hearing thing. You tell us to respect hearintg culture, but by telling Deaf people to respect your decision to teach ASL translation of English music in class is hardly showing respect to the Deaf/ASL culture nor our objections and reasons for those objections.
shelpotma1 1 year ago
Comment removed
jbhutchison 1 year ago
@shelpotma1 I know that not all Deaf people enjoy music, and I respect that. But many times I don't feel the Deaf community respects the hearing people who are involved in their community that DO enjoy music. I teach ASL, I don't give my students sign names, I bring members of the Deaf community into my classroom, I teach them all forms of ASL lit, I teach about audism... but I am hearing and I enjoy music. So do my students. Why shouldn't I include that?
obriensign 1 year ago
No, it is not OK for you to teach with music in ASL classroom. Once ASL is being taught in classroom, it is a "holy land" without music, you know what I mean by that? You need to remember that ASL is not sound oriented, it is a visual oriented.
gratefuldeaf 1 year ago
Comment removed
jbhutchison 1 year ago
@jbhutchison In an ASL classroom, students who are learning ASL need to know that it is a "holy land" for ASL only. No hearing students should not TALK with their mouth, only their hands. Get it? I'm not talking about church wise at all. 'Holy' in other words, meant blessed and righteous. ASL is a righteous language to use in classroom only. Not sound-oriented, but only visual-oriented!
gratefuldeaf 1 year ago
@gratefuldeaf Sorry, I accidently responded from my friends account. Here's what I said (so people can follow the conversation)... I said I don't understand the "holy land" comment, since the last time I attended a Deaf church service they incorporated music. So perhaps Deaf church isn't really a holy land for Deaf people since they include music.
obriensign 1 year ago
By the way please you need to respect Deaf's true ASL without butchering with music or any other form of crap. You'll earn Deaf people's respect, too. That's simple.
InsaneMisha 1 year ago
@InsaneMisha I guess this has me a little fired up because I don't sign music in front of Deaf people (most of the time) for this very reason. I respect the Deaf community... but I don't feel the Deaf community always respects the hearing people who are involved in their community. I feel like a second-class citizen in this culture that I respect and value so much that I wanted to teach it.
obriensign 1 year ago
Comment removed
deafmommy 1 year ago
If Hearing people want to sign music translated into ASL, that's up to them. But in NO way make it seem like that is a form of ASL Literature. Deaf people do individually appreciate Hearing music, but Hearing music is not a part of Deaf culture. Assigning this type of thing in ASL classes gives Hearing students the impression that it is part of Deaf culture, and is culturally acceptable, and sorry to say, but it really is NOT. It is translation, and translation only.
DrDonGCSUS 1 year ago
ASL classes aren't the place for translating music into ASL. ASL classes are the place for ASL literature such as Birds of a Feather, A Decent Living. Use ASL poetry such as Valli, Lentz, etc. Music is a spoken language thing -in our situation, an English thing and very much part of American culture, but not part of ASL/Deaf culture. ASL adaptations from English literature perpetuates the misconception that ASL is visual form of Engligh
shelpotma1 1 year ago
Comment removed
jbhutchison 1 year ago
@shelpotma1 I do include Bird of a Feather, Valli's poetry, handshape stories, and other forms of ASL literature. My students are very aware that ASL is different from English and that they are interpreting music. But wouldn't you consider the musical interpretations of Keith Wann, Tiffany Hill, and Erik forms of ASL literature?
obriensign 1 year ago
Comment removed
jbhutchison 1 year ago
@DrDonGCSUS I will concede to you, Dr. Don, because translating The Iliad from Latin to English doesn't make it English literature. So how about calling interpreting songs Musical Literature? That way it doesn't matter WHAT language the music is in, it's all a form of Musical Lit. :)
obriensign 1 year ago
@obriensign What is YOUR definition of literature per se?
shelpotma1 1 year ago
@shelpotma1 Good question... I consider literature to be a form of expression using a chosen language. Historically, most people consider literature to be a written form of expression, but oral histories can be literature, too... consider that Navajo has no written form, yet the Navajo people have literature. The same with Deaf people... they have forms of expression in handshape stories, jokes, plays... would you consider Rathskallar's performances literature? What about Beethoven's Nightmare?
obriensign 1 year ago
Cont'd....it is not even culturally offensive to keep music out of the class room. Therefore it is not recommended to teach music in ASL in the ASL (beginners, NO-NO, intermediate, still NO-NO, advanced, probably still NO-NO) classes. Like aslnikki says ASL music is ok outside of classroom because it would probably be a good practice though.
InsaneMisha 1 year ago
My daughter, Deaf of sixth Deaf generation, loves signing songs in ASL. Why? She has a CI and she knows when it is approrpiate and whne it is not to sign AS songs. In ASL classes is a big no-no. In her Deaf community, nope. In the privacy of her room with her hearie-like friends, sure!
aslnikki 1 year ago
I would say ASL and music combination need to be kept separate from ASL and Deaf Studies classes. I find it culturally offensive and insensitive if an ASL instructor (usually hearies and fence-sitters) incorporate music in their ASL instruction. It is just SO wrong. Signing music in ASL is perfectly fine if kept out of the classroom.
aslnikki 1 year ago
@aslnikki Why should music be a "no no" in ASL classes? Why is it "just SO wrong"? As I said, ASL is a form of art, and music is a form of art. Hearing people naturally combine those two, as you can see on YouTube. And with the "iPod generation" sitting in my classroom, signing music can be a phenomenal way to keep their interest. You may find it "culturally offensive and insenstive", but I find it culturally offensive for people to expect me to keep music out of my classroom full of hearies.
obriensign 1 year ago
@obriensign FYI, ASL is not even a form of art (probably for hearing people's eyes) in Deaf people's eyes because ASL is Deaf's true and native language, period. Music and ASL is very bad combo for ASL classes...nope, it is a big FAT no-no in the true Deaf ASL teachers who work hard to teach the students the true language adaptively named ASL. Singing in ASL is somewhat different from regular ASL. That is why some Deaf may have corrected and/or criticized your ASL music. Cont'd....
InsaneMisha 1 year ago
@InsaneMisha English can be a form of art, can it not? Any language can be a medium of art. So why couldn't ASL be recognized as a form of art as well?
However, I do agree that "singing" in ASL is somewhat different. I work hard to explain to my students that sometimes it's not as true to the form of ASL as it should be due to the constraints of the music itself. But that's part of the fun of it, just like the constraints of handshape story rules.
jbhutchison 1 year ago
@InsaneMisha Deaf people don't think ASL can be a beautiful art form? That's tragic... and clearly not true. I've seen many beautiful ASL poems that may or may not interpret English or include music. "Playing with language " is a critical component of L2 acquisition and if working the language into music (with appropriate guidance on conceptual accuracy and cultural sensitivity) helps why not encourage students to do so? It will help them fall in love with ASL: a goal of any good ASL teacher.
lilcherubx 1 year ago
@lilcherubx You're missing the WHOLE point of ASL, geez! You don't ever get it at all. Deaf people can NOT consider ASL as form of art. HELL NO! Because ASL is Deaf people's true and native language, even birth right to the language, not art, for chrissake.
Singing in ASL is, of course, a form of art. Signing in Poetry in ASL is also a form of art. Yes in those two but singing doesn't belong to ASL classes however poetry is sometimes okay.
You have a lot to learn.
InsaneMisha 1 year ago
@obriensign For clarification to people who are reading this and attacking me, I am well aware that ASL is a language. I teach it. I force my students to use things like "word" rather than "sign" so they can get used to seeing ASL as a language.
What I meant in saying "ASL is a form of art" is that ANY language can be a form of art... that is what literature is. I should have said "signing ASL in music is a form of art", and I apologize for not making that clear.
obriensign 1 year ago 2
dont let people put you down.. fellow your heart if you really want help music for deaf and H.H. or student learning ASL skills.. you can do showing everyone who you are! be brave lady! by the way i do see lots hearing people use asl skills durin music hip hop or rap or country or worship church many many.. not you only one person it is not true... by the way i am deaf.. smile!
BTHTinkerbell 1 year ago
(continued) If not, that is fine too. I can understand if you wanted this video only to be for those who are Deaf or HOH, or who can sign.
Hepzabah 2 years ago
My problem is I'm not that "talented" when it comes to technology, and I haven't found the time (between two teaching jobs) to teach myself how to do that yet. :)
obriensign 2 years ago
(continued) I still know about 60-70% of the signs I have learnt, but I want to learn more and I think a great way to self-teach (as I don't have time or resources for formal classes), is watching videos. I have done this with music videos (including yours) and I think it's great, especially for conceptual comprehension. What I was wondering, however, is if you could put subtitles on videos like this so I could follow along and learn outside of music...
Hepzabah 2 years ago
I have a definite interest in learning to sign, or, rather, starting to learn again. I started when I was much younger because I babysat an HOH girl, and her mom wanted me to sign some for her as well as talk so she could read lips (which is kinda hard). I learnt the alphabet as well as numbers and basic signs. I also learnt the difference between ASL and Signed English (which I notice is a common arguement online here.) But I stopped learning when we moved...
Hepzabah 2 years ago
There is always going to be negative people that have to disagree.. but that is true.. we need to respect eachother. I am hearing and Have a deaf sister.. I grew up signing the my favorite songs to her and she loved it. So , It really depends on the person.. don't let it get you down.. Just do it! Your signed music is for the people who love it... not for the others who don't.
HappytoSign 2 years ago 2
What's with the "sign in English" stuff? Honestly, that's not correct. The weird slang signs that some use on here are "English." ASL is English. However, ASL is much more strict.
I know deaf people and they have taught me to sign. I do not do every little detail like the, an, the, was, am, are, etc. I sign like our vernacular and have been told this is Ameslan or Amislan or Amislang . . . . something like that.
kagomeshuko 2 years ago
no, hon. ASL is not English.
PhiUr2 2 years ago
Hmm . . . do you know deaf people or not? ASL=American Sign Language . . . a way of signing THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. ASL tries to be more grammatically correct than "Amerslan," which is also IN ENGLISH. See the problem of "Signing in English?" ASL or Amerslan is English as neither is French or Spanish or German or any other variety of languages. What they should be explaining is that they are "signing in the vernacular" or "singing in slang," not saying they are "signing in English."
kagomeshuko 2 years ago
Are you asking me if I am signing in English? Because this vlog is in fairly "strict" ASL, if you want to break it down and criticize it. Which, btw, the point of this was that I don't appreciate or need anyone's opinion on my signing skills.
For the record, I am a CERTIFIED American Sign Language teacher. ASL is NOT English. The words "an, the, was, am, are" are not words in ASL.
And to answer your question, yes I know a lot of Deaf people... and that's with a capital D.
obriensign 2 years ago
@obriensign How can you be CERTIFIED ASL teacher if you allow music in your classroom? Do you really understand the history of ASL?
gratefuldeaf 1 year ago
@gratefuldeaf I'm a certified ASL teacher because I earned two college degrees (including one in Deaf Studies/Deaf Ed) and took all the certification exams necessary to become an ASL teacher. Yes, I understand the history of ASL quite well, including the oppression of the Deaf Community. But I'm a bit tired of being treated like a second-class citizen in a culture that I show value and respect.
jbhutchison 1 year ago
ASL= American Sign Language, but it is NOT a way of siging THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. It is a language all on its own with its own grammar and syntax. It is a way of communication amoung Deaf people in the USA and CANADA.
melrose1971 2 years ago
to kagomeshuko,
you don't have a clue what you're talking about. at all. get educated before you shoot your mouth off.
mouseykid04 2 years ago
Great vlog. I'm personally a hearing living around Deaf culture with tons of Deaf and CODA friends in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Mexico, USA and Canada. I LOVE ASL poetry and some ASL music as well. The point is that most of the videos on YouTube simply suck, no facial expressions, no ASL grammar structure, etc. There are many though that really transmit the original meaning into the target language. Feel the same with Spanish and English.
InterpreterALE 3 years ago
I love ASL music that is not just signed English, but really poetry.
Keep it coming.
InterpreterALE 3 years ago
interesting...even b4 becoming a professional terp (or having much skill in ASL) my deaf friends would love for me to sign the songs that were on the radio for them...It probably wasn't very entertaining cuz I didn't know how to sign a song very well at all but I think it was a way to connect with hearing people and opened up a part the hearing world that previously was a big secret to them...now some deaf friends love music some don't care abt it at all...if they don't like it no need to watch
signingsis 3 years ago
hey hey hey Im deaf myself and I love to listen with speakers to my ears and watch you ASL music OH man I really cant beielve in your area deaf people put you down SHAME ON THEM there are alots of deaf poeple who love listen and watch asl its very bueaitful thing PLEASE dont let them deafies stop you from doing this. whoever deafies put you down are low scum on the earth Im sorry say this but Hey PLEASE KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING your asl are so perfect my heart melted! ; )
hoeyhemp 3 years ago
ok, so, it is not like "Naive" language? Can you comment on this?
ASLVision 3 years ago
Well, historically speaking, ASL really is derived from French Sign Language (LSF) and an indigenous signed language used here in the United States in the early 1800s. But then again, a lot of people "scream" that English should be our national language... but it isn't native, either. :) Perhaps we should all learn a Native American language such as Navajo. :)
obriensign 3 years ago
Oh, sorry when I double check in and I spelled the word "Naive" ! I meant to say it as "Native"! Sorry for the typo! My Bad!
Thanks,
Tim
ASLVision 3 years ago
like tonto and lone ranger sign language?
Spz4hire 2 years ago
By the way Sign Language or American Sign Language?
ASLVision 3 years ago
I personally do not enjoy music interpreted into "sign language" and so I choose not to watch those videos, particularly those in Signed English. I sign in ASL, I enjoy videos in ASL, and I try to only have videos in ASL in my playlists. It is my personal preference and for educational purposes (since my students regularly check my YouTube channel). However, I do repsect that some people do sign in English or prefer to see music signed in English. I figure if you don't like it... don't watch. :)
obriensign 3 years ago
"Foreign" combines with "Language". "Spanish combines with "Language" and now you see "Sign" combines with "Language". I think if the word "native" is added next to "ASL" I, for one, don't mind. Would you care for a dance?
signedsongsoftim 3 years ago
I agree that you can say "sign language", but that could encompass any "signed" language (English, Mexican, British) and isn't specific. I specifically teach (and use) American Sign Language.
Funny note on the "foreign" part, at my school I am not a part of the foreign language department. They changed it to the "Languages Other than English" department specifically because of ASL being included. :)
And I would love to dance. :)
obriensign 3 years ago
No pressure here. You're okay. Enjoyed watching your videos. You really enjoyed doing it I can tell. Keep it up. Tell the kids I said "hi". :-) There are just all kinds of ways you know.
ASLVision 3 years ago
No pressure, just wanted to answer your question. I hope I did a good job. :)
obriensign 3 years ago
There are all kinds of cookies. Know what I am saying? A jar filled with cookies are always up and emptied. make sure you don't swallow the bad ones! I wish you the best of luck. (Yoo Hoo)
ASLVision 3 years ago
Katie,
Thank you, I am your side. myself into strong music theatre and dance also I am Deaf. In 2007, I was on Broadway Musical and Opera series the show "Secret Garden" and I am lead role characater in that show. BTW, your sign very clear into music. Don't give up.
Masko66 3 years ago
Let me start by stating that I am a hearing interpreter.
But I feel that the issue may not lie solely with weather or not you like watching signed songs or not. I think the point is that there is now more "translated ASL music" on YouTube, than "native ASL poetry".
It is a clear example of how hearing people are asserting quite a bit of control on a language that isn't theirs.
How many YouTube posts are there of people singing their translation of Britney Spears in Level 2 Spanish?
NunoMiguel 4 years ago
"It is a clear example of how hearing people are asserting quite a bit of control on a language that isn't theirs."
thats funny, Gallaudet is generally considered the father of ASL... last i checked he was hearing...
So doesn't that mean ASL was a HEARING language created for deaf people?
LOL j/k
piratesthatpwn 3 years ago
hey there. love this video. it is very true. any way of expressing oneself is always appropriate and always very fulfilling. thanks for your compliments as well.
Captainl0ver 4 years ago
First of all, thank you for being a silent voice in the darkness for those of us who share your point of view. I have the same passion for signing music. Grew up in an ASL world while also listening to music that moved me in the same way ASL did. It's the simple art of putting those passions and feelings into something tangible - be it visual or auditory. Being fortunate enough to experience both, I can't hear a song I love and NOT want to express that same beauty in ASL.
MyHappyHands 4 years ago
hey katie
i gotta give you some kudos - for both your message as well as the chutzpah it takes to put it out there for all to see. i think what you say about 'passion' in particular is the root of it all: it shouldn't matter if you're deaf or hearing, we should encourage fellow members of the HUMAN community to follow our individual passions. keep up the good work - the world is changing and sometimes, with all respect implied, we need to challenge the status quo.
st0rmfx 4 years ago
I sign songs and I am proud to be deaf. Actually, hard of hearing, only 40% hearing.. If they dont like the ASL/MUSIC combination, they could just x it out and go to another video. Its really awesome. I know a lot of hearing people that wants to LEARN how to sign is because they have seen me or others perform in sign language. --- Katie, kudos to you! Im proud of you. You're my kind of teacher/interpreter. You have respect for the Deaf world but yet you are involved. That's GREAT! Keep it up!
fotodiva7 4 years ago
I am a coda and do love to sign to music... but turn off the sound and see what it looks like to D/deaf people... kind of boring overall, really. Sorry to hear you sign songs in ASL class; that seems like the wrong place for signed songs.
CodaWorld 4 years ago
Have you ever been into an ASL class in high school? This is the iPod generation. I'm constantly telling them to pull the earbuds out of their ears. Music is a HUGE part of these kids lives... and a great way to capture and keep their attention sometimes. Plus interpreting music isn't a very easy skill... and my kids do it in ASL II. Like I said, I understand and respect the Deaf point of view... but I wish that the "hearing" perspective was respected a little more than it seems to be.
obriensign 4 years ago
Ah, never thought of the iPod thing... Funny. -- Respect goes both ways... You may well be an exception (many hearing people who teach ASL do NOT respect Deaf folks); it's a shame what is going on out there...
CodaWorld 4 years ago
I agree... which is why I posted my "Hearing ASL Teachers" vlog... it really bugs me when hearing teachers don't respect that it isn't our language or culture, no matter how much of an "expert" we can become.
obriensign 4 years ago
CodaWorld said it soft. Rubber stamp to you, CodaWorld!
billmaghan 4 years ago
I don't understand why some people would object another avenue of expression. Music and movement and meaning. They all blend together wonderfully. Now if I tried to sign music, then I would totally understand being "bood" off the stage, and rightly so. I sing in the shower but wouldn't trouble anyone elses ears if they were nearby.
I absolutely LOVE your videos. You are truly an inspiration!!!!!!
trainerlife 4 years ago
is fun and keeps me up to speed with signing because that is how I practice. I think this is more of a respect issue than it is of ethics, (or whatever you what to call it.)
PS You're an amazing signer and I love your Channel. Keep up the great videos.
rleofire 4 years ago
Actually, this was a response to that video and to the many comments I have seen posted on other channels about how people don't like music interpreted. I figure, if you don't like it... don't watch. :) Thanks for the compliments!
obriensign 4 years ago
I'm not sure if this video was a response to
ASL and Music-Oxymoron? Youtube User: Abcohende
or not but after watching your video I find that that was everything that I wanted to tell Abcohende. I respect the Deaf Community's views on combining ASL with Music but I don't think a lot of deaf people respect hearing people who enjoy signing with music. I myself sign with music and enjoy doing so because it
rleofire 4 years ago
Katie, I am with you. I am Deaf and into very Musical Theatre. By Masko66
Masko66 4 years ago
Dont be silly! I think it is same as American Idol, and when we can notice that a song is not being signed well, it's the equivalent to the boot from American Idol. Your songs are awesome and I really enjoy your interpretations of the songs. It is sometimes hard to watch people who know no or very little signing trying to sign a song in ASL and thinking its so cool.
kuifje75 4 years ago
Thank you for the compliment! I agree, it does bother me at times when I see people signing things incorrectly, but there is a big difference between constructive criticism and being downright mean. I just felt the need to give my opinion before people decided to try and be mean to me. :)
obriensign 4 years ago