Knowing multiple languages is a huge advantage in today’s society with the amount of languages used today in America. It is difficult to go about your day without coming across something in a different language either written down somewhere or heard on television or people speaking it. One language you won’t hear, but may still see is American Sign Language.  American Sign Language creates words and sentences by combining signs, facial expressions and gestures. Not many people know American Sign Language, but it is certainly a great skill to have. 

According to the Census Bureau, which counts other language minorities, ASL is the leading minority language in the U.S. after the “big four:” Spanish, Italian, German, and French. Recently our very own Lindenhurst High School has offered students the amazing opportunity to take an ASL class and learn the art that is American Sign Language. This class , which is taught by Ms. Wisniewski, is offered here at the high school four periods a day.  This new course offering opens up many doors for students who have the fortuity to take this class. You will have the ability to speak with the hearing impaired and deaf people and even translate for them or others trying to communicate to with them.  Antonia Rice, a senior currently enrolled in the class explains the wonderful perspective that is also gained through her study by stating,  “Once you see something from another’s point of view it makes you grateful for what you have.”

Although learning the alphabet is fairly simple and easy to do, there are some rules of common courtesy to master and it should be approached like starting to learn any new language.  More goes into ASL then just knowing how to move your fingers. You must have the correct posture and face the person you are communicating with directly. According to Antonia Rice, “it is respectful to make eye contact.  What is considered disrespectful in ASL is using your voice knowing there’s a deaf person in the room in which you are capable of having a conversation with finger spelling.” Hope Li, a another student in the class corroborates that is not only important to maintain eye contact and use facial expressions.

All students with enough free space in their schedule to take this amazing and free opportunity to learn a new language.  Jessica Portillo, a junior enrolled in the class states, “ASL is very interesting and a good class to take.  By learning ASL, you can communicate better with hearing impaired people and make them feel more comfortable in a hearing community.”  Even if you cannot make space during school you can always practice in your free time! Many people are enthusiastic about ASL and would be willing to help teach and perfect your signing needs. Not only will it expand your mind and knowledge, but it will make you more well rounded and you will be classified as bilingual.