Pah! Turns One...

Well friends, it has been a year that I have been taking up my little share of space in blog-land. I am not sure if my handful of posts have been of interest to anyone, but I will continue to share my thoughts and ramblings nontheless...

Pointing, Touching, and Personal Space...

More cultural differences for your consideration...

Personal Space

As hearing Americans, we tend to be on guard when someone is in what we deem as our “personal space.” Everyone has experienced the uncomfortable feeling in an elevator when too many people pile in and you end up rubbing shoulders. What about at the movie theater when someone takes that seat next to you when there are plenty of open spaces further down the row? My favorite is the person on the airplane who takes control of the arm rest. We like to maintain our own personal “bubble” around us.

Contrast this to many Arab cultures who prefer and relish the closeness we American’s find disturbing. For Arab cultures, the conversational distance they find natural is the same distance American’s maintain for close or intimate conversations. In the book “Reading Between the Signs” I learned that the Arab desire for close communication comes from their desire to smell each others breath(!!) “To smell one’s friend is not only nice but desirable, for to deny him your breath is to act ashamed (Hall 196, 160).”

For Deaf culture, the comfortable conversational distance and personal space varies. Signed conversations can take place at much greater distances, through glass doors, under water, etc. Signing when you are too close together is very hard on the eyes.



Pointing and Touch

Do you remember your mother telling you how rude it is to point at someone? Well here is another example where the cultural differences between the hearing and deaf communities clash. Remembering that ASL is a visual language, it would seem natural – and necessary – to point at someone or something to identify it in conversation. It has taken me quite a few years to feel comfortable pointing to people.

Deaf people are also more accustomed to touch than their hearing counterparts. If I were to come up behind a hearing person and tap them on the shoulder, most likely they would be startled or look at me un-approvingly. Deafies are used to shoulder taps and touches – which are key to getting their attention.

It's all in the EYES...

Here is more I have found from the book titled "Reading Between the Signs"...

Eye Gaze

Maintaining eye contact is a very important part of deaf communication. It was (and still is) one of the hardest parts for me to remember. It is very rude to break eye contact, look away, gaze at the floor, etc. when in a conversation with a deaf person. But this does not come naturally to hearing people.

Let’s consider this. When two hearing people are conversing, there is usually eye contact at the start of the conversation. Somewhere along the way, one or both of the parties tend to glance away, check their watch, turn away in response to a noise heard, etc. Toward the end of the conversation, eye contact is re-established for the ending dialogue.

When we experience less or more eye contact than is customary, we tend to react emotionally. If someone is starting at the floor constantly, we can feel ignored, irritated, or suspicious. If someone is staring at us intently, we feel “put on the spot” or nervous. The speaker can become quite self-conscious.

Did you know that downcast eyes are considered respectful in Japanese and Indonesian cultures, where as Britons and Arabs prefer much more eye contact?

Widening of the eyes

Here is another example of a behavior which elicits a different response depending on the culture. To most Americans, widening of the eyes means wonder or surprise. If you were Chinese, it would signify anger. Be careful in France, as it is a symbol of a challenge. For Latinos, it is a plea for help and for African Americans it is typically a sign of innocence. For Deaf people, it can be viewed differently – mostly as a way to enhance the intensity of the sign.

So the moral of the story - when chatting with a deaf person, remember to maintain eye contact with them in a natural way so the person signing to you feels they have your full attention...

Intercultural Communication

Recently I added another book to my collection of ASL/Deaf/Interpreter related library. I have to say, of all the books I have read on these subjects - this one has proven to be the most interesting.

Reading Between the Signs
Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters
By Anna Mindess

Clearly you don’t have to be a terp to enjoy this book. I found the cultural insights quite interesting, not only between hearies and deafies, but also as it relates to other world cultures.

Some of these things I just *knew* from my ASL classes and exposure to the Deaf Community. It was great fun to read about these little cultural quirks that distinguish the hearing and deaf culture from each other.

Over the next few postings I will share some of the highlights that captured my attention.

McImpant

Well at least I can provide a little variety to the 3 people in blogland who may actually read my rantings. This is the opposite end of the spectrum from the work by D-PAN.

I offer it to you for amusement purposes only. No offense is intended for those who are implanted or have implanted children...

A new comedy film "McImplant" has been released on the Internet.

PC user: www.aslexpo.com/video/mcimplant.wmv

Mac user: www.aslexpo.com/video/mcimplant.mov

Beautiful

I still have goosebumps from waching the newest music interpretation from Deaf Performing Artists Network. I loved their previous adaptaion of "Waiting on the World to Change" by John Mayer. This recent rendition of Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful" is equally inspiring and wonderfully made. Go have a look...

http://www.d-pan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=35

Idiots & Jerks & Assholes, oh my!

Where did I leave off? Yes, the after conference gathering at a local bar/pool hall…

It was really cool to see so many deafies hanging out and visiting. Clearly the deafies outnumbered the hearies to happened to be there termendously. I enjoyed watching the interactions and "close-knit" feel of the community. This is one thing I have identified over the years that "draws" me to ASL and the Deaf Community - their deep ties and lasting friendships.

Well there is always one rotten apple in the group - in this case about 3 rotten apples. At the pool table next to ours there was a group of late 20-something men out celebrating someone's divorce. (Should have been my first clue as to his ass-hole status). These guys were loud, half drunk already, and the most horrible example of the hearing community I can imagine. I was embarassed to be a hearie.

They were vocalizing deragitory remarks about my deaf friends, knowing they can't hear them, and being so rude. I overheard one of them YELLING "WTF, you can't even ask these people to get out of your f**king way when you are trying to shoot pool!!!" I was simmering. Of course I can hear every word they are slurring. I can hear the banter about what they wanted to do with the cute deaf girls. I can hear their opinions on the intelligence of the deaf folks and what they think deaf are only good for. Grrrr

Well my friend K was there and saw me upset. I told her some of what they were saying and she has some awesome lip-reading skills so she was on to these jerks. Well K is not a woman to be screwed with. She went up the the primary A-hole and confronted him. She told him (vocally) that all he had to do was tap the person on the shoulder and say "excuse me" and they will move. Then she told him he did not have to be an A-hole. After that, he kept YELLING "asshole, asshole" randomly and very loudly for the next 2 hours...

While I was glad to see K stand up to him, I bet she was not happy at the unwanted attention it got her the rest of the night. These guys kept talking about her and staring at her. The primary AH actually came up to her at one point all frisky-like and she had to tell him not to "f-ing touch her"

So I get that there are drunk immature jerks everywhere. It is part of life for everyone. I was just disappointed to see how badly they treated my friends and my adopted-community. These type of idiots would have picked on anyone who was not a white male, it just happened to be us that night.

I can see now why the deaf community can be wary of hearing folks. If these fine specimines of hearing males come across as a representation of the hearing community, then I want out. I want to defect to the Deaf Community right away!

Ripples of American Sign Language

Hello friends - sorry I have been away for so long. I have been busy studying Deaf History and Music at school, parenting teenagers, and tutoring ASL in the evenings. I know I should post more, but I often cannot think of anyting worthwhile to say...

So last Friday evening, I attended an open panel discussion for Cal-Ed (California Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) as part of their weekend long conference in San Ramon. Here is the blurb from my ASL Meetup Site:

Friday, March 7, 2008
8:30-10:00 PM- panel, "Deaf Education through the Deaf Community's Eyes"

Immediately following the CAL-ED conference's Friday night reception, there will be a "Deaf Education through the Deaf Community's Eyes" panel from 8:30 to 10:00 PM. This panel is OPEN to everybody, and does not require a CAL-ED conference registration. We encourage everybody to attend and participate in an ASL-English interpreted state-wide discussion on Deaf Education in California. The panel will be held at the San Ramon Marriott Hotel, 2600 Bishop Drive, San Ramon, CA.

Famous and well-known people will be there including:

Moderator: Dr. Larry Fleischer, CSUN professor & Gallaudet University Board

Chriz Dally, leader

Sheri Farinha Mutti, CEO, NorCal

Dr. Maribel Garate, Gallaudet University professor

Mal Grossinger, Superintendent, CSD-Riverside

Dr. Don Grushkin, CSU Sacramento professor

Tara Holcomb, community leader & Deaf mother of a Deaf child

Tami Hossler, hearing mother of a successful Deaf daughter

Dr. Hank Klopping, Superintendent, CSD-Fremont

Ella Mae Lentz, community leader & author

Liann Osborne, DCARA Board member

It was like a "who's who" in the Deaf Community night. I think I got to visit with every former teacher and their spouse. I also had the opportunity to listen to many of the community members that I know by name, or know by reading their vlogs.

The passion and energy in the room was wonderful. There are so many people who genuinely care about the future of our deaf children - great things have to happen with this type of momentum.

After the panel discussion, many of us went over to play pool and continue visiting at a local pool hall. That was an eye opening experience which I will write about later since I am late for a meeting...

I swear I asked myself a handful of times WHY it is that I am trudging up over 150 steps, in the dark, in the rain, in the wind, to attend this Deaf History class!

It is great to have the campus upon a hilltop, when I don't have to kill myself to get there. The view is lovely, but the climb is almost a deterrent.

Once I got to my class, my pulse jumping out of my neck visibly, I was happy to be there. This is what I have to remember.

Our teacher is Deaf. I knew that going into it. Who better to teach Deaf History than someone in the community. The part that was a challenge for me is the interpreters in the class. I am so used to ASL instruction classes that demand a NO VOICE policy. To have the terps there, telling us to VOICE for ourselves, is so much different for me. I know enough ASL to understand perhaps 80% of the lecture. Plus I only hear well out of one ear. This combination makes it an odd reality to watch the teacher and understand him in ASL, and then HEAR the English words 10 seconds later.

I will just have to adjust. One of my friends in the class, who struggles with the two language input also, is bringing earplugs. We will see how it goes...

Spring Semester 2008

Well tonight starts my Spring 2008 semester at Ohlone. I was really bummed to learn that my last ASL class (ASL 104) was cancelled. Knowing myself, I figured it would be wise to find something else to take on campus - to keep me in the swing of showing up! I will be the first to admit it has been fabulous not to have that huge hike up to the main building twice a week. I am still hiking, just one night a week.

Tonight's class is Deaf History. There is one required text, which I have already read. It will be good to re-read it again with the lecture and class discussion. I am sure I will get much more out of it this time. I like to think I know a fair amount about Deaf Culture and History just from being the ASL Geek that I am. I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge, and learning from another set of hands.

I don't know anyone else planning to take this class, so hopefully I can make some new friends and expand my ASL social circle...

Cancelled!

What a bummer. After posting yesterday I got some wonderful support and feedback from you all encouraging me to stick with my ASL studies. I was all ready to make the long hike up to the campus on Tuesday and Thursday. The idea of FINALLY finishing the ASL classes (which I started in 1988) was intoxicating. While I know one can never "finish" learning a language, it was fun to think that I would be completing as many classes as were available to me.

Then I got the email from the school. The class is cancelled.

The school not only cancelled my ASL 104 class, but they cancelled ASL 103 also. I know about a half dozen people who were ready to either repeat or continue on to 103. When you are an adult learner, a semester delay is very de-motivating.

All is not lost though. I decided to register for another ASL class, Deaf History. It is one I was going to take anyway, so it will be a good filler. On the bright side, this class is only one night a week. Maybe it is a Karma thing, giving me a bit of a break but still keeping me going. I also have my online class. I think it is some music appreciation or the like. Something to check off my requirement list.

Sort of ironic, taking classes to enhance my understanding of a culture of people who cannot hear and at the same time taking a class that is based on hearing music.

Trudging forward.......

Motivation & Seasonal Depression

It has been a very long time since I have paid attention to my little blog. This Holiday season was more hectic than normal due to the death of my grandfather and travel to the Midwest. I had a lovely time visiting cold and snowy Kansas City, only to come home to one of our worst "storms" of the season. The next day was the memorial for Grandfather, with dark gray clouds that kept raining down on us.

I tend to be one of those people who gets "seasonally depressed" during the winter months. The rain and gloom, coupled with early darkness, make it hard for me to be motivated to do much in the evenings. It makes the evening seem so much later than it is when I arrive home at 5:30 and it is already dark. Perhaps this is why I have not been as active in my ASL groups. I missed my December meetup because I was at my Grandfather's bedside. I missed my January meetup because it was the night before the funeral and raining. My fingers are getting rusty and my motivation to push forward with ASL classes is faltering.

The thought of dragging my ass off to school again two nights a week, in the early darkness, is daunting. I know once I am there I will be fine and happy to be involved again. But this break has been nice. It has been nice to have time in the evenings to spend with family. I have re-energized a former passtime of knitting. I am finding it keeps my fingers limber and is a good activity to sit and reflect in the quiet and rhythmic movements of my bamboo needles.

While I *KNOW* I need to get off my ass and go back to class, I am struggling. Additionally, we do not even know if the class will continue since they have no instructor at this point. I am registered, but have not paid yet, since it may be cancelled. I feel like I am in limbo and I do not like it.

I have to find my motivation again. I am sure that if I do not attend this semester, I will fizzle out. Perhaps Deaf Coffee Chat tomorrow will help motivate me to get my hands moving again...

William H. Dyer, Jr

My grandfather passed away recently after a long drawn-out illness, which is partly why I have been away from my little blog. During this time, I also had my last few ASL classes and a final presentation to conjure up. I am happy to report that I got a 93% on my final story presentation and an A in the class.

Grandfather was a strong supporter of higher education. His influence was part of the reason I decided to go back to get a degree. It was very hard for me to muster the energy and enthusiasm to attend my final class. In the end, I knew Grandfather would be quite disapproving if I opted to sit home grieving rather than finishing my class.

I will continue to miss him and draw on his encouragement as I push forward with ASL104 in the Spring.

Kickbacks to Doctors for pushing CIs

A good friend of mine, who is Deaf, sent this to me today. It is from the blog Grumpy Old Deafies. The words are not mine, but I agree with the sentiment...

Cochlear's dirty marketing tricks

We've been told that a complaint was filed in USA earlier this year against Cochlear. Upon investigation, we found out that the case focused on Medicare and exaggerated claims made by providers and possible competition practices.

Background
So what's this about? Someone called Brenda March worked as the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Cochlear from 1998-2004. She became a whistleblower, and filed a complaint (with the US government) [PDF], via her lawyers. This case has now been referred to the US HHS Office of the Inspector General, by the US Department of Justice. Whilst this complaint focuses on specific American laws around Medicare, and the fairness of payments, it also contains useful facts about how cochlear implants are sold and marketed.

Incentives to use Cochlear's products (implant CIs)
In 1997 Cochlear established a 'Partners Program' (and subsequent schemes), which gave surgeons 'points' each time they implanted a CI. A points programme worked in the same way as rewards programmes you would get at your local supermarket. E.g. when you go shopping in Sainsburys you can get Nectar points. Get enough points and you can get some freebies or rewards. Shop elsewhere, and perhaps you can collect Air Miles, AAdvantage etc. The company buys in your loyalty, thus you feel obliged to buy from them. Its a clever marketing technique, and most of us will participate.

The okay thing about all the above marketing, is you are making decisions which affect *your* life, and *your* finances, and that is where it ends. You are fully aware this is happening, thus able to make an informed decision. Secondly, it usually has no direct implications on anyone's health.

The case of Cochlear points, works in a similar way. Surgeons, audiologists and other front line staff would get points each time their service brought a CI from Cochlear. In other words, the more Cochlear implants a surgeon implanted, the more 'points' they would get, and thus bigger and more freebies from Cochlear.

Purchasing these devices for medical staff, was not for personal use, but they would then need to sell the benefits of a CI to a deaf person or parents of deaf children to get rid of the device, so in turn they could buy more CIs from the manufacturer, and get more points or bigger freebies.

Freebies
Freebies included (to woo medics and encourage cochlear implantation):
- golf tournaments- first class airfares and also for spouses or guests

- exotic holidays- all expenses flights/trip to Australia twice a year, with significant free time & recreational activity

- payment of salaries of employees, and general operating expenses of clinics (which means more profit for physicians or practices)

- free products (which they could then sell on - device costs £16,500, so that much free money)

- direct cash payments

On a points system, these freebies would increase the more CIs implanted. Implant more, and you get a bigger personal prize.

To quote from the complaint brought by the US government and a former Vice President of Cochlear: "The express purpose of such payments are and were to encourage Physicians to direct hospitals ... to purchase Cochlear Implant Systems".

Other dubious practices
Other marketing techniques included such people involved must agree to purchase between 5-10 implants to attend an event. You would obviously then need to pass on this purchase decision to a deaf person, by marketing or selling the idea of a CI to them.

In addition, Cochlear required provide certain outcome evaluations i.e. make sure the results were favourable to Cochlear. Perhaps modify statistics or influence these, and lack impartiality.

Unethical?
See the mentality here? Lets sell the benefits of a CI to deaf people, perhaps tap into their vulnerability, so I can have some more freebies. Perhaps tell them they won't get through education (I've been told this) if they don't have a CI. Abuse and play on fear. Perhaps tell parents that alternatives such as sign language is a bad, and their child will never be normal (again I've seen it happen in clinical situations).

The problem with this, is two things:

- there is a conflict of interest between a surgeon getting a reward, and what is in the best interest of the patient. A surgeon might want some freebies, thus could go for a hardcore marketing technique (implant will really change your life etc), whether it is good for the patient or not. This brings the medical profession into disrepute.

- who is in control? When you go shopping at Sainsburys, you make an active decision to do this, and making an informed decision. The process is more transparent. How many end users are aware of the above?

Cochlear has publically stated that it wanted a 20% target growth internationally, and has beaten these targets, thus one can only assume that such aggressive marketing techniques (and what I would call unscrupulous), are happening elsewhere including the UK. For an international company, it would not single out one country in terms of incentives.

Who is protecting deaf people?
Okay, exactly what are deaf organisations doing about this? Pussyfooting around in case they offend someone, as they have done so for years? Too scared to jeopordise their positions, and put their neck on the line?

Do they receive money too or some other incentive to shut the hell up? Balanced information cannot exist just by taking CI information vs cultural information, money and power structures get in the way.

Hmm ...
A good example of money being the root of all evil?

For the record, if an adult wants an implant then they can have 100 for all I care. However, the over marketing strategies has always scared the hell out of me. It plays on fear of being in a minority and seeks to makes millions from this.

As for Cochlear shareholders, you should all be ashamed of yourselves. The sad thing is, due to how society is constructed, these people will probably think its an ethical investment.

Thanksgiving

There are so many things to be thankful for, not just on Thanksgiving. I am thankful for the obvious things...the health of my family and friends, food in the fridge, a job that pays the bills. I am also so very thankful for my good friends, far and near. From MLG to my north, to KAG to the south - my dear friends help get me through the most trying of times. They are my sounding boards, my safe harbor, and my sanity. Thank you so very much.

Although I do not show it or express it nearly enough, I am thankful to my wife JAL. She does so much for the kids and I, things I do not even think of or realize. She keeps me stocked on my favorite chewing gum while managing to keep the cabinets and fridge full our varied needs and requests. She runs the kids around, takes the animals to the vet, and manages to work 40+ hours a week while helping kids with homework and juggling multiple loads of laundry. It is my generous wife who has made it possible for me to go to school 2 nights a week to purse my passion for ASL.

Speaking of ASL, I find that I am thankful for the numerous good friends I have made in and around the Deaf community. You have been inspirational teachers, wonderful mentors, and now cherished friends. I am so happy to have been embraced into your community and given the opportunity to learn your language and culture.

Safe travels to everyone as they venture far and near this holiday...

Factoids

50 random thoughts and facts about me...

1. I have stuck my arm inside the back end of a horse – with an elbow-length glove – to help deliver her foal.

2. I am terrified of snakes, spiders, and needles

3. My tonsils were removed when I was 6

4. Red wine makes me vomit

5. So does cottage cheese and yogurt

6. I cannot play any musical instruments

7. I can talk to people who cannot hear

8. My sister and I were jilted when it came to body distribution – I have too much butt and she has too much boob. She got the better end of the deal.

9. I detest bologna

10. No matter how hard I try, I cannot stop chewing on my fingernails

11. I am too lazy to shave my legs in the winter

12. I like the aroma of vanilla, but the smell triggers a migraine for me

13. My hair started turning gray at age 23, half way through my first pregnancy

14. I am a sushi-wimp – I will eat the tempura but the really raw slimy stuff stays on the plate

15. Beer – yuck – never touch the stuff

16. When I was skinnier, I did not snore

17. I wish I had more friends

18. Spiders are best sucked up by a vacuum cleaner

19. I am allergic to bee stings

20. Snow is pretty to look at, but I do not want to be in it

21. My favorite color is red, but I cannot wear it because it clashes with my hair

22. I am a very shy person – I have no public speaking aspirations what so ever

23. My son and I are now the same height – 5’10”

24. I am fascinated by ASL, but do not know what to do with the skills I have

25. Cheese is my favorite food group

26. Growing up I could not stand Barbie Dolls – I preferred to rip their heads off and float them in the toilet

27. I preferred to play with cars - hmmm no wonder I became a lesbian

28. My eyeliner is tattooed on

29. I do not like the way I look in videos

30. Reading at night makes me sleepy

31. I am a terrible housekeeper

32. My right wrist has tendonitis

33. Vodka and whisky are lost on me – I prefer rum drinks

34. I am jealous of the Deaf community because they have very close relationships

35. Sometimes I wish I lived alone

36. I am afraid to play blackjack because counting under pressure intimidates me

37. Writing is the one area of school I enjoyed and excelled in

38. I was a pretty good artist back in the day

39. Diamonds match every outfit

40. I enjoyed watching Barney with my young son

41. I come from a very Masonic family

42. OJ was guilty – period

43. I confess to watching Survivor

44. I was married before I could legally drink

45. Hilliary is not the person I will vote for

46. I have two tattoos and one piercing (not my ears…)

47. I helped castrate a baby pig with a razor blade

48. Ancient Egypt fascinates me

49. I regret not getting a degree when I was younger

50. Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving are just wrong

ABC Story

I swear this has to be one of the hardest things to learn in ASL. The ABC Story is a staple of Deaf performance art, but I think you have to be Deaf to be successful at this naturally.

From the Color of Language:

"A treasured part of the heritage of the Deaf Community is their language, ASL. It is, as with any culture, an important part of their identity. One of the fun and special traditions enjoyed and shared by the Deaf Community is signing stories using Alphabet hand shapes. In these stories, various hand shapes do not stand for the letters themselves, but are used as signs or gestures to convey concepts. They are signed in alphabetical order, and used in amazing ways to sign or act out a story."

I will freely admit that I can't do this worth dog doo-doo. I get hung up on the handshapes or trying to correctly form the signs. The last time I had to do an ASL story was in my ASL3 class a few years ago. It was scripted for us so all we had to do was memorize the gestures. Having to come up with this from scratch is a bit more challenging.

Maybe there is some coincidence with the fast that ASL ABC Stories are gesture-based. I can't do Charades worth diddley doo either, unless I can use real signs.

My luck (and a prediction) we will have to submit an ASL story on video tape for evaluation. Perhaps I should start practicing now knowing this is a weak spot for me.

Attendance

I had to miss class last night - something I hate to do. My teenage son was sick and needed someone to stay home with him. Being a mom does not stop when the baby becomes 5'10" tall.

Apparently I missed some new games and practice opportunities. I am sure I will catch up, but I worry about the absence. Teacher has a policy of only 2 absences permitted. Last night was #3. He knows I am a serious and dedicated student so I am thankful to be able to continue in the class.

I am starting to think about Spring 2008 semester and what my next ASL course should be. I have two options - continue on to ASL 104 or stay in ASL103 for the second semester. I am not on any strict timeline for completing the ASL classes, so it would not be the end of the world to have a go at 103 again. The plus side is that I would have a head start since I already know the material and the class format. I think 2nd semester ASL103 has an additional assignment (book report) which is no biggie. The down side is that I don't want to necessarily take the "easy route" and become lazy or over-confident. Perhaps it is good to push on to ASL104 to continue challeging myself.

Perhaps a conversation with teacher is in order. He told me before that I was ready for ASL104, but I want to make sure that opinion remains the same after the submission of my recent video story and after missing class last night.

November Meetup

Tonight was my monthly ASL Meetup group at the local Starbucks. I was happy to spend time with several new and old friends playing an ASL handshape card game. Most of the folks are ASL1 students with a sprinkling of ASL2 students in the mix. Everyone told me they enjoyed the game and learned a bit of new vocabulary. It makes me feel good to be able to share some of what I have been learning all these years.

As I was posting the information for the December Meetup, I noticed that I started this group in March of 2006. My how the time passes quickly! The group has 81 registered members, although only 10-15 participate actively. I have made some very good friends through this group and hope to continue making more friends and sharing my knowledge of ASL.

Chimpanzee who knew sign language dies...

By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS, Associated Press Writer Wed Oct 31, 7:13 PM ET

SPOKANE, Wash. - Washoe, a female chimpanzee believed to be the first non-human to acquire human language, has died of natural causes at the research institute where she was kept.

Washoe, who first learned a bit of American Sign Language in a research project in Nevada, had been living on Central Washington University's Ellensburg campus since 1980. She had a vocabulary of about 250 words.

She died Tuesday night, according to Roger and Deborah Fouts, co-founders of The Chimpanzee and Human Communications Institute on the campus. She was born in Africa about 1965.
She was taken to the veterinary hospital at Washington State University on Wednesday for a necropsy. Her memorial will be Nov. 12.

"Washoe was an emissary, bringing us a message of respect for nature," Dr. Mary Lee Jensvold, assistant director of the nonprofit institute, said Wednesday.

The Fouts went to Central Washington from Oklahoma in 1980 to create a home for Washoe and other chimps.

"The entire CWU community and the Ellensburg community are feeling the loss of our friend, Washoe, one of our daughters," said CWU President Jerilyn S. McIntyre.

Washoe also taught sign language to three younger chimps who remain at the institute, Central Washington spokeswoman Becky Watson said. They are Tatu, 31, Loulis, 29, and Dar, 31.

Washoe was the only chimpanzee at the institute born in Africa and was the matriarch of the chimpanzee family. She was named for Washoe County, Nev., where she lived with Drs. Allen and Beatrix Gardner of the University of Nevada, Reno, from 1966 to 1970.

In 1967, the Gardners established Project Washoe to teach the chimp ASL. Previous attempts to teach chimpanzees to imitate vocal languages had failed. Roger Fouts was a graduate student of the Gardners.

For Washoe to be considered "reliable" on a sign, it had to be seen by three different observers in three separate instances. Then it had to be seen 15 days in a row to be added to her sign list.
But there was controversy over whether the chimp was really using ASL. Cognitive scientist Steven Pinker has contended the notion that Washoe was the first non-human to acquire a human language was without scientific support.

Earthquake!

ASL class last night was certainly interesting. Right in the middle of learning how to express major life decisions, the earth moved. We could hear it before we felt it. The students had a few seconds to reconcile the sound of vibrating windows before the shaking started. Once Mr. G felt the movement (he can't hear the windows or the shaking furniture) he was under the desk in a flash.

For those of you who do not know the campus, we are in the Fremont hills. The building is older than I am, with one ancient elevator. My classroom is on the 4th floor, the top floor.

The movement felt like a shaking first, followed by a rolling motion. It seemed to last a very long time. I have lived in this area all of my life, and I can say this is the second largest quake I can remember. Thankfully nobody was hurt and I don't think there was any damage.

Mr. G dismissed class so we could get out of the building, in case of any significant after-shocks. Once we were outside, I tried to call family to report that I was fine. My cell phone kept giving me "network busy" errors. Once I got home, the news reports continued to highlight that many people did not have cell phone availability. I was able to make a call on a friend's Verizon phone, since my Sprint phone was out of commission.

Today my wife, who is from the Midwest, is freaking out about the possibility of another large quake on the Hayward fault. I think she is on her way to the emergency supply store as I type. I suppose it is good to be prepared since living in California means there will be more quakes. Nobody knows when, but they will happen.

I continue to be amazed by the power of Mother Nature.

Hiatus

I did not realize how long I have been away from my little blog. It has been a busy month for me. Aside from being on campus 2 nights a week, I have been attending a handful of deaf community events.



9/21 Deaf Coffee Chat

9/29 Deaf Awareness Day at Great America

10/5 Feast For The Eyes at CSD

10/12 DINGO at CSD and ASL Meetup

10/19 Deaf Coffee Chat

10/20 CSD Homecoming Game


Next weekend is the annual Deaf Expo at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds. This is a huge event not only for the community, but also for vendors and communication services. On my list this year to buy is a linguistics book, an interpreting book, and any fun ASL swag I can find.


I promise to post more, even if it is just a snippet here and there...

Card Games

For class tonight we had a quiz (surprise) and then moved on to card games. The educational piece of this was to show how to explain rules in ASL. Rules could pertain to driving and roadways, customs, and... card games.

Mr. G taughts us to play Gin Rummy and Texas Hole 'Em. I have learned that deafies have a harder time keeping a straight face - likely due to their natural inclination for visual expression.

We divided into small groups and laughed as more than one person ended up with cards on the floor as they tried to shuffly a brand new deck. After 52-card pickup, we moved on to Gin. I actually won this game.

As for the poker, it was much harder to understand visually. Eventually we got the basics of it, complete with value-less chips to toss into the pot.

It was a fun way to pass the remainder of class...

September ASL Meetup

Last Friday evening was another great gathering at the Dublin Starbucks. We over 10 signers attending, from ASL1 students who are just learning their basic phrases to 2nd and 3rd year Ohlone students. The more advanced students had a good time chatting about our teachers and experiences with the beginning signers.

Towards the end of the evening a woman and her daughter happened into Starbucks. The little girl - age 7 - quickly noticed us all signing and motioned for her mother. It turns out that Mom (and Dad, not present) moved to Dublin fairly recently from Texas. They are both deaf, but their daughter is hearing.

Students at all levels in the circle were mesmirized watching this little darling (with the most animated face and deep dimples I have ever seen) sign faster than any of us. She was so excited to visit with us all. We were all astonished, and humbled, to see how fluently she signs at such an early age.

We explained to the new signers that the daughter was a CODA and that ASL is her first language. Her mom told us that she had started signing around the age of 7 months.

I continue to be amazed at this beautiful language and the genuine kindness of the Deaf Community members I am meeting...

Deaf Etiquette

I found this bit of info when searching online for information on Deaf Etiquette. It came from the Rochester Institute of Technology website. There is more than what I have copied below if you are interested...

http://www.rit.edu/~257www/tips/primer.htm

Communicating with Deaf People: A Primer

This is designed as a basic guide for hearing people who want to communicate with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. It is condensed from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf's publication "Celebrate Diversity. "

Customs and Courtesies of Conversation

Deaf people appreciate the efforts of hearing people to learn and use sign. The slow communication speed is a common experience of anyone learning a new language. A deaf person will understand a hearing person's message even with mistakes, just as a hearing person will usually understand the spoken message of a person just learning English who makes some mispronunciations and grammatical errors.

Good lighting, unobstructed vision and a non-distracting, non-glare background are essential environmental conditions for successful and comfortable visual-based communication. A table in the middle of the room forces people to stand in a circle and provides them with a full view of each other. Loud noise interferes with successful and comfortable auditory-based interaction.

Facial expressions are a critical part of communication because they convey the emotions and tone of the conversation. Signing without facial expression is similar to monotone speech. Also, using voice and mouth movement helps a deaf person who has some lip-reading skills and/or residual hearing. However, a loud voice and exaggerated mouth movement interferes with understanding the voiced message.

Getting Attention

Some of the ways to get the attention of a deaf person are to tap the person on the shoulder, wave hands, flash lights or stomp feet on the floor. Deaf people may use these methods to get the attention of others. If one person can't get the attention of the intended person but does get the attention of someone near that person, the signaler may point to the person wanted and the nearby person may tap that person on the shoulder. Your shoulder may be tapped in the process of getting someone else's attention.

Interrupting a Signed Conversation

Deaf people usually do not have private conversations where they can be "overseen," so a deaf person knows it is OK to watch for a pause in a signed conversation, interrupt with a gesture, deliver the message and leave. Hearing people, however, will not watch what they believe to be a private conversation, and will stand by, waiting to be acknowledged. If you do this with deaf people, they will not understand your intention and will continue their conversation. To interrupt a signed conversation, make your desire known by eye contact and gesture without waiting for a pause, then stand by without observing until the person you want to talk to turns to you.