GE0013@SIUCVMB.BITNET (Roy Miller) (04/03/91)
Index Number: 14596
Hello Roggie,
I am glad to see your interest in sign language, and I understand
your concern regarding the differences in ASL vs SEE and which would
be the 'best' for you. It is certainly true that there are many
differences between ASL and SEE. While SEE follows the syntax and
rules of grammar for the English language, ASL has its own syntax
and rules of grammar. On the other hand, they have a lot in common.
In particular, a great many of the ASL signs are often used by someone
signing SEE.
Regarding which is best for you to learn, I can only say that the
choice here is not much different than the choice of any language.
If you want to communicate with French speaking people, you learn
French. But if you want/need/intend to communicate with people
from Japan, you learn Japanese. If you want/need/intend to
communicate primarily with persons who are culturally Deaf, then
you learn ASL. But if you want/need/intend to communicate primarily
with late-deafened adults, then you are probably better off with
SEE (actually Pidgin Signed English {PSE} is probably even more
practical).
The real bottom line, however, is that I don't really think it
makes a dimes worth of difference if you are talking about a
4-week class. Unless that class meets every night for several hours
a night, you won't learn much but a few basic signs and how to
fingerspell regardless of whether it is billed as an ASL or SEE
class. Don't worry about it. Take the class, learn a little, and
enjoy the experience.
Virtually,
Roy E. Miller
The Professor Who Never Listens,
But Whose Eyes Hear A Lot!
====================================================
=== E-Mail: GE0013@SIUCVMB.BITNET ===
=== Southern Illinois University At Carbondale ===
====================================================Jack.O'keeffe@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Jack O'keeffe) (04/24/91)
Index Number: 15106
[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]
Hi Roy:
RM> Regarding which is best for you to learn, I can only say that
RM> the choice here is not much different than the choice of any
RM> language. If you want to communicate with French speaking
RM> people, you learn French. But if you want/need/intend to
RM> communicate with people from Japan, you learn Japanese. If you
RM> want/need/intend to communicate primarily with persons who are
RM> culturally Deaf, then you learn ASL. But if you
RM> want/need/intend to communicate primarily with late-deafened
RM> adults, then you are probably better off with SEE (actually
RM> Pidgin Signed English {PSE} is probably even more practical).
Thanks for posting that, Roy. I knew we could trust the ol' Professor
to come thru with a rational responce in what has become a highly
emotional debate here. As you know, I'm a TC advocate. If it helps
a person communicate - use it. I'm a bit amused by the folks on both
sides who feel that EVERYONE should be taught THEIR favorite dialect,
and who attempt to promote their favorites by denigrating other systems.
I'm reminded of a former associate (your archtypical "ugly American")
who refused to learn a single word of Italian while based in Italy
for several years. He said it would be easier for all Italians
to learn English. Arghhhh
Let us hear from you more often on SilentTalk. Regards to Bonnie.
Will you be going to Denver for SHHH?
... Jack.
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