1. American Sign Language/ Deaf Culture Ishaa Vintinner. MA San Diego State University ASL Lecturer

3. ASL Dominant language of the Deaf community in the USA and Canada Also used in Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dominican Republic, el Salvador, haiti, Puerto Rico, Cote d’voire, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Chad, Gabon, Congo, Kenya, & Zimbabwe.

4. Like other sign languages, its grammar and syntax are distinct from spoken language

5. History of ASL In USA, as in most of the world, hearing family with deaf children often employ ad- hoc home sign for simple communications. Today, ASL classes are offered in many high schools and colleges/universities.

6. ASL is a language distinct from spoken English. Complete with its own syntax and grammar and supporting its own culture. ASL grammar is similar to French grammar and has a history behind it.

7. The following are highly valued and vital aspects of everyday living by the deaf community. Notice the values, and traditions. For Deaf culture, vision plays a significant role in each of the four components. Deaf people rely strongly on their eyes to communicate and gather information.

8. ASL Rely on vision Hands/signs Text message/vibrate Videophone/light signals Flashing lights Fax/E-mail Residential/mainstream Program Deaf Organizations Interpreters Closed/Real-time captioning Spoken Language Rely on hearing Mouth/speech Cell-phone/ringing Telephone/ringing Sound Voice mail Private/Public Schools Civic Organizations Speakers Dialogue