Importance Of Sign Language

Learning a new language is the key that unlocks so many doors and opens your perspective in life. In fact, latin based languages are often referred to the language of love due to how the language rolls of the tongue. If you held the same context with sign language, it can be said that sign language is the language of dance. Not only is sign language a visual language that turns the shapes of hands in words and facial expressions to emotions, it is one that does not communicate with sound. I can vividly recall the first time I was exposed to this language and was left fascinating. At the young age of ten years old, my algebra teacher decided that it would be a brilliant idea if she taught the class the American Sign Language alphabet. After

Although my knowledge of sign language was spartiatic, I had gain some insight on certain topics. My knowledge came in handy when I began to volunteer at a children’s hospital that specializes in children with disabilities. Throughout my time at the hospital, I was paired with classes that had children on the spectrum of hearing. Those children became my biggest motivation in becoming more involved into the Deaf culture and with the support of the teachers, I gained confidence overtime. Eventually the teachers agreed that it was time for me to venture into the Deaf community and culture and participate in events that were hosted in the

Astonishing enough, a man by the name Matthew Hoyt stated in his article “11 Reasons You Should Learn ASL” that, “American Sign Language is primarily used by deaf people within the United States. It is, however, the fourth most used language in the United States.” Although Hoyt states this, the sad reality is that lots of people are still unaware of this language. Learning this language is beyond my own personal fascination but a gateway to experience a world that is often left in the dark. This perspective of American Sign Language is often seen by various people. In matter of fact two of my classmates in my class stated that learning Sign Language helped them be more open minded and accommodate people who are Deaf much better. Another reason why they loved the language was that not only is it fun to learn but it opened the door to many of them on how the culture