Abstract
This paper examines the development of American sign language and how deaf children learn this means of communication. First, the reasons for the development of American sign language. This includes the grammatical structure and composition of the language. Then, it discusses the benefits to children who have learned how to communicate in American sign language (ASL). This includes better educational opportunities and stronger social relationships. Additionally, it helps the self-esteem and confidence of these children. The paper concludes by noting that fluency among the deaf in ASL offers the potential of employment opportunities and enables children to develop confidence and good social skills


Outline:

Introduction
How Sign Language was Developed and its Composition
The Reason for the Development of Sign Language
The Benefits of Sign Language to Deaf Children
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The Deaf Community had been disadvantaged for a long time in terms of education, carrier opportunities, socialization and communication in general. This had been due to lack of a common communication system or means in the Deaf Community (Sell 85). The United States decided to develop a language for the deaf who aimed at helping them in communication, learning and other important day to day endeavors. This language was referred to as American Sign Language as it was developed by the United States of America. This language is mainly used in the United States of America and Canada. The American Sign Language is composed of both visual and gesture communication means. The manual gestures are referred to as sign. The gestures work in collaboration with different grammar that are non-manual and compose of body movements, mouth morphemes and facial expressions."

Tags:American sign language, deaf, sign bilingualism

Abstract
This paper explores the tradition of oralism vs. American Sign Language (ASL) in the West. Specifically the researcher proposes that deaf and hard of hearing students should be afforded opportunities to learn using their native language or American Sign Language. Forcing students to adopt other methods of learning including oralism or Signing Exact English (SEE) may promote frustration and inhibits learning in the classroom. This paper reviews the potential merits and demerits of each tradition, highlighting the significance of providing students with resources to use ASL in the classroom.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Personal Philosophy
The Essential Nature of Human Beings
Basic Meaning or Purpose of Life
Determination of Morality
Constancy of Life: Unchanging or Always Changing?
Philosophy of Education
My Perception of an Educational Philosophy
Why do you need a Philosophy?
What has been the Basis or Source of your Educational Philosophy?
How has your Philosophy Changed or Evolved over Time?
My formal Ideological and Philosophical Orientation
The Purpose of Education, Teaching and Schooling
Are Students Intrinsically Motivated to Learn?
Should Schools Address Human Differences such as Multiple Intelligence, Learning Styles etc. ?
Topics
Knowledge and Content
Knowledge with Knowing
My Conceptual Framework for Improving my Practice
Theoretical Framework for Improving Practice
Skills Competencies Necessary
Educational Skills Required
Communication Skills and Content
Nonverbal Communication Skills
Verbal Communication
Influence of Interpersonal Relationships
Importance of Self-Identity
Peer Relations
Influence of Support Networks
Knowledge and Learning
Direct vs. Indirect Learning
Direct vs. Indirect Communication
Conclusion
Reference

From the Paper
"Many consider American Sign Language (ASL) the standard language beneficial for hard of hearing and deaf citizens. However, oralism shares a rich history much the same as ASL, and many often argue the potential merits and demerits of using one vs. another in an educational and communicational context. Wilcox & Peyton (1999) recognize that ASL is a fully developed language with unique grammar requirements distinguished from the English language (Coltrane, 2006). Oralism contrarily, involves lip reading to understand speech instead of using ASL to communicate with one another (Coltrane, 2006). This study will help review the merits and demerits of each, questioning whether one vs. the other is more beneficial for promoting communication and sharing among the deaf or hard of hearing community, or whether a combination of both may result in less frustrating choices among the hard of hearing and deaf community. "

Tags:American, Sign, Language, oralism, deaf, hearing, impaired, education

Abstract
This paper argues that there are great benefits to be had from teaching young children American Sign Language (ASL) in conjunction with English voiced instruction starting at a young age, in elementary schools. Several studies are reviewed discussing the increase in literacy and language comprehension for students taught with ASL; one study is looked at in counter argument to the thesis that challenges the positive benefits of using ASL along with English voice teaching.

From the Paper
"American Sign Language (ASL) has been considered a viable option as a second language for hearing students for approximately the past fifteen to twenty years. In 1960 William Stokoe published a book called Sign Language Structure, in which he argues that sign language "is a true natural language with rules for generating grammatically sound phonological, morphological, and syntactical structures" (Daniels 2004, 87-88). Since this publication, American Sign Language has slowly become more a more acceptable for of communication in both Deaf and hearing communities. Recent studies that have tested young hearing children's ability to learn..."

Tags:american sign language, elementary school, reading

Abstract
This paper discusses the statement "International sign language is not a language" within the conceptual perception of lingua franca in plurilingual communication, explaining the linguistic importance of sign language, its inter-cultural associations and English as a lingua franca in plurilingualism. The paper shows that sign language is the result of cultural and cognitive needs of specific populations and that
creation of an international sign language is not a possibility because it implies the creation of universal culture.

Outline:
International Sign Language - Linguistic Understanding
Plurilingualism and Intercultural Understanding
English - The Lingua Franca 'Trap'
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Plurilingual communication is dependant on intercultural associations. This signified communication transverses and integrates plural approach to language and culture. The main purpose of plurilingual communication is to eliminate artificial language borders and encourage the inherent plurilingual repertoire most sign language users have. The singularity of creating an international sign language is impossible at the present, given the multiple world cultures present. Linguistic debates also point that an emergent international sign language will intermittently destroy global culture that has evolved in the last thousands of years.

"Sign language acts as a communicative mediation, carried out by a third person to facilitate communication between two people who are unable to communicate successfully. The language of mediation can be singular or require knowledge of two or more languages. Moreover, the meditative communication varies with participants; therefore, it is unreasonable to form a common pattern of interpretation, which further denunciates the task of creating an international sign language."

Tags:multiculturalism, plurilingualism, communication, language

Abstract
This paper studies the sign of the cross, or the ritual hand motion emulating the structure of the cross. The paper examines how the sign of the cross originated and follows its development throughout history. The paper also provides descriptions of what the symbol of the cross meant to different cultures and also explains the symbolic significance of the sign of the cross in several instances such as baptism and mass.

From the Paper
"An interesting contemporary sociological significance of the sign of the cross and its implications in secular culture arose at a football match in 2006. Last year a Celtic football player by the name of Artur Borac, during a game in Scotland, created an instant controversy when making gesticulations that were directed towards crowd members that were supporters of the opposition. He also blessed himself throughout the football match. The combination of his gesticulations and blessing himself was considered offensive. He was cautioned by the Crown Office. The Roman Catholic Church in Scotland issued a statement that a gesture of religious significance should not be considered offensive."

Tags:religion, symbolism, liturgy, worship, christianity

Abstract
This paper presents a detailed examination of the role of American Sign Language Interpreters. The writer provides the basics of what the job entails and how it is done. In addition the writer describes recent conflicts about the use of sign language as opposed to other means of communication and how that affects the careers of ASL interpreters.

From the Paper
"Each year, children are born without the ability to hear. Many more lose the ability due to disorder, disease or accidents. We do not appreciate the ability to hear until we meet someone who cannot do so. The ability to hear affects almost every aspect of life, especially when one is young and trying to learn to read or do other academic tasks. The job of an American Sign Language interpreter, in regards to children and students is to assist in the learning process as well as the child's need and ability to communicate with the hearing world. They not only tell the world what the deaf are trying to say, but they also report to the deaf what the hearing world is telling them. In recent years there has been controversial debate as to the need for ASL and interpreters. A grassroots movement has begun to encourage other means of communication. The world of the deaf is currently divided into separate camps; those who consider themselves purists and want to continue with ASL and those who want it abolished because it sends a signal to the world that they are different. While the battle wages the ASL interpreters are caught in the crossfire, and children who are deaf wait to see what they will be taught."

Tags:deaf, hearing, signal, translate, school, languages, education, class, communication

Abstract
This paper discusses the hypothesis that learning and using sign language is relatively easy to do because there are so many books and web sites available that teaches it to anyone who wants to learn. The paper presents a personal account of an encounter with a deaf person and the writer's exposure to sign language. The writer's ultimate realization of what it means to be deaf is described.

From the Paper
"American Sign Language is well represented on the internet and in libraries. You can take classes in schools like community colleges or special schools for the deaf and in some cases through community services or the local Recreation Council. Like the English language, the American Sign Language base is in constant flux. Just like the English language, they had to add terms for the internet and web sites and any new thing or technology. "New word definitions are being added, and this will soon bring the total number of American Sign Language terms to more than 1270! Also included is the basic alphabet and numbers 1-10." (American Sign Language)"

Tags:deaf, hearing, communication

Abstract
This paper explains that American Sign Language (ASL) involves home signs that resemble the objects, which they are meant to indicate. The author points out that, like any other language, ASL has its abbreviations, slang and contractions, often used by omitting full signs when fluent persons are conversing, especially in groups of persons known to one another. The paper stresses that ASL is a dynamic, evolving language that responds to cultural and environmental changes. The author underscores that the inventors of the prime ASL symbols and gestures could not imagine the impact of the Internet or various technology-assisted devices now available to persons who cannot hear or speak as others do.

From the Paper
"ASL includes symbols and actions that are just as arbitrary as spoken language. When consulting a person fluent in ASL, she noted that with many people having become fluent in the language over time and with the particular ways in which ASL was taught, some 'shortcuts' or abbreviations had become usual, understood by deaf persons with whom she spoke or when observing third persons communicate in ASL who were not deaf. Some symbols refer obviously to the objects or actions they represent but others are just customary, ... "

Tags:dialects, syntax', british, grammar, constructions

Abstract
This ten-page post-graduate paper compares and contrasts sign language and oral language. The author examines various aspects of the two types of language, offers specific examples of differences and similarities, and analyzes the respective effectiveness and structure of both types.

Abstract
This paper examines the use of ASL as the main form of communication between the hearing-impaired and discusses reasons for its popularity. Different features and unique methods of ASL are mentioned and explained. The paper discusses how ASL has spread to be recognized as a proper language and how it is being offered as an accredited course in some universities. It also looks at how sign language has been adopted by animal trainer and scientists to study communication amongst animals.

From the Paper
"Sign language is a language of gestures and hand symbols used to communicate due to a number of reasons including, language barriers, ritual, or disabilities, such as speech impairment and/or deafness. Sign languages, like oral languages, "are acquired spontaneously and have highly intricate, rule-governed signs grammar and phonology" (Sign pg). Hand configuration, movement, and body position are the three classes of features that make up individual signs (Sign pg). There are numerous sign languages, including "those of Trappist monks, who have a rule of silence, and Plains Indians, where speakers of mutually unintelligible language communicated freely," moreover, "Australian aborigines and people of Sudan and the Sahara also have a complete sign language" (Sign pg). Many languages have incorporated body gestures to elaborate, accompany or supplement speech. The language of sign for the deaf was first systematized by Charles Michel de l'Epee during the Eighteen century introduced in the United States by T.H. Gallaudet (Sign pg). "As with any sign language, only a small percentage of signs suggest the form of thought they represent" (Sign pg). There are many dictionaries of sign available, including the American Sign Language, ASL, the most popular used for the hearing impaired."

Tags:deaf, hearing, impaired, communication