Filipino Sign Language Classes

This is a repost.

I advocate sign language. But most videos available that are fun and make it cool are American/Western and may confuse a typical child. After all, we don't have snow, are not really fans of pears and use local things like duyan (hammock) or eat rice and viand instead of bread.

I am also advocating Filipino Sign Language with the hopes of helping more Deaf be given equal, however different, opportunities as hearing folks. It is just a crime not to tap their strengths and abilities or expect them to contribute the same way hearing people can.

By the way, Filipino Sign Language is a combination of American Sign Language and Filipino cultural gestures.

Anyway, if you're for either or just want to pick up a new skill, Filipino Sign Language classes at DLS-College of St. Benilde are ongoing till Jan. 22, 2010. Just approach the FSL booth along PEN-MLC hallway between 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. You can also contact them at 526-7441 to 47 local 131 and e-mail balizaj@dls-csb.edu.ph .

What to expect when signing up for a class?
1) Ms. Ana is Deaf. It can be quite intimidating trying to ask questions but the general steps have been printed already and she will point to them. They also have pen and paper ready for you to write questions on.

2) Keep your questions/sentences short and simple. The Deaf don't always get big words, don't care for perfect grammar and the right articles/tenses/sentence construction.

3) You will be shown a list of possible class schedule and asked to write your name (and number rank according to preference). They won't open a class until there's at least five students willing to enrol.

4) Last term, tuition fee was P2,200 I think (P200 for the orientation for incoming FSL 1 students). Anyway, prepare at least P3,000 (P2,000+ for tuition fee and P450 for CSB ID).

5) If there are enough students already, you may be advised to pay enrolment fees already. If not, you can still enrol at the start of classes.

6) There would be at least 10 class sessions.

7) Prepare to be surprised about how rich Deaf culture is, and how empowered Deaf people are.

My FSL 1 classmates and I are enrolling for FSL 2 and our schedule will be Saturdays again, 9-12.

See also:
Baby Sign Language FAQs
Why Baby Sign Language?
Deaf Festival at CSB 2009