Describing in Detail

>> Monday, February 15, 2010

FSL 2 is really proving to be a challenge. It's not as 'fun' as FSL 1 where you learn more signs to words because it's more about actually making signing functional. Last class was mostly focused on defending explanations and answering questions and learning to describe in detail.

It is a skill I have to work on, taking in more details and being more observant.

Oh, and I don't mean that I am not enjoying my classes. It's just really more challenging now and i find myself with the beginnings of a headache after each session from all the things I have to take in, and all the observing I really must do. I can't even take down notes.

But I have been practicing my fingerspelling.

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Fingerspelling

>> Thursday, February 11, 2010

Fingerspelling is basically spelling the English alphabet using your fingers. The Deaf master this one really well and just like voice, fingerspelling by different people will have its nuances and differences. For a hearing person just mastering it, it can be quite a challenge 'reading' the spelling. Plus, sme can really spell fast!!!

I have a problem with A, S and T. I also have a problem with K and V. And I always confuse making D and F. Hehe.


Source


Now, why is fingerspelling so important?

First, not many sign the same words the same way. FSL may be derived largely from ASL but it incorporated cultural gestures and local color into it. And there are deaf people who did not officially study FSL, some deaf people only know SEE, some only know gestural signs their family has made up for them. Here is where spelling helps. At least you can communicate the exact word you meant to use.

Secondly, even with the Deaf, there are occasions when people are much farther apart or they are preoccupied doing or carrying something. What if something you want to say requires both hands? You might just confuse the one you're conversing with. So just spell an abbreviation, for example, and easily direct or answer a person.

Now, it's also important to know how to fingerspell with BOTH hands. If you're right-handed and using your right hand to write, then you can still use your left hand to spell. Plus, for the Deaf, it is critical because they can injure one of their hands. Knowing how to fingerspell using both hands will at least not compromise their communication abilities.

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FSL Level 2 - Start

>> Monday, February 1, 2010

Of course we were giddy with excitement to be in a Filipino Sign Language Level 2 class! And Sir Rey was just lovely, eventhough we also missed Ms. Pam. And, it will take getting used to, Sir Rey's hand movements. You know how our voices and manner of speaking differ from one another? So does the way a hand moves! And for a hearing person, it really isn't easy adjusting to the nuances of hand movements.

For what it's worth, I was mildly impressive being able to sign the alphabet using both hands, haha. I mean, at least, all my attempts to teach my son the signed alphabet paid off. I didn't once buckle!

But sign language is really something you have to practice. A LOT. Although recall was fast, which prompted Sir Rey to tell us we're smart, there were just many signs we've also forgotten. And since this is Level 2, I didn't even have time to jot down ANY notes at all. So all the new words Sir Rey taught us, I have no way of recalling how to sign. Bleh.

I'm thinking of using a camcorder on him but our classes are around three hours each Saturday, I can't be recording everything, uploading them and watching them again. There just has to be a more efficient way to remember all the new words and really build on my signing vocabulary!!!

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