Homework 2

Name: ______________________________________ Date: _____________________ Signing Black in America Movie Worksheet Directions: Watch the film Signing Black in America . Take notes while watching the film so that you can answer questions from the worksheet. Answer the questions below and then submit your assignment on Canvas. 1. What are some of the descriptions of Black ASL? 2. In the film, Warren “WaWa” Snipe mentioned that one’s background and upbringing can be seen in one’s signs. Based on what you learned from the film and from your own personal knowledge and experience, how do you think someone’s language relates to their cultural background and upbringing? 3. Do you think that having different languages and different language varieties is beneficial or divisive? Would a global language, used by all people, be good or bad? Why or why not? 4. Describe the history of Black Deaf schools in your own words. 5. What are some factors that contributed to the development of Black ASL? 6. How did segregation, specifically, lead to the development of Black ASL? 7. Matreece Watson mentioned that Black Deaf students felt “less” than White Deaf students and that the Black Deaf students felt like the White Deaf students had a better language. Are some languages intrinsically better than other languages? Why or why not? What might make some people think that one language is better than another language? 8. Provide three linguistic differences seen between Black ASL and White ASL. 9. Why do older signers from the Black Deaf community tend to exhibit more signs from Black ASL than do younger signers from the Black Deaf community? 10. Why might some people think that standard ASL is better than Black ASL? And, who determines what language is “better” and what language is “worse”? 11. Carolyn McCaskill mentioned that Black ASL, like all languages and language varieties, is evolving. It is beneficial because of culture diversity, but it also has it disadvantages because not everyone can communicate easily if they don’t know the language. A global language used by all people would be good and bad . Good because it is easier to communicate between everyone, but bad because there wouldn’t be diversity and people would loose that feeling of being part of a specific community. A person's language is intricately connected to their cultural background and upbringing. It reflects their native tongue, dialects, and linguistic influences passed down through generations. It also carries social norms, values, and customs, shaping how they express ideas and interact with others, making it a significant aspect of their identity. The development of Black American Sign Language (BASL) can be attributed to factors like segregation, the historical Black Deaf community's isolation, and distinct cultural experiences. It incorporates unique signs, grammar, and communication styles influenced by African American culture, contributing to its distinct identity within the American Sign Language (ASL) family. Segregation led to the development of Black ASL as it isolated Black Deaf communities, limiting interaction with white Deaf communities. This isolation facilitated the evolution of distinct signs, grammatical features, and communication norms, reflecting the cultural and linguistic experiences of Black Deaf individuals in the United States. No language is intrinsically "better" than another. Language is a tool for communication and reflects the culture, history, and identity of its speakers. What might make people perceive one language as "better" can be influenced by cultural biases, social power dynamics, or economic factors, but these judgments are subjective and not based on inherent linguistic qualities. Linguistic diversity enriches the world. Vocabulary: Black ASL incorporates unique signs for culturally relevant concepts, such as distinct religious or historical references not found in White ASL. Rhythm and Timing: Black ASL often features different signing speed and rhythm, influenced by African and African American expressive traditions, setting it apart from White ASL. Facial Expressions and Body Movement: Black ASL uses distinct facial expressions and body language to convey emotions and emphasis, enhancing communication in ways different from White ASL. Older signers from the Black Deaf community tend to exhibit more signs from Black ASL due to historical factors. They grew up in an era when segregation and a stronger sense of Black identity influenced their signing patterns. Younger signers, in a more integrated and multicultural environment, may use a more standardized form of ASL. The evolution of Black ASL among older signers is a product of their unique cultural and linguistic heritage. Perceptions of standard ASL as "better" than Black ASL can stem from cultural biases, social hierarchies, or a lack of understanding about the richness of linguistic diversity. The notion of one language being "better" is subjective and can be influenced by dominant culture or power dynamics. No language is inherently superior; the idea of linguistic hierarchy is rooted in prejudice. Language value should be determined by its cultural relevance, inclusivity, and effectiveness for its community. Ashley Cardona Oct 20/2023 More Facial expressions , Their "swag" is visible , the body language is more noticeable , richness that is indescribable , one variety in the system of ASI , more Flexible , people Feel more included . After the Civil war Black and Dear people started to be together in the schools , until 1869 schools For black kids opened in Raleigh , then in 1978 the segregation ended , There were about 18 Black Deaf Schools at the beggining , This lead to innovation with signs .