This summer I decided to get out of my comfort zone and take an ASL class at the American School for the Deaf. As the class draws to an end, I feel like it is important for me to spread awareness and advocate for everyone to also learn this beautiful language.
1. Knowing Another Language Opens Thousands of Doors
The more languages you know, the more desirable you are; it's that simple. Not only will knowing and practicing ASL (which is its own language by the way) make your resume look better, but it will also allow you to be able to experience different opportunities with different people.
2. Improve Your Communication Skills
One of the main things that my class stressed was how body language and facial expressions are crucial. This part of the class has definitely made me a better communicator, even when just talking. You never realize how important body language is until that's all you have to go off of.
3. It Boosts Your Confidence
There is definitely more than one reason for this. Not only are you bettering yourself and enhancing your own knowledge (which is proven to be a confidence booster), you are also working together with others to better yourself. This kind of plays a part with the improved communication skills- so I guess its a two birds with one stone kind of benefit! Throughout the class I have heard stories of other student learning sign- both deaf and hearing- and how it opened up a whole new world for them. The people who were shy and sheltered broke out of their shells while learning this beautiful language.
4. Allows You to Have A Better Understanding of the Deaf Community and Culture
As hearing people, most of us cannot fathom what it would be like to not be able to hear the radio play our favorite song, or what our parents are telling us to do. The deaf community, however, has some of the best communication skills that I have ever seen. They adapt in any situation and that, to me, is amazing. I am no longer in awe of all of the things that they do and can accomplish because I have come to expect nothing but greatness.
5. You Can Make Friends
Why would anyone pass up the opportunity to make friends? Deaf or hearing, it doesn't matter. From the people who are in your classes to the people you will eventually meet. With over 1 million people in America who are deaf, you will never have a missed opportunity, and that, to me, is priceless.
