One of the biggest things I've learned since starting college is that, regardless of the major, what you chose to study is incredibly important to those studying it. People pick up certain characteristics based on the classes they take, or catch themselves doing or thinking things a little different than before.
In my case, Sign Language has more or less taken over my life. I have noticed new quirks I have, different ways I act, all because of my major. I have also realized that some of these seem to be common throughout my fellow Sign majors as well. Because of this, I have decided to compile a list of things I, as well as others, have begun to recognize in our daily lives.
1. Signing while speaking. It has been brought to my attention on more than one occasion that I will sign what I am saying, or even that I will sign in favor of speaking. I do not even recognize that I do it anymore, as it has really become second nature.
2. Temporarily forgetting that you can speak once class has ended. I cannot even tell you how many times I have gone to hang out with friends in different majors after class and immediately started signing, or talked very quietly. It happens to me after almost every class, without fail.
3. Thinking about signing songs. You know how most people get a song stuck in their head and it just plays on repeat for a while? Well, its just like that, except I think about my hands, not really the lyrics. This translates into signing what I am listening to when I am alone as well, now.
4. Speaking or writing in gloss. Gloss is how to correctly write an ASL sentence. somewhat frequently, especially right after doing homework, I tend to speak or write, sometimes even text, as if I am still supposed to be glossing.
5. Forgetting that not everyone knows Sign Language. I sign now, almost constantly. Whether its at home, walking into a store, or any other situation, at one time or another, I will sign something, and usually, it's to someone who likely does not know sign. My brain does not recognize this, but rather just assumes that everyone will know what I mean.
6. Watching people's hands while talking, just in case. I may be able to recognize that not everyone knows Sign, but I will still watch your hands while you speak. Both to see if you sign something, and also to see if you make a random sign without meaning to, simply because its amusing to me.
7. Constantly practicing fingerspelling. Fingerspelling, as much as I tend to dislike it, is pretty constant in my life. If I am watching or listening to something, I will pick out words and attempt to spell them, just to work on my ability.
8. Practice practice practice, but still scrap 20 recordings before turning in homework. My classmates and I have reached that lovely part in our program where we have to record and submit video homework! From experience, one assignment could be practiced for hours and seem absolutely perfect, but as soon as that camera is on, everything is lost. Always be prepared to do things over and over again.
9. And finally, wanting to teach everyone close to you basic signs. It feels strange to not be able to use Sign around people you are close to. Plus, if you use it frequently, having them know at least a few signs makes everything a little more comfortable, since they will be able to understand at least a little bit.
So, these are just some things I have picked up as a Sign major. I am sure there will be more I learn as the years go on, but so far, these seem to be decently universal through my classmates and I.
To my fellow Sign majors, feel free to share any other quirks you may have picked up along the way!
