How many of you are multi-lingual? Do any of you know a sign language? What about Korean Sign Language (KSL)? I actually just discovered that there was a KSL about 3 days ago. This semester, I… lucked into taking American Sign Language (ASL). I am a little ashamed to admit that the idea that a KSL existed didn’t even dawn on me until after my Monday night class. For me, ASL has been a life changing experience. I had no idea. Really, I just had NO idea.
I am not very social, am quite shy, and not at all interested in making an ass of myself (though I do on a regular basis, it’s rarely intentional). 2013 has been my year for getting out of my comfort zone, getting out once in a while, and trying life – in a grand, almost mid-life crisis. In this class, I’ve had to attend social events (thankfully, the deaf people I’ve met are all amazing, incredibly welcoming, and willing to make the first move) and explore facial expressions & gestures. Let me tell you, getting up in front of a class and using nothing but your body (not even signs) to express that you’re a lifeguard is… safely humiliating. The perk is that no one in the class is immune to having to get up in front of everyone, so EVERYONE is making asses of themselves and it’s all for a good reason. Well, it’s not REALLY making asses of oneself, but screwing up your face and sometimes contorting your body into shapes. It has completely changed my perspective on communication.
If you sign, do you have children? Have you taught them to sign? I'm trying to teach the Moose, but she mostly tells me to stop being silly :( I don't know anyone who is deaf and had no idea that there was a Deaf Culture, much less the differences between Deaf Culture and the deaf community. Does such a difference exist within the Korean deaf community? Or is Deaf Culture something that crosses borders and extends to any and everyone interested and willing?
When I learned that there was a KSL, of course I had to look up the character signs. And watch some videos. I may not speak Korean, but eventually, I will know KSL. Another thing about me – when I’m not actively suppressing it, I curse like a sailor. The KSL sign for the “k” sound is an upside down bird (as in the one that gets flipped). That’s kismet right there. OK, not really, but it is pretty cool (to me).
