Oh I Remembered something...

Just a few Final Notes and Thoughts from my trip:

1.     It was interesting because there were a couple times where someone would sign something I didn't understand but once they told me what it meant I would discover that I had learned a different sign for that word/item/reaction. Although ASL is an established language there are some differences from region to region, and many signs have multiple meanings just like words. It was interesting to discover some of the differences and to teach others the version I had learned.


2.     Eating while signing. Lets talk about it. I loved it because I could still carry on a great conversation while eating and chewing and didn't have to wait for between bites but could just keep talking. The only thing I didn't like about it, I noticed that apparently I look at my plate when I'm trying to scrape food onto my fork, but I can't do that because I'm trying to watch what someone is saying. There were many times when I blindly stabbed or scooped only to come up with nothing. I need to learn this art to utilize its full potential.


3.     Not mouthing the words I was trying to sign whilst signing them was EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. I was doing it the first several days and Malachi pointed out to me that I should really try not too. It's really hard though. Because I want to make sure I'm being understood so mouthing along will often help. But I know in order to fully immerse myself into signing and disconnect from English, I need to completely throw it out the window. Definitely, something I'm still working on though. 


4.    Our meetings at night were soooo helpful. Being able to ask all my questions, learn new things, hear what others had experienced throughout the day, it was super great. Really glad we had those.


5.     I feel like this experience opened my eyes just a little to what immigrants might feel like when they come to America and don't know English and are trying to learn. It's scary when you are a beginner in a language and are thrown in with people that are really good. It's hard not to revert back to your first language. It's hard not to feel different, unaccepted, and judged when you are still learning and not "one of them" in a way. It's hard when you're trying to figure out what is going on from the little of the language you know and you're working so mentally hard to understand the concept of whats going on. Although I know it's still totally different, it gave me a new respect and understanding for what immigrants experience. They are very brave and determined.

6.     After leaving Gallaudet I wish more than ever I had someone to practice my signing with at home. I want to use it so bad but no one will understand me. I randomly catch myself thinking of what I would sign in response instead of what I would say. Or sometimes I have the perfect way to express myself in ASL but can't quite do it right in English. I know I have a lot yet to learn, but I am loving it so far. I can't wait to continue learning and using my signing more.