ASL Enquirer: I Am Deafmore

An entertainment vlog: Carl Schroeder edits the special edition of AE (ASL Enquirer) that focuses on a hot topic: I Am Deafmore.

Brainless, Loveless and ... Deafless (?)

A discussion vlog: Carl Schroeder questions the term, deafless, that is coined by Barry Sewell.

Away On Vacation

An announcement vlog: Carl Schroeder announces that he will be away on vacation till August 13th.

Shakespeare and Ridor

A discussion vlog: Carl Schroeder uses William Shakespeare to distinguish between what is funny and what is not.

D2D on DVTV's R-List

A discussion vlog: Carl Schroeder explains the damage-to-data (D2D) clause on the R-List and seeks to cease cyber-hypocrisy within DVTV.

Twisting and Twisted in DVTV

A discussion vlog: Carl Schroeder discusses e-graffiti (reframing a public vlog or video-comment) in the DVTV sphere.

5 P's: The Personal, the Political, the Professional, the Pedagogical, and the Philosophical

A discussion vlog: Carl Schroeder discusses 5 P's as the introduction to the second chapter of his dissertation which focuses on methodology.

ASL Enquirer: Summer Issue

An entertainment vlog: Carl Schroeder talks about the moon being visited by a deaf peddler long before the astronauts did.

Post-American Revolution War Movement: Adult and Higher Learning

A discussion vlog: Carl Schroeder explains that we the Deaf can start learning about our language and culture, American Sign Langauge, by modeling on the post American Revolution War learning movement.

Moon Landing Naysayers and Deaf-Related Conspiracies

A discussion vlog: Carl Schroeder recalls one early morning 40 years ago when he was awakened to watch TV about the moon landing. He compares the moon landing naywayers with today's Deaf-related conspiracies.

A Deaf Naysayer's Confession

A discussion vlog: Carl Schroeder confesses that he is a naysayer when it comes to the term DEAF. He very much prefers to talk about American Sign Language (ASL).

The Earliest American Naysayer: A Lesson for The Deaf

A discussion vlog: Carl Schroeder explains that we the Deaf will always have a group of naysayers. He points out that Cotton Mather (1663-1728) was the earliest American naysayer who favored the British culture in the Colonial America.

DBC, AFA and the U.S. Government

A discussion vlog: Carl Schroeder explains that our United States government didn't have the Constitution right away. It took 11 years to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787. There were numerous ad hoc groups rebelling against the British,and Carl tells about a story from St.Mary, Maryland. They are lessons we could learn to support DBC and AFA.

My Video Letter to The Honorable Senator Ron Wyden

A letter vlog: Carl Schroeder discusses that since American Sign Language is a natural resource of the Deaf for information, kowledge and communication, he urges Senator Ron Wyden to become one of 51 co-sponsors of Senator Jack Reed's April 22nd proposal, the No Child Left Inside Act of 2009. Carl's video letter can serve as a sample letter for others, and it has been emailed to Senator Wyden's office and the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services (OCAS). Google for the email addresses of your Senators and the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services (OCAS) and then wire your video letters to them!

Matter + Form = Substance

A discussion vlog: Carl Schroeder explains Aristotle's metaphysics by asserting that deafness implies American Sign Language for substance for meaning making in language and culture.

Open Video Letter to DeafRead Editors

An open letter vlog: Carl Schroeder claims that there exists a dishonest description of his "vlog" published in DeafRead with a special link to his comment made in DeafTV. The title "The Video of Your VP Calls Might Be Recorded" is not Carl's and it's completely inexcusable for the DeafRead editors to authorize the publication of such a false title. It's a professional vandalism to Carl.

My Video Letter of Application Landed Me a Job!

A discussion vlog: Carl Schroeder shares his experience with the video letter of application he made in 2006 and he got hired in his current tenure-line position at Western Oregon University last year summer. BE INNOVATIVE!

Economics and Politics of ASL: A Lesson for the NAD

A discussion vlog: Carl Schroeder suggests that all state associations demand that all communications from the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) be in video letters for economical and political reasons. Any video letter in Congress, for example, would necessitate top notch interpreters and native signers to consult the representatives or senators. Video letters shall be done in American Sign Language (ASL) and the truth will prevail.

Teach American Sign Language to the Blind

A discussion vlog: Carl Schroeder proposes a new type of leadership by teaching American Sign Language (ASL) to the Blind. Several states across the nation are considering combining Deaf and Blind schools, and it is therefore a wonderful time for us--Deaf people--to demand that blind children and their teachers learn ASL so they could communicate with the Deaf on the school premise. Carl bets that blind children and their parents and teachers will be enthusiastic about learning a new language.

Two Foundations of ASL: The Mental and the Social

A discussion vlog: Carl Schroeder talks about approaching the centennial of George Veditz's film appeal of preserving American Sign Language (ASL).

ASL Door for Me

A discussion vlog: Carl Schroeder discusses his reasons why he chooses to open ASL Door. He was born into the Deaf world, and he doesn't know otherwise. ASL is what draws him for information, knowledge and communication.

Workshop Notes: Signs Have Parts ... and Much More!

Signs Have Parts … and Much More!

by:

Carl Schroeder

Coordinator

American Sign Language Studies Program

to be presented at
Silent Weekend

Western Oregon University

August 14-16, 2009

Abstract: American Sign Language (ASL) is a rule-governed language which can be said to be broken into five language components: phonology, semantics, syntax, discourse, and pragmatics. This workshop shall focus on linguistic networks of all components of ASL, starting with the underlying structure--the lexicon--undergoing linguistic regulations and applications before arriving at the surface structure--the utterance. Participants will examine each language component and then synthesize the linguistic procedures of all components in good, clear ASL.

In the other words: During this workshop, we will have noted that users of ASL know tens of thousands of signs, most of which they can locate in a fraction of a second. Such huge numbers, and such efficiency in finding those required, suggest that these signs are carefully organized, not just stacked in random heaps. This workshop will discuss the five language components retrieving signs from the mental dictionary (lexicon) to the surface structure (utterance). The workshop participants shall witness the results of a normal ASL retrieval process.

ASL Phonology: The structure of signs (hand shapes, palm orientations, locations, non-manual expressions and modifier movements).

Participants shall examine marked and unmarked hand configurations, identify the articulatory bundles, and apply the H-deletions in sign productions.


ASL Semantics: The meanings of signs and classifiers, and the networks of meanings among them.

Participants shall analyze two basic systems of signs used in ASL: arbitrary and descriptive. They shall identify the basic distinction between signs and classifiers.


ASL Syntax: The way signs are strung together to convey thoughts and ideas; the spherical patterns of sentence construction.

Participants shall do grammar by employing insights from contemporary linguistic theories and building them into a practical and coherent system that stays within ASL models.


ASL Discourse: The structure of stories, explanations, descriptions, and other signing constructions longer than sentences.

Participants shall analyze discourse and realize that ASL, action and knowledge are interdependent. They will study how ASL is used in social interaction by examining shared knowledge and assumptions between signers and signees.


ASL Pragmatics: The variations in the use according to the context and purpose.

Participants shall examine three fundamental aspects of human experience involving ASL: what Deaf people do, what Deaf people know, and the things Deaf people make and use.

Silent Weekend at Western Oregon University

On behalf of the ASL/English Interpreting Program at Western Oregon University, the Oregon Department of Education’s Educational Interpreter Subcommittee, the Regional Resource Center on Deafness, the Oregon Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and the Western Region Interpreter Education Center, we would like to invite you to join us for Western Oregon University’s Silent Weekend, August 14-16, 2009 in Monmouth, Oregon. This weekend is for Deaf and hearing students, interpreters, interpreter educators, and ASL instructors. Visit www.wou.edu

Saturday, August 15th, 9:00am-12:00pm

Expanding Your Balloon: ASL Strategies - Brenda Aron

This workshop will provide participants an opportunity to learn 7 American Sign Language contextualizing and expansion strategies that are commonly used in American Sign Language and will provide clear messages for ASL signers. Participants will have the opportunity to observe, analyze ASL signers and then apply the concepts from pictures and English texts to ASL, utilizing expansion techniques.

Pay Yourself First: How to Establish Yourself as a Freelance Interpreter - Jill Baker
This workshop will explore the implications of being incorporated vs. working as a self-employed interpreter. Examine ways to save for retirement. Explore the tax benefits of Deferred Compensation, retirement plans, 503(b) accounts, and Roth IRA’s.

Discourse Mapping in Educational Settings - Elisa Maroney

Discourse features and discourse mapping will be reviewed, demonstrated, and practiced. Educational discourse in ASL and English will be analyzed using discourse mapping techniques for preparation and hypothesis testing, and application to production issues related to spatial organization.

English Idioms and Conceptual Accuracy - Kathryn Montoya

Participants will analyze several commonly (and some not so commonly) used idioms and decide the best and most accurate way to convey the meaning of the idiom in ASL. Participants will learn why conceptual accuracy is extremely important and without it the meaning can be completely lost.

Interpreting Pronouns: ASL to English - Tamara Moxham

This workshop examines interpreting techniques addressing the function of pronoun use in ASL and English, focusing on word choices in English when the gender is not clear in ASL.

Interpreting Foreign Language Instruction - Steve Nail

This professional development workshop identifies the unique demands and challenges inherent in interpreting foreign language classroom instruction and discusses the skills needed to meet these demands and challenges. The workshop emphasizes understanding the goals of the student and the teacher in order to customize the interpreting approach to support these goals. Using the philosophies of Popular Education, Andragogy and The Collaborative Learning Environment, this learner-driven, facilitated workshop focuses on transferring skills the interpreter already has to new content areas and identifying knowledge gaps that need to be filled before undertaking these unique and challenging assignments

Signs Have Parts….and Much More! - Carl Schroeder

American Sign Language (ASL) is a rule-governed language which can be said to be broken into five language components: phonology, semantics, syntax, discourse, and pragmatics. This workshop shall focus on linguistic networks of all components of ASL, starting with the underlying structure--the lexicon--undergoing linguistic regulations and applications before arriving at the surface structure--the utterance. Participants will examine each language component and then synthesize the linguistic procedures of all components in good, clear ASL.

Saturday, August 15th, 1:30-4:30pm

Disability Paradigms 101 for Interpreters - Steve Nail

This workshop/professional discussion (previously titled “Interpreter Plus: A Discussion of the Issues Facing Interpreters with Disabilities”) defines the differences between the Medical/Rehabilitative view of disability and the Socio-Ecological Model of (capitol D) Disability. Through interactive group discussion with interpreters, Deaf and hearing stakeholders, and Disability Studies scholars, this workshop seeks to illuminate the influences that the hegemonic Medical/Rehabilitative paradigm has on the profession of interpreting and how such influences affect our work, and also seeks to create more physical, attitudinal, and cultural access for Disabled interpreters in our field by recognizing Disability as a social identity and defining the need for culturally appropriate representation in the interpreter population.

Fingerspelling & Numbers: Improve your Accuracy - Kathryn Montoya

Participants will gain an understanding as to the extreme importance of accurate fingerspelling. The Fingerspelling/Numbers Workbook will be used to teach techniques to improve both receptive and expressive fingerspelling skills. Participants will also learn techniques to allow students to use numbers in every situation accurately and effectively, both receptively and expressively.

British Sign Language: Posh or Rubbish? - Brad Houck

BSL is one of many sign languages throughout the world. Learning another foreign sign language augments the awareness of our own sign language and how it compares or differs with other languages, particularly in countries where English is the dominant language. Approximately 100-150 signs, along with fingerspelling and numbers, will be taught in this 3 hour course along with exercises in basic communication in a challenging and fun manner. Historical and cultural developments of BSL will also be examined. Posh or rubbish? You decide!!

Prosodic Features in ASL Discourse - Elisa Maroney

In this workshop, participants will investigate prosody, its definition and prosodic features in American Sign Language and in spoken English. Specifically, participants will identify prosodic features in child ASL and teacher’s English. Participants will practice ASL to English from child ASL source material and English to ASL with teacher talk as the source. They will discuss the application of prosody to the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA).

Sign What You Mean, Mean What You Sign - Brenda Aron

ASL is a conceptual language. The translation of English phrases such as “My nose is running”, “There is a run in my stocking”, “He is running at the mouth” do not all use the same signs. This workshop is designed for those who wish to learn how to apply correct ASL concepts in translating from English into ASL. This workshop will consist of a selected list of 12 most commonly used multiple meaning words.

Interpreting K-12 Math - Paul Glaser

This workshop will help interpreters interpret mathematics signs and practice with signs in number systems, basic math, algebra, graphs, geometry, statistics, calculus, and math symbols

Sunday, August 16th, 9:00-11am

What Are Those X@!$%& Signs? - Brenda Aron

There are a great many ASL expressions that do not always have equivalent English words in translation however these are frequently used expressions by ASL signers. This workshop introduces participants to those expressions, their meaning and how these are used in context. This workshop covers 55 ASL expressions.

Developing Your Tool Box: Prepping for that Gig - Susie Friberg and Jill Baker

Various strategies and hands-on practice will be taught to assist beginning interpreters in prepping for an assignment in the community and post-secondary settings. Interpreters will be presented with various scenarios to practice finding information for an assignment. This will allow students to ascertain information for an actual assignment.

Preparing for the EIPA Performance Test - Elisa Maroney

This workshop will provide participants with resources on preparing for the EIPA performance test.

Fingerspelling & Numbers: Workbook Curriculum - Kathryn Montoya

Participants will gain an understanding as to the extreme importance of accurate fingerspelling. The Workbook will be demonstrated and used to show instructors how to work with their students to improve both their receptive and expressive fingerspelling skills. Participants will also learn techniques to allow students to use numbers in every situation accurately and effectively both receptively and expressively.

Introduction to Demand-Control Schema - Amanda Smith

This workshop will focus on introducing the demand-control schema constructs to working interpreters and pre-professionals. Once establishing the basics, the participants will be led through various activities that will apply the schema to their everyday work whether that be interpreting, developing interpreting skills, or mentoring.

Ebonics and ASL Are Here to Stay

A discussion vlog: Carl Schroeer explains how African-American people denied the Oakland School Board's decision to recognize Ebonics as a valid linguistic system in 1996. Ebonics was not in a dictionary, they said. There exists striking similarities between rejecting Ebonics and denying American Sign Language: hostile criticism, misinformation, and avoidance.