Around the world, there are many different forms of sign language, including French Sign Language and Chinese Sign Language. Sign language is a system of communication using hand signals or signs, primarily used by deaf and hard-of-hearing people. American Sign Language (ASL) is the American form of this language. American Sign Language was initially developed in the 19th century, when deaf education took off in the United States, according to Start ASL; but some of the earliest forms of sign language date back to the 5th century BCE, in Ancient Greece, as stated by GoReact. This year, Osbourn High School added ASL, which you can take as a language class and/or a club you can join after school. The class is located in JLC, room 215, and is taught by Ms. Kaitlin Craig. “I saw that there was a need for an experienced ASL teacher, so I became one. I have been fluent in American Sign Language for 7 years,” said Craig.

Many students who take American Sign Language find it fun and easier to learn than other languages. “I’ve progressed way farther in ASL than any other language class I’ve ever taken. I’m actually comprehending the material and memorizing it,” said sophomore Precious Sachi.

Although it might seem easier, just like any other language, ASL requires practice in order to learn it. Whether that means practicing signs or doing online activities, any form of studying can help you memorize. “In class, we have played charades to learn vocab, and we usually do Gimkits. We’re very interactive,” said Craig. “I practice improving my signing by saying the words the sign means along with signing it so that I can remember its definition,” said junior Shane McCusker.

Communicating in American Sign Language may feel exciting and new because it’s not spoken, but it can still be challenging to study. You can’t just learn it once and be done. It takes time and patience. “The most challenging part of ASL is remembering what position your hands need to be in for certain signs,” said McCusker.

A lot of ASL students have their own favorite signs that feel unique or special to them for different reasons. “My favorite sign that I’ve learnt so far is probably Star Wars, because I love the franchise,” said sophomore Allison Recinos. “My favorite signs in ASL are like/dislike and soda. They feel so natural and I feel like they make a lot of sense to me,” said sophomore Malia Spriggs.

Just like students in Spanish or French, American Sign Language students have specific goals they want to complete by a certain point in time, whether that’s by the end of this year or by the time they graduate. “My goal by the end of this year is to have a normal conversation with a deaf person without being confused or without me asking them to repeat a bunch of times. I hope I can have a better understanding of the language and I hope one day to maybe become fluent,” said Spriggs.

There are even jobs you can only get if you’re fluent in ASL. According to St. Catherine University, some of these jobs include interpreting, speech-language pathology, and types of postsecondary teaching. “Before coming to Osbourn, I was an educational interpreter, a video relay interpreter, and a community interpreter,” said Craig.

ASL is a class that can help you communicate with deaf or hard-of-hearing people. If you’re interested in learning American Sign Language, you can sign up for the class next year or go visit the club. There are also apps and websites online that you can use to learn sign language. “Download Lingvano or ASL Bloom, both of which are apps that teach you how to sign. They’re basically Duolingo but not for spoken language. Also, don’t trust everything on the internet,” said Craig. For more information on ASL club meetings, contact Ms. Kaitlin Craig.