ASL Class 06/02/2014

Unit 7 – Cross-Cultural Communication Pen and Paper are used for seeking information, conducting business (i.e., getting directions, placing orders), or having conversations. This is the most common strategy for cross-cultural communication. Gesturing is usually used with people seen regularly and in situations where the interaction is predictable. This form of communication is used to manage limited social contact with people like the regular waitress at the local coffee shop, relatives, co-workers, neighbors. If the interaction continues, other strategies such as pen and paper are usually used. Lipreading and speech are among the least preferred strategies for most Deaf people. Approximately thirty percent of spoken English can be understood by lipreading, which leaves the Deaf person in an untenable position. This percentage can increase if the hearing person or the subject is familiar, or if the content is predictable (i.e., “how are you?” in a greeting). Lipreading leaves considerable room for misunderstanding, and because of this, it is held to a minimum. The use of speech varies with each individual. Few Deaf people feel comfortable using speech with strangers.

Unit 7 – Cross-Cultural Communication Adapting signs to others (or modifying Sign Language for communicative purposes) is used with hearing people varying degrees of signing ability. Deaf people will varify their signs to match the language skills of the other person. This might mean the inclusion of more fingerspelled words, more mouthing of words, gesturing, simple sentences, slower pace, more English-like word order. The goal is to communicate, so Deaf people will use whatever combination of methods is most effective. This is similar to what you would do with a person who is obviously foreign born and not fluent in the English language. Using a third person to interpret is another strategy to help conversations between Deaf and hearing persons flow more smoothly. The Third person would sign what was said and voice what was signed. In many situations such as medical, legal, educational and professional, Deaf people prefer to use certified Sign Language interpreters who not only know the language fluently, but are sensitive to Deaf and hearing cultures as well.

Unit 7 – Cross-Cultural Communication Strategies for Sign students: Let the Deaf person know that you can sign. Let the Deaf person set the communication pattern to be used. Avoid talking (using voice) in the presence of a Deaf person without relaying the information in signs. It is considered rude not to keep the Deaf person informed. If you see other people signing, avoid watching their conversation unless you intend to introduce yourself.