ASL CSET Subtest I: Culture

Greatest Myths about ASL

1. It is universal. You can communicate with deaf people anywhere 2. It is primitive-cannot convey difficult subjects 3. It is abbreviated English put in visual format (has little to do with spoken language) 4. It is pictorial therefore concrete (asl is abstract and its nature is also) 5. ASL is a language of pictures and pantomime

What are some events that influenced the way hearing people view deaf people?

1. Stokoe's work declaring ASL a visual language-this broke the ice 2. DPN: students seized school and forced board to hire a deaf president 3. Children of Lesser God: Marlee Matlin (Oscar)..people saw Deaf as human and not much different from the hearing

2. Which of the following actions did President Abraham Lincoln do to accommodate people who were hard of hearing and deaf? A) Employed a sign language interpreter B) Allowed hard of hearing and deaf soldiers to serve in the armed forces C) Signed the charter for Gallaudet University D) Had a profoundly deaf employee during his presidency

C) Signed the charter for Gallaudet University President Abraham Lincoln signed the charter for Gallaudet University in 1864. The school's founding was an Act of Congress.

What is NTID?

1974. The National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, New York. Popular technological college for Deaf students by Dr. Robert Panara. The first deaf person on the faculty at Rochester Institute of Tech (of which NTID is part), Panara was founder. Offers a theatre course, including acting, technical theatre and dance. Each Performing Arts production is performed in ASL and spoken English at the same time, making it accessible to both audiences. Most Deaf theatre professionals have been either students or faculty at NTID. They have appeared in motion pictures television, Broadway and International theatre tours.

6. Identify an important turning point in American Deaf culture. Close Captioning

1976, the Federal Commission designated line 21 of television transmission to be used exclusively for closed captions. In 1979 HEW created the National Captioning Institute. Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA in 1990 which states that businesses and public accommodations must not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Title III of the ADA expressly called for public facilities including hospitals and museums to provided access to verbal information. Also in 1990 the Television Decoder Circuitry Act decoding technology. In 1996 the Telecommunications act set forth rules and deadlines for the captioning of television programming. In 1998 Section 508 of the Rehabilitation of act of 1973 was amended by Congress to eliminate barriers in information technology. On Oct 8, 2010 the 21st century communications and Video Accessibility Act became law.

For a person to be accepted in the American Deaf Culture it is important to be A) Effortless ASL B) Enrolled in a deaf school C) Friends with people also fluent in ASL D) Profoundly deaf

A) Effortless ASL Becoming fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) is essential to comprehending the American Deaf culture. Lack of fluency limits a person's ability to be involved in the deaf community.

ASL was developed by Deaf people themselves when the American Deaf Community was initially organized with the establishment of the first school for the Deaf in 1817. Where was this school? A. Vermont B. New York C. Connecticut D. Pennsylvania

C. Connecticut

Which of the following aspects of American Deaf Culture is most reflected in the National Theatre of the Deaf's production My Third Eye? A. Value of collaboration and Community in Deaf Culture B. the importance of using ASL in Deaf Culture. C. The value of maintaining residential schools for the deaf in Deaf culture D. The importance given to politically active individuals in Deaf culture.

A. Value of collaboration and Community in Deaf Culture In developing My Third Eye, cast members shared and incorporated their own personal experiences and these experience became interwoven into the performance itself. As a theatre piece, My Third Eye represents a collaborative effort f a group of Deaf artist and the nature of the work itself reflects the value of collaboration and community in Deaf culture.

Andrew Foster, the first African American to graduate from Gallaudet University is most famous for his work in: A. establishing schools for deaf students in Africa B. Recruiting and training deaf African Americans to teach in residential schools for the deaf in the US C. Defending the civil rights of deaf African Americans who were discriminated against in the workplace. D. writing plays about the experiences of deaf people in Africa.

A. establishing schools for deaf students in Africa Dr. Andrew Foster was a pioneer in education for deaf individuals and instrumental in founding more than 30 schools for the deaf children in more than 20 African countries. Andrew Foster is to Africa what Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet is to the USA. said a former student and colleague, and has been called the Father of Deaf Education in Africa. In 2004 GU dedicated its' auditorium to Foster for his contribution to the education of deaf people.

What is the ADA?

Americans with Disabilities Act. Public services and workplaces required accessible to handicaps ADA is a law that had a profound beneficial impact on the lives of deaf people. businesses and public accommodations must provide reasonable access and accommodations

Which of the following is the most significant determinant of whether an individual is perceived as part of the American Deaf Culture? A. Cause of deafness B. other family members' participation in the Deaf community. C. involvement in Deaf political issues and organizations. D. Proficiency in ASL

D. Proficiency in ASL ASL is the language of Deaf culture. Without proficiency in the language of culture of deaf people, a person is not likely to gain full understanding of the culture. Proficiency in ASL shows both engagement with and understanding of Deaf culture.

What is the National Theatre of the Deaf?

An acting company of deaf and hearing actors who demonstrate diverse culture on stage in both their spoken and signed performances

What are some significant actions in Deaf history? Alexander Graham Bell

Around the time of the "The Milan Conference," Alexander Graham Bell, holder of telephone patent, and before the telephone, believed that Deaf should accommodate the majority and learn to speak and lipread. Bell worked to teach Deaf people speech and lipreading. Oralism dominated Deaf children's education and Deaf culture and ASL became regarded negatively or invisible.

4. How is the majority of deaf culture (such as language, values and customs) passed from one person to another? A) Parent to child B) Peer to peer C) Child to parent D) Deaf culture is not usually passed on.

B) Peer to peer The majority of deaf people were not born to deaf parents, so the parents do not normally know how to teach deaf culture to the child. Most learn about it from their peers - other deaf children and adults.

In Deaf culture, which of the following best describes the significance of events such as Deaf conferences and Deaf sports events? A. Such events highlight important similarities between Deaf and hearing communities. B. Such events are important expressions of Deaf identity and the maintenance of cultural traditions. C. Such events demonstrate the significance attached to individual achievement within the Deaf community. D. Such events allow the Deaf community to teach hearing individuals about their culture.

B. Such events are important expressions of Deaf identity and the maintenance of cultural traditions. Events such as Deaf conferences and Deaf sports events bring Deaf people together socially. These events serve as an opportunity for Deaf people to celebrate and reaffirm their cultural identity.

Which of the following best describes the Civil War story "Sign Language Saves a Life"? A. This type of story emphasizes the similarities between Deaf and Hearing cultures B. This type of story is used to show the versatility of ASL as a literary language C. This type of story emphasizes the inherent value of being part of the Deaf Community. D. This type of story is used to to show the connections between ASL and English literary forms.

C. This type of story emphasizes the inherent value of being part of the Deaf Community. "Sign Language Saves a Life" is an example of a story in which a character's success is based on his or her knowledge of ASL. Stories of this type focus on ways in which having inside knowledge of Deaf culture is beneficial to the main character(s). Answer: Eighteen-year-old Joshua Davis was squirrel hunting one day near his parents' home near Atlanta, Georgia during the Civil War. Suddenly he found himself surrounded by Union soldiers. Davis was deaf, but he could tell that they were shouting at him... The Union army was about to hang him when an Officer rode upon the scene. He asked the boy in sign language "Are you deaf?" When the boy answered, signing "Yes" the officer knew he was deaf and proceeded to have a conversation in sign language with him. . . This story is part of the folk literature in Deaf Culture and carries deeper meaning for most Deaf people who see it as an allegory for the meaning of American Sign Language in their own lives. Literally viewing American Sign Language (when they finally are able to have access to it) as life saving.

5. All of the following are true about Laurent Clerc EXCEPT: A) He had no education during the early years of his life. B) Gallaudet persuaded Clerc to come to America and open a school for the deaf. C) What we now know as ASL was strongly influenced by Clerc, in that around 2/3 of ASL signs have French origins. D) Clerc was able to speak clearly.

D) Clerc was able to speak clearly. During a lesson in pronunciation, Clerc's teacher hit him very hard under the chin. As a result, Clerc bit down hard on his own tongue. Afterwards, he vowed to never learn to speak. Answer A is true in that Clerc lost his hearing in an accident when he was around 1, and he had no education or real means of communication for the next 11 years. At age 12, he began school and excelled at it. Answer B is true. Gallaudet was in France looking at the schools for the deaf when he became familiar with Clerc and asked for his help in creating an American deaf school. Answer C is true in that although Clerc did know some English, he used French signs in his teaching. These were added to and combined with other signs to form the ASL we know today.

3. Which of the following characteristics is associated with deaf culture? A) Particular food choices B) Particular attire C) Particular code of ethics D) Particular social customs

D) Particular social customs In deaf culture, social customs differ in terms of what is suitable and what is unsuitable in public. Some examples of these customs include more touching, maintaining steady eye contact, and letting someone know if one is leaving the room (even for just a few minutes). Answers A, B, and C describe differences in ethnic cultures, but they do not necessarily apply to the deaf culture.

Betty Miller

Deaf artist "Ameslan Prohibited" bound with fingers chopped off drawings of Deaf oppression

Susan Dupor

Deaf artist She painted "Family Dog" (young child lying on floor in front of family like a dog)

What it the cultural view of Deafness?

Deafness is about language and culture. They view themselves as not being disabled, the are a cultural group bonded together by a common language. They dont want to be hearing. Deafness is considered to influence a unique way of life. Fluency in ASL, group loyalty and shared history are all a part of Deaf identity. Hearing persons, including fluent signers cannot fully acquire. They are proud of its ability to overcome adversity and enjoys a sense of well-being and belonging. Deaf couples desire to pass on the language and values of their culture to deaf children. Deaf also have the experience of using assistive devices in common, usually signaling a ringing telephone or doorbell or alert that the baby is crying. Oppose a pathological view of deafness, instead regarding themselves as a linguistic/cultural minority. Deaf share the experience of interacting with hearing people - the challenge of trying to communicate successfully without benefit of SL.

What is the cultural model of Deafness?

Deafness is not considered to be a handicap but instead is part of one's identity

Who is Chuck Baird?

Famous Deaf painter who also toured with NTD as an actor and set designer.

How is Abraham Lincoln important to Deaf culture?

He signed the charter for Gallaudet college Had his hands sculpted in two different handshapes to represent his name?

Who is William Dummy Hoy?

He was the only one on the baseball team who couldn't speak. Played on two major leagues. Hired many deaf people for his company. Taught his team signs that are still used today.

Ben Bahan's essays

His essays are quite humorous and expresses deaf identity and cultural power struggle.

5. Identify an important turning point in American Deaf culture. "Connecticut Asylum for Education of the Deaf & Dumb"

In 1787, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet was born in Philadelphia. At 15 he attended Yale and thought about becoming a minister. One day, he met his neighbor Alice Cogswell. He taught her words by writing words in the dirt. Alice was bright but there were no schools to educate deaf children. Her father asked if he would research how to educate deaf people. He traveled to London where he was turned away. He then traveled to France where he saw Laurent Clerk teaching deaf children. Gallaudet persuaded him to come to America and start a school. Connecticut Asylum for Education of the Deaf & Dumb opened in 1817. It is now called The American School for the Deaf. The first year, Alice was one of 7 students. Deaf students now had a place to learn. Clerc ended up staying and teaching for 41 years. Clerc taught the staff and students. The first year their student count went to 31 students from 10 different states. 60% of what he taught were signs from French Sign Language. Gallaudet opened a residential school in other states A new movement towards equality had begun. His son created what is known now as Gallaudet University. The American School for the Deaf still educates today.

8. Identify an important turning point in American Deaf culture. Gallaudet University

In 1864, Washington, D.C. Gallaudet University opens. Deaf want college degrees and President Abraham Lincoln signed the charter for GU. Edward Miner Gallaudet was the first president. Mascots Bison Buff and Blue. it has been referred to as beacon, Deaf Mecca, and "home" The GU Archives contain the world's largest collection of materials documenting the language and culture of Deaf people. Worlds only liberal arts university Their mission - serve deaf students. 80 undergrad degrees 20+ graduate degrees Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz is the current president

9. Identify an important turning point in American Deaf culture. Deaf Way

It brought together deaf and hard of hearing people from all corners of the globe. More than 5K people. 80 different sign languages. President Jordan recently announced that the University will host "Deaf Way Two" soon, an event that, as Dr. Jordan said, "again celebrate deaf culture and heritage and diversity...and will show how the world has changed since DPN, and since the widespread use of new technologies." 1 Exchange ideas 2 Celebrate the accomplishments of deaf people 3 Celebrate deaf culture Deaf way II was attended by 10K people from 120 countries. Billed as an educational conference and arts festival, it was held at the Washington Convention Center. The conferences were organized as a departure from the usual ones. which focus on the problems of being deaf. Planners wanted to present opportunities for ideas to be exchanged and accomplishments to be celebrated.

How is Deaf culture different from other cultures?

It is one of the only cultures in the world dominated by a language which is not drawn from any community or locale.

Discuss an important turning point in Deaf culture. Deaf President Now

March 6, 1988 Gallaudet University had gone 124 years without having a Deaf president. When a hearing person became the president. There were more deaf young adults in the nation than at any other time and hundreds of students marched on the capitol and rallied together to show their support. The rally was called Deaf President Now. It was led by Greg Hlibok. The Board of Trustees said they were working in Gallaudet's best interest, but some deaf thought it was the end of the Deaf World. Day after day the protest became angrier. When they students locked all the gates to the campus, administrators could not enter campus and the board was forced to meet to hear their 4 demands: 1. A Deaf president be elected 2. Chairwoman resign from board and trustees because best interest of university. 3. 51% majority of Deaf on board 4. No protesters get reprimanded. The board refused. Students used their voices to yell, "Deaf President Now!" Towards the end of the week I. King Jordan spoke and said that his reaction to the board was anger. Why? Anger for their complete lack of confidence. He said the faculty and staff and he publically state that they are in support the 4 demands. Zilsner resigned. The 1st deaf present was chosen. All of demands were met. This public gesture of deaf defiance and electing A Deaf President Now affected the world. It was a turning point for equality for four reasons: 1.Self Esteem. After years of feeling ashamed, Deaf can feel that "Finally there is someone like me." DPN instilled a deep sense of pride and accomplishment in deaf and hard of hearing people of all ages and from all walks of life. Deaf power - don't have to accept the limitations put on by others. Showed that a deaf person can do anything a hearing person can do except hear. 2.Deaf Community/World Impact/Hearing. The Deaf learned to fight for equality. Now the doors were open to discuss the issues of Education, employment and technology for Deaf. Role models to inspire the young. People saw that it is possible to become a principal. Other schools and countries elected deaf administrators. Since 1988, more and more deaf students have graduated from Gallaudet as well as other colleges. Some produced advanced degrees. Deaf were entering professions that were previously considered off-limits to deaf and hard of hearing people. Deaf characters—for the most part, played by deaf actors—are now commonplace in television and film. 3.Laws passed. The nation saw a flurry of new bills passed and laws enacted that promoted the rights of deaf and other disabled people. Specifically, this supported a nationwide Federal relay system for people who use TTYs/TDDs (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects deaf people and other disabled individuals from discrimination on the basis of their disability. 4.Hearing People become aware. Since DPN, increasing numbers of hearing people are taking classes in American Sign Language, which is now recognized by many high schools and colleges as a foreign language option. Hearing parents are often encouraged to use sign language with their hearing babies to stimulate early language and communication development. As you can see, the DPN protest exposure had a great impact on the Deaf community.

What is NTD?

NTD founded by David Hays 1967 Established Theater Schools to train more actors. Goals of the theatre: 1 Removed the stigma from ASL 2 Using ASL on TV 3 Made studying ASL popular 4 Hired Deaf actors

My Third Eye

NTD's first play The life experiences of the Deaf cast members. ----------------- Features a man who is afraid he is going deaf and listens to some advice from the rest of the troupe

Explain "Cave" by Clayton Valli

One level is to represent a deaf person choosing cochlear implants Another level of analysis is nature vs. artificial. You enter a cave that is natural but then there are chairs and guardrails that are artificial

What is audism?

Oppression based on a person's hearing

Important turning point in American Deaf culture. Passing of No Child Left Behind

Passing of NCLB 504 Students would be mainstreamed with other handicapped children. Were taught by speech pathologist who wanted them to learn orally. This was a negative turning point. The residence schools declined as all the tax money went to mainstreaming versus residential schools. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 was signed into law. The "civil rights act for disabled people". Made it illegal for individuals to be excluded denied benefits or be discriminated against because of a disability from programs or activities that receive Federal funding.

What is oralism?

Philosophy of encouraging (sometimes forcing) Deaf people to speak and read lips instead of use sign language.

What are Deaf Clubs?

Places for Deaf to get together (established by Deaf) Diminishing 1. mainstreaming of deaf children in public schools 2. technology increasing opportunities for entertainment and communication 3. better access to the hearing world

NAD brought Deaf people together to fight. What else?

The world's oldest deaf advocacy organization. Fought for those discriminated against concerning drivers licenses, school, workplace Deaf Teachers, double tax exemptions for the Deaf, and the strict oral method of teaching for Deaf students. Opposition to ban sign language.

What is Total Communication?

Strategy that is an educational philosophy where teachers can use sign, mime, writing, speech, fingerspelling, pictures, or any other educational method that works. The method should depend on the child and the situation. Basically, it is the philosophy that deaf children should be able to learn with whichever method works best for them. ------------------------- a philosophy of deaf education that advocates using signing, voicing, writing and other methods of communication. defn: total communication an approach to deaf ed that aims to make use of a # of modes of comm such as signed, oral, auditory, written, and visual aids, depending on the particular needs and abilities of the child

Identify an important turning point in American Deaf culture. Milan Conference

The 2nd International Congress for Educators of the Deaf 1880 in Milan, there was a main change in the education of the deaf in the US. Of the all the participants in the conference, five were Americans. This was an event where a small group self-selected hearing professionals in the field of Deaf education convened. Only 2 people present were deaf. Edward Miner Gallaudet and Alexander Graham Bell had a debate over the use of oralism vs. sign in schools. Alexander Graham Bell won the argument supporting Oral language. Resolutions passed by the convention acknowledged the incontestable superiority of articulation over signs. Superiority of speech; therefore the oral method in instruction of the deaf. The pure oral method was recommended over the combined method, which used both signs and speech. Pupils receiving oral instruction should be in class separate form those who were previously been taught in sign. Though they proposed compromises, American educators were outvoted 10 to 1. Ramifications: 1. Deaf Teachers were fired. Replaced with hearing teachers. 2. Oral language was promoted, ASL was removed from American schools because signs injured speech; tolerant outside of class. 3. Dissolved the Golden Age in the deaf community because deaf teachers became scarce and schools stopped signing. It brought about the Dark Ages. 4. Deaf people's perception of ASL and themselves as capable human beings diminished.

7. Identify an important turning point in American Deaf culture. List some events and firsts from the 1970s that changed public perceptions about the deaf community.

The Chair of Deaf Studies was established at GU. Deaf men became superintendents at three state schools for the deaf. Deaf people protested when hearing actors took on deaf roles and shows like Sesame Street and Rainbows End raised awareness and provided role models to deaf children. Lou Ferrigno famous from his role as the Incredible Hulk grew up with the nickname Deaf Loui. Ferrigno was chosen as Mr. American and Mr. Universe. A few news programs were developed and TTYs were coming into use. Warning lights were installed in Washington DC subway system. The first deaf jurors served. Deaf Awareness events were observed in many states, the National Center for Law and Deaf opened in 1975, and a legal defense fund were established. Interpreter laws were also passed in order to facilitate communications.

Explain "The Audiologist" by Raymond Luczak

This is a poem about a boy who is in a testing room with an audiologist. There is conflict between the audiologist and the boy due to the nature of being tested for a cochlear when one is deaf. There is also conflict within the main character himself.

Explain "Dandelions" by Clayton Valli

This poem represents the feeling that the deaf have when they are forced to leave or they have their language taken away from them. However, they continue to grow, they spread their knowledge everywhere and eventually they pop up like the flowers over and over.

Explain "Hands" by Clayton Valli

This poem uses rhyming as a literary element by the snow falling and then the leaves falling. Repetition of handshapes and movements occur as well.

Explain "Sign Me Alice" by Gil Eastman

This was the most popular play shown at Gallaudet University. It's a comedy that is about how the Deaf conflict with the hearing world over styles of communication.

Write about a person who had a significant impacting in Deaf History.

Thomas H Gallaudet is a big reason that the deaf community began in America. He went to Europe to try and find a way to educate the deaf after interacting with his neighbor, Alice Cogswell. He ended up in France where they used methodical signs. After some time there, he brought Laurent Clerc with him to establish deaf education in America. Together with Mason Cogswell they established the Connecticut Asylum for the Education of the Deaf & Dumb (American School for the Deaf) in 1817.

What is SimCom?

When someone signs and voices at the same time. It's normally discouraged in the Deaf community because when using it with English and ASL, both languages suffer grammatically which causes confusion. It's is more accurately used with English and SEE.

What are common questions when someone goes to a Deaf gathering?

Where are you from? Where grew up where or when attended to deaf school? May inquire as to where they live now? Deaf people ask other deaf people from where, and end with where live. The focus is on connection of deaf community.

Possible essay topics:

William Stokoe DPN Gallaudet/Clerk ASD