Dos and Don'ts of Interacting with the Deaf Community [CC]

Hi everyone! New viewers please note that this video is over 4 years old from when I was a teenager, much is still accurate, but many of my views especially related to topics at the end have changed.
This video is about the dos and don'ts of getting involved in the Deaf community, mostly for ASL students, future interpreters, and new signers. I have a lot of pet peeves and things to say about this, but I tried to narrow it down to some of the most significant things I've noticed in the Deaf community. Hope you enjoy this video and maybe learn something!
In regards to SimCom: personally as a deaf person, I became more comfortable simcomming after 2 years dating hearing, but still prefer ASL for accessibility sake. Deaf and hard of hearing people can adapt and do whatever they prefer in terms of communication and accessibility. For people looking to learn or get involved, I encourage you to learn ASL first, as many deaf people do not understand English.
DISCLAIMER: I am sharing MY personal experiences as a deaf individual. I aim to be as welcoming as possible, but my point of view does not represent the opinions of everyone in the deaf community. My content reflects my personal opinions, please remember everyone's experiences are diverse.
Transcript:
docs.google.com/document/d/1s...
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Instagram: @chrissymarshall_
TikTok: @chrissymarshall_
Shirt: LGBTQIA+ ASL with the sign for queer

[@SethAndrew52]

"Oh, you're deaf? That sucks." I once got a good laugh out of a deaf kid in school by telling him that he's the lucky one for not being able to hear our teacher's incessant nagging, and he busted out laughing in the middle of class He still talks about it years later saying it made him feel good, and it was apparently the first time someone didn't treat him like he's disabled...

[@L8yMeg314]

I love that story 😆

[@stonecold5373]

so he heard you...he isn't deaf.

[@quazzacroldacct940]

Wholesome ❤️

[@user-tr3jw1df6q]

@@stonecold5373 dude could’ve read lips

[@nonhic]

@@stonecold5373 And you're one of many ppl who assume that kind of shit because you can't comprehend deaf ppl can still communicate with hearing ppl, even when it's not the usual way.

[@thejessica-est]

I used to do taxes, had a deaf couple as clients. I was working on their 1040, singing Lisa Loeb's "Stay" as I worked. The husbanded passes me a note that says "I never said you don't belong, we're not leaving and you didn't do anything wrong". I was completely perplexed and he was looking at me with concern. Then he started laughing and passed another note saying "We read lips, are you singing to yourself?". 😂 That's when I was introduced to ASL. They taught me a lot of simple introductory signs and encouraged me to learn more. I'm by no means fluent, but I've got my manners down and can ask and understand basic questions. TLDR: A deaf man's wicked sense of humor got me to learn some ASL.

[@Wayra_Ayelen]

I love it 😂😂😂❤

[@gohawks3571]

That's hilarious! Glad it didn't go bad...

[@hughtube5154]

Good thing you weren't singing Eminem's "Criminal".

[@eileencastillo6323]

👏👏👏👏👏👏 Great sense of humor. I use to have customers also who were an ederly deaf couple. They were very friendly and fun too. He always had a notepad but he would only write one word or two if he had to. It seemed like he had his own sign language to use with people who don't know ASL. I always understood him and his wife. He made me laugh too.

[@seraph511]

That is such a fun memory 😂

[@Avbitten]

I'm autistic and I'm learning to sign merely because its easier than using my voice.

[@koiifsh]

same here! id like to learn how to sign, but unfortunately no one around me knows how to sign so ill just keep sticking to my notebook

[@Chillerll]

You just have to learn enough sign to make people believe you can't understand them so they move on.

[@casquinhaS2]

me too, sometimes i just wish i could speak with my hands and am trying to learn because of it

[@cidercake4373]

I’m learning because I enjoy the movement and facing people when signing. I can express a lot more than words can and I feel more comfortable because I know when I have someone’s attention rather than when I’m speaking in a crowded place. Plus, I hate talking with my mouth full.

[@Fix-It_Felix256]

bro don't call me out like that D;

[@doylekennedyusaf7808]

My wife Dawn was born deaf. I am hearing. I had just got out of the Air Force when I met Dawn. I didn’t know any ASL at that time. When Beverly introduced me to Dawn she immediately caught my eye. She was so beautiful like an angel. I learned ASL. In March we will be married 30 years. I interpret for the deaf at church now. It’s not always an easy journey and many obstacles. We go out to eat with other folks and none of them know sign. So I’m constantly interpreting between her and everyone at the table. It’s hard to finish my meal sometimes. I had to learn to stay focused on her, she loves to communicate and us men naturally are not good communicators. So it makes it even harder when your wife is deaf. I love Dawn and I will be with her my entire life.

[@plarnston]

I hope both you and your lovely wife are doing well.

[@gsanchez5116]

Amazing

[@wordzmyth]

Thank you for sharing such an inspirational marriage story. Deaf or hearing what shines through is the love amd devotion.

[@Arkylie]

It must be interesting (and frustrating) to be forced out of your comfort zone in terms of communication level, in order to facilitate communication between others and your wife. My ASL professor in college was named Dawn, IIRC. I wish I could remember more of the grammar she taught us, but she was certainly an enjoyable teacher who gave interesting assignments ^_^

[@Scuuurbs]

“Us men are naturally not good communicators” 🤨 Gotta love them stereotypes…

[@dannystudent]

it’s so interesting that since I can hear people speak, I can also sort of “hear” the words she’s signing, like my brain has selected a generic voice that this girl has and when I focus I can hear when she mouths the words. like how people who can hear kind of “hear” their thoughts or when you read. anyway, loved this video, so happy I found this channel !

[@dolliexzo]

I agree!

[@YeshuaIsTheTruth]

That is so cool... I can't wait to get to that point! :D

[@swvsnick]

I know she didnt actually speak but I also had a voice for her in my head!!!!

[@icecreamwasabi]

@@swvsnick I know she’s not saying anything, I know she’s just mouthing the words, but I can hear it in my head so clearly. Even though her voice may sound generic to me, it’s still beautiful; I’m learning sign language not only bc there are many people in my life who can’t hear. But bc it is a beautiful language.

[@Simon-hb9rf]

i think its not so much her "voice" as her "attitude" that i hear in my head. i think its just my brains way of trying to incorporate her expressiveness and body language into what she's actually saying (i don't know ASL, I'm just reading the subtitles, so that may explain the need for some to perceive it that way?)

[@katagirl3000]

I learned to sign in college waaaay back in the day. My deaf friends always did simcom with me, so I didn't know that wasn't normal. Since then, I've taught my three kids basic signing as babies (which is different because simcom with hearing babies is standard) , and it made it so that I could communicate with them at 6 months. It's amazing because they hardly cried when they needed something. They'd just sign. My oldest is 11 and still signs till this day :)

[@alexisbiles1295]

Wassup

[@josephisvr2947]

@@alexisbiles1295 YO MOMMA

[@asant11]

What’s amazing. I would love my kids to learn ASL.

[@JarthenGreenmeadow]

This is the case. One of my brothers was taught to sign as an infant and he was able to tell us "hungry" "please" "Thank you" "no" By 8 months Until he was like... 2.5 years he was completely non verbal and then one day he kinda just started talking. I still remember his little "I love you" ASL after that its "I uv oo" god I miss him that young he's starting 7th grade this year. Time fkn flies man.

[@JustCurious.2]

THAT'S A FRICKING AMAZING IDEA. Gonna propose it to my relatives who have babies with needs but can't talk

[@deenibeeniable]

Hi Chrissy. My mom was born in 1922. She lost her hearing at age 18 because of a mastoid infection -- there were no antibiotics then, so they simply removed all the infected parts & hoped for the best. She was completely deaf in one ear and profoundly so in the other. She wore a hearing aid. She told me a story about how she was riding the subway on a very hot day & these huge D-cell battery packs for her hearing aid, which were strapped to her thighs, were shorting out because of sweat. She went to NY School for the Deaf, and at that time there was only one option: lip reading ('oralist" tradition). Children who went there wanted to sign naturally but were prevented from doing so by having their hands tied behind their backs. They had to learn to be "invisible" in a hearing world. I told this story to an ASL interpreter once. After listening to the story the interpreter said, Your mom was a hearing person who couldn't hear. That really struck me. I actually tried learning the language & tried to get my mom to, but that was when she was in her 60s & she just didn't want to. She worked, as many deaf people did then, as a seamstress. In fact you probably already know that the sign for the word "how" comes from "the boss" asking "how are you doing?" which meant "show me your seams." But seamstress is a nice word for "worked in a sweatshop." She did manage to finally get her drivers license. For all their marriage my dad wouldn't let her drive; he just couldn't believe she could do it. After he died she got a deaf instructor & got her license, & her face on that picture is the happiest you have ever seen on any person ever; I kept it after she died. Anyway Chrissy when I see you it makes my heart ache, it is kind of bittersweet. How happy I am that the deaf community is what it is today, and how sad it makes me that my mom had to endure so much. Anyway. Thank you for this video.

[@sondrabradley8040]

Awwh love a happy ending. You were blessed with a great mom!

[@PurtyPurple]

I know my reply is kind of late, but I wanted to add to the very accurate comment from Sondra, that your mom was also blessed with a wonderful child. It's obvious from your comment how much you love her.

[@RilianSharp]

what does it mean to say she's a hearing person who couldn't hear?

[@placeholdernameisplacehold7671]

​@@RilianSharp People can be born deaf. The profoundly deaf have a culture, a language, a way of life. A hearing person in this context is someone who grew up not profoundly deaf. She had to basically learn how to live an entirely new way of life again from 18

[@CommentsAllowed]

No mater who you are, we are wimps compared to those 100 years ago. Uphill, both ways, in the snow!

[@ekotoxic1663]

"A Silent Voice" has peaked my interest in learning ASL and JSL. I plan to one day become fluent enough to have decent conversation with others.

[@melaniegrace7707]

Me too!

[@littlecub9666]

same here

[@keikof9188]

omg that anime was beautiful! I've just started little by little since one of my regular Doordashers at my job is deaf, but totally that movie was so inspiring!

[@kyransawhill6650]

It's been a couple years since I first saw and read it and I still can't think of A Silent Voice without wanting to cry. On a more relevant note: Shoko's voice actress for the English dub, Lexi Marman Cowden, is deaf in real-life.

[@greenseedpod]

Silent voice is more into mental disability than a physical disability, it is bullying, depression, and sui cide, the deaf part is more like a compliment to it, you can change the deaf part with any other disability if you want, and it wont change the story that much, learn psychology not a sign language.

[@yoseph3625]

I'm here to learn sign language because i'm in love with deaf girl 😥❤

[@heroofangst]

Aw!

[@apexedgesharpening2005]

Go get her! Also even if it doesn’t work! This is incredibly useful info! Asl comes in handy

[@EZenough4]

Silent voice flash backs

[@channelltrail8935]

Awwwww

[@ariannacanas6980]

Get em men child I'm mute and no one ever understands anything I'm say- doing? I guess. She'll be really happy that you did that for her not alot of people know sign language anymore at least around me and it's kinda frustrating. So knock her socks off with the power of sign 🤗🤗🤗

[@graysonrogers-barnes6302]

I have ADHD and could normally not focus on a video with no sound, but your energy just held me here the whole time.

[@kostakis5084]

Huh, funny thing, I have ADHD too.

[@danielcollins3142]

same

[@donut4877]

yo this comment is old but ayyy adhd gang 👌

[@eabnamoliben1598]

Do you go berserk?

[@shinyta11]

Me too! I put on some music so I could focus on what she was saying, haha.

[@crayonsmmmm3509]

A transcript without time signatures to put into a text to speech thing if you want :) Hi everyone! Welcome back to The Essential Sign, I'm Chrissy! Today what we are going to do is discuss the Dos and Don'ts of socializing with the Deaf community. *Hearing aid ringing* This video is mostly for new signers and ASL students. I have a lot to say and I have a list, so I will go ahead and start. First, we are a community and culture, we don't want your pity. So don't say, "I'm sorry you are Deaf, that sucks" I hate that. Do Show your motivation to become involved and share your reasons why. Don't isolate yourself because your intimidated or whatever, really the best way to get involved and pick up signs is to fully imerge yourself in the community. But I encourage you to learn basic conversation and some signs before you try that. Do Be honest about your situation, your background, and experience with ASL. Hi! I'm new, I'm learning ASL and taking ASL . I'm learning ASL online. Hi! I'm ------, I'm taking ASL in college, studying to become an ASL interpreter. Do Try and stay voice off and try not to simcom. Simcom is speaking and signing at the same time. It doesn't work. Don't Try and teach ASL if you are only a student. You aren't qualified and you will lose respect from the community, Especially online. Do Respect eachother and listen to the Deaf communities opinions on rights and advocacy, that kind of thing. Just listen. Don't Show up and try and impede on our conversations. It's rude. And don't try to translate or interpret, unless if we ask for help. Only if asked. If you impede on our conversations you are limiting our abilities. It's rude and- It's a thing I hate. If you are an ASL student, know your teachers name! Simple right. There are two reasons why. ) It's ridiculous not to know. ) Some people in the community know the teachers, so they will probably ask you who your teacher is. You probably want to know it. Don't Beg for a sign name. If we think of some thing that fits we will let you know, But we won't if we don't know you, who you are good enough. Do If you want to learn and improve your signing, ask simple little questions. Thats fine. So I was walking around with a friend and looking around we saw a umm- Hey whats the sign for b-i-r-d? So I was walking with my friend and we saw a bird. It was cool. Are you Deaf, Hard of hearing, or hearing? Don't Use socializing with Deaf friends like a second class. It's not our job to teach you and sometimes we will help you, but theres a line. Do Be flexible and patient. There needs to be good lighting and eye contact is important. Don't Pretend to understand if you don't understand. I will notice if you are clueless. I see you. Do Understand the community is diverse. Some people sign ASL, some PSE, some SEE. It varies, every individual is different. Just depends on the person. Don't Assume we can lip read and never force or pressure a Deaf person to voice or speak. Thats terrible. Just don't. Don't do it. Do Understand the Deaf community has face years and years of oppression. Going back the community has so much culture. And you need to recognize you have hearing privilege. Recognize and accept your hearing privilege. Don't Be upset or angry if someone doesn't like you. There is some bias in the community and it happens. Thats reality. It happens. Sometimes people just don't like you. It doesn't matter. Move on! I think thats it for today! Hope you learned something and enjoyed the video! Comment if you want to share anything about the topic. Thanks for watching! Bye!

[@BrimaBelise]

Thank you for this!

[@jabble__]

What is PSE and SEE?

[@crayonsmmmm3509]

@@jabble__ different types of sign language, I'm not really sure about the details of what they are though.

[@youramericanfriend9478]

My daughter was born deaf but has used a CI most of her life. Her first experience learning ASL was only recently at a community college. I wish she’d had a kind teacher (like I did) because she was SO EXCITED to learn (and seemed naturally good at it)! By the end of the class though, my daughter admitted that she was disappointed with the teacher’s attitude toward her so she gave up interest and just relied on lip reading. I hope one day she’ll meet someone as friendly as you and be interested in learning ASL again.

[@SouthCountyGal]

I know several CI kids. All were raised by hearing families who hoped to give them some hearing privilege, and this is frowned upon by the more militant Deaf communities. CI people who are not raised in households or communities that sign can feel isolated socially. The hearing kids tend to treat them as handicapped, and the Deaf community treats them as if they've chosen to reject their deafness. I hope your daughter finds more open-minded Deaf friends and mentors. They are out there!

[@peacefulleopard8016]

@@SouthCountyGal I wish I could like this comment multiple times. Yes, exactly.

[@WhimsicalTea]

Most of this is just being a nice and respectful human

[@secret-name]

Yeah I've noticed that most videos that are along the lines of "do's and don'ts of _________" seem to boil down to that.

[@Aidyn-Crawford]

a lot (not all ofc) of people act different around deaf/hoh people and decent respect tends to fly out of the window :/

[@Nikku4211]

There are things that non-deaf people won't realise are disrespectful to deaf people, because things are pretty different for deaf people and it is often hard to realise that.

[@AquaBubbles22]

Basically consider them as an equal to yourself and put yourself in their shoes before you do something stupid.

[@christopherthomas8421]

@@AquaBubbles22 yeah but check your privilege you hearing sob

[@lizettepecina997]

They really should teach ASL in schools. Make it a requisite to graduate just like you have to take a foreign language class.

[@loretta2539]

In some schools it is another language class. In my state and city our schools have ASL as a language class as we have alot of deaf students. Even in our community colleges they have ASL classes you can take. I did since my brother is hard of hearing and non-verbal autistic and he communicates through ASL.

[@bellarodriguez8949]

At my school, we only have one option for the language requirement and it’s Spanish. We can take ASL courses, but we would have to take them at the community college and not many people want to do that.

[@jialinsun9703]

We can’t really afford ASL at my school.... we only have one language available here. If it would a requisite only the richer schools would be able to afford it.

[@namelessmonster9345]

EXACTLY IVE BEEN SAYING THAT FOREVER NOW as a hearing person with deaf parents I have huge respect for the deaf community

[@Lilly-bz8gh]

They do it in my school, that's why I'm here (:

[@lalvarado3055]

Something about watching people use ASL is so beautiful. I can't wait to more fluent in ASL so I don't need the captions to understand what's going on!

[@VincentEdelstein]

Me too

[@marciwhitman3513]

I think it looks like their hands are dancing 😘

[@13gondolla37]

A friend and I are learning ASL together. He was joking around and said "Hey how did you do on that final exam?" Then held up the OK sign while smiling/wincing. We couldn't stop giggling and the others in the room were very confused.

[@alexysautumnelf]

DON'T eavesdrop and then say, "Oh, I was just watching, sorry."

[@norma94]

thanks for the tip. noted

[@nimzi4479]

@@norma94 right. Don't say, "oh, I was just watching, sorry" Signing it would be better.

[@updownstate]

Oh dear that would be bad. I see a deaf crowd - or used to - at the coffee shop every week and they've taught me a lot.

[@nimzi4479]

@@alrightythen8453 am i going to have to r/woosh you? it was a joke

[@vikzn1607]

@@alrightythen8453 if your at a cafe pr restaurant and don’t expect people too look you’re wrong, no one is gonna force their eyes off you because your feeling will be hurt people eavesdrop all the time in public places

[@chronicallycarly3345]

I’m sending this to my ASL Professor! Since he’s Deaf himself, he always tries to teach us about common courtesy when interacting with the Deaf Community, so this video touches on a lot of the same points he makes.

[@sk8ernutdw]

What college do you go to? Perhaps I know this ASL professor you're talking about? I know a professor from Ozarks College.

[@realmofthemisunderstood166]

Kal-El lol you do know there are tons of ASL professors in America, right?

[@tudormiller8898]

What are the differences between ASL, BSL and Makaton ? Watching from London UK 🇬🇧

[@averynerdybookworm972]

Tudor Miller asl is the American and often Canadian form of sign language the alphabet uses one hand and many signs are done using one hand but there still are many that require both. This form of sign differs based on location for example I take a course from a school for the deaf in Utah (though the classes are online) so our signs are looser and more relaxed than New York or Boston signers. BSL is British sign language and is often used in the UK but exact signed English is also very common there which is a different form (although Exact Signed English changes based on country as well) Hope this helps!

[@shahroze1522]

Hi

[@chasinglighttoo]

My grandmother was deaf from birth and my grandfather was deaf/blind due to a genetic condition called Usher's disease. He also had some balance problems which is characteristic of the disease. There are four types of Usher. They raised eight kids together and my grandfather worked digging ditches and he made things to sell. They communicated by tactile sign language. They felt they could do anything they set their mind too expect no one would let grandpa drive lol He got that and was fine with it. Thanks for these great videos Chrissy!

[@hazelbellydancer]

I'm an xray tech student, I just started learning ASL online as I had my first interaction with a deaf patient. I dislike not being able to communicate with my patients throughout exams, especially when they're in pain. Sometimes I need them to move in a way or do something, and not being able to explain how/why and how far to done we are is stressful for both parties. I want to be better and give my patients the quality care they are entitled to.

[@jenestratoo]

I feel like simcom is sometimes unavoidable though. Like at work. One of my employees is Deaf and I will often address multiple coworkers at once so I have to speak while I sign. And that was difficult to get used to because I had to practice speaking grammatically correct English while thinking conceptually so I could convey the same idea with sign. That resulted in very stilted language for a long time, lol. As my sign vocabulary increased though, I noticed I started to rely heavily on SEE, so my speech speed regulated. Of course, if it's just the two of us, I don't speak at all. It's so nice just to have a normal conversation without having to translate for others.

[@rawdaaljawhary4174]

That's amazing that you're so dedicated! I'm sure you're learning a lot and your coworkers appreciate you. ❤️💜❤️

[@donnypodcast]

Yeah. I grew up with multiple deaf kids in our classes and it was even considered rude NOT to speak while you sign. We were encouraged to speak the words while we signed and the kids who could not hear would ALWAYS speak while they signed. So, I don't know what that was all about in this video.

[@donnypodcast]

@Rae Morris You're right. As I've begun to learn ASL, I see now that It's technically not proper to try to speak English sentences while signing in ASL. As I look back on it, I think part of the rule about making sure we speak while we sign was so that it didn't seem like we were whispering behind someone's back. Now that I've been learning ASL for a month, (starting all over again, more than a decade after my experience in High School) I see where speaking the words as you sign them is probably OK, but not trying to speak an English sentence with English grammar while still trying to sign in ASL.So, I admit, I was incorrect and going off of old rules that don't actually have anything to do with the grammar of ASL.

[@beatm6948]

@@donnypodcast it's not PSE, so its kinda wacky grammatically right?

[@Jenny-jd4yd]

I’m HOH(deaf in one ear, HOH in the other) and my parents never had me learn sign. Then when I did go to a college with a strong ASL program, the cultural aspect turned me off because I felt penalized for not signing, like it was my fault. Now I’m in a better place to learn all of it. But I had a bad opinion of deaf signers because I was never accepted.

[@christinemeleg4535]

In some communities it was felt that deafness or Hearing Impairment is a handicap and those with deafness or Impairment should lip read and learn to speak with their voices, no signing. That is a cultural view held for many years, UNTIL the deaf finally started to complain! Being Deaf to many is not a handicap, signing is just another way to communicate. Did you know that in prior decades Deafness was considered a case of mental illness or mental retardation? The deaf were institutionalized because of Deafness. People finally learned that differences are normal. That is possibly why your parents didn't have you learn to sign, and the prejudice the Deaf community experience makes people defensive, or maybe they are just not nice. In anycase , learn ASL and move on!! There is a big world waiting out there!

[@christopherthomas8421]

Thats litteraly why I just lost interest in learning. They seem stuck up and kinda snobby. Just trying to learn ya know? I think its a beautiful language and I would like to communicate with it. But the click aspect is a turn off

[@christopherthomas8421]

@@christinemeleg4535 no, its that snobby bitch attitude to just move on and shut up. You didn’t take the persona feeling in account. Its the undertone. I wouldn’t want to join thr community just to be hated on.

[@rebeccatopken6532]

Im sure your parents thought they were doing whats best, but they sure didnt think ahead of how hard it would be for you. Wondering if they were to lazy to learn sign. I hope things are better for you now

[@christopherthomas8421]

@@rebeccatopken6532 dead people reall are snobby damn. He’s not lazy he was turned off bu the people.

[@kinoko6096]

I recently found out I have a speech processing issue which can really impede my social interactions sometimes, so I’ve been interested in learning more about the deaf community and different ways you are able to communicate. Thank you for this video, it was very helpful!

[@LoveLee_Dreamer]

If someone says they're sorry you're deaf and it sucks, turn it back at them. "Oh? I was going to say I'm sorry you have to hear everything all the time! That sounds absolutely horrible!"

[@charlotteevans7868]

I'm learning asl but the only thing i "teach" is to show my parents what I've learned cuz I'm actually really proud lol

[@tomatodamashi]

By all means do so. Don't listen to her and this gatekeepy attitude. You are allowed to teach what you learned and spread your joy of it. The deaf community is insular..and I think in some ways they prefer it that way.

[@lilysticha7564]

I think she meant like in more of a professional setting, like don't teach it to a classroom of students for grades or credit, but by all means teach it to your parents! Parents love to get involved and hear about their kids lives.

[@someoneunknown5319]

same with me

[@andrew-rc8se]

same lol

[@mandymawson9121]

I can’t say for sure what she means, but I’m sure there’s a difference between showing someone a few signs and pretending to be a professional and saying you can teach someone the language.

[@jessibpower]

I reallyyyyy struggle not to simcom. My fiancé is deaf (right side due to severe ear infection at 24, and left side due to acute degenerative hearing loss at 29), he decided to get CI's. But both of his parents (and a lot of his extended family) are Deaf, so ASL is his first language. We currently live in the remote north, so ASL classes are not accessible. I've been signing for 13 years now, so I am pro at fingerspelling hahaha and my sign vocabulary is substantial, but I still struggle with the ASL grammar and syntax, so I tend to sign PSE which makes it much easier to simcom. His parents have both said that they like it when I sign PSE and simcom especially when there are other hearing people around, but in a Deaf environment it is definitely more awkward. We don't have children yet, but when we do they will definitely, no questions asked, have to learn ASL regardless of their own hearing abilities, and I don't want to mess up their ASL learning by signing PSE all the time.

[@signedbeauty8896]

I grew up with a deaf mom and it's the same for me. She was taught english growing up and not ASL so her signing is PSE and so is mine. A lot of deaf in my area are an older generation so they sign with PSE as well. Like ASL is actually harder to understand for them. Also, many hearing who become deaf later in life most likely sign this way as well, so I would say it really depends on who you are communicating with. I'm still working on my ASL though because I want to be able to understand fluent ASL users better.

[@marcushoward6560]

Even if I don't speak out loud, I'm still going to mumble to myself. It is the same reason I am better at PSE than ASL. From experience, I find ASL is similar to Esperanto, in the the respect that both focus more on the idea being expressed and may leave out information that is considered unnecessary. My brain just doesn't work the way it should and I have enough trouble trying to focus and decipher what people are saying even when they use complete standard English sentences. This is especially problematic when trying to read social media messages from the younger generation, that often combines words, leaves parts of words off, or just leaves whole words out altogether. Esperanto, which is a spoken language, leaves out A LOT of information and has some pretty loose and strange rules about order. I spent a year studying and it was a complete waste. I just couldn't make my brain work that way. The point of all of this is, I've heard some deaf folks talk about certain things being rude, or if not rude, just shouldn't be done/done in a certain way. I get that, and reasonable effort should be made, but deaf folks (just as hearing folks, and all folks who use any language) have to accept that some people will always struggle to learn another language. When signing, and when I was reading Esperanto (or even English if it is complicated material), I speak/read aloud because that is the only way I can stay focused and stay on track. If someone is doing the best they can to communicate with another person, especially if they don't have to, the effort should be appreciated, regardless of the language. That said, none of the deaf folks I knew in college or have interacted with for work, ever got upset with me.

[@purplealchemistofficial]

I didn’t know most people don’t like it when you sign and talk at the same time. I used to not move my mouth at all because I found it annoying but ended up Speak signing after seeing others do it. I’ll definitely switch back.

[@omardude39]

I know your post is old now but I am curious as to how your situation has developed. I would imagine your fiancé (if you haven't married by now) understands you a hell of a lot more than you know, and even knows when you will move to PSE to fingerspell. If and when you have children, they will naturally learn ASL from dad. But so long as you also sign to them, even by a different language, they will learn to understand you when you speak with your fiancé. The interesting thing will be if they sign even when they could speak to you to ensure their father is included. I wish you and your future family the very best as it sounds like you will have a unique dynamic among you.

[@hep6198]

@@christygruber2283 hi can you explain what simcom is?? im new to sign language and i'm kind of confused.

[@sarahdurantsmith1278]

I work curbside. I remember meeting a customer who indicated she was deaf and I immediately signed "sorry" without thinking--I'm super glad it got across that I meant I was embarrassed about only knowing a few signs--she seemed really appreciative! I started learning bc I'm hoh and have noticed that progressing, but now I'm really grateful for the few asl interactions I've had. It seems like people light up when I try to sign even a little bit. I would imagine deaf people prefer that staff not ignore them or just shut down the way I've seen happen. Like, customer service with head down, maybe writing something, and not making eye contact cuz they don't know what to do. Idk, it'd feel dehumanizing for me so it frustrates me, especially bc it's so easy to do better than that I think I understand the point about not acting like you're qualified to teach when you're not, but it seems to me that it'd be nice to spread a few basic signs--greetings and such--around the staff so we can make the place a little more welcoming. I'm not even qualified for that yet, tho I'd like to get there. I'd love thoughts if anyone happens to want to share 😄 our deaf customers have so far been able to spot the clueless hoh person that wants them to have a good day but I could be missing something

[@peacefulleopard8016]

@@SimonWoodburyForget well, it’s still useful to learn the sign language of your country. You might encounter Deaf people in other areas of life, and even if you don’t, it’s still a nice skill to have and learn. (Also it is surprisingly hard to get people to write things down or stand where they can be lipread or do simple things like that. It’s as well just quite demeaning to communicate through pointing and hinting. I don’t like having to ask people to repeat themselves, and people don’t like repeating themselves, and it would be so much more embarrassing if I had to point at what I wanted and awkwardly communicate like that.)

[@peacefulleopard8016]

@@SimonWoodburyForget Wouldn’t you rather have the knowledge and not need it than be stuck in a difficult situation in which you need it and don’t have it?

[@peacefulleopard8016]

And also, doesn’t human compassion factor into learning to sign as a hearing person, where it doesn’t in learning to do 4*7?

[@peacefulleopard8016]

@Simon WoodburyForget No one said you had to learn the entire language, with its grammar, sentence structure, all of that. The point was just that’s it’s good and useful to have some signs that you would use in a customer service situation, like “Hello, what would you like?” “That costs ___” “Goodbye, have a nice day” And you would practice them, so you didn’t forget them. Or if that was too much effort, print out translations of these simple signs and put them up in your workplace. As for the whole “I don’t care about deaf people” thing, you should try a little bit of their experience. Deafness is more common than a lot of people think, and it is incredibly isolating to have no one else around you communicate in the way you do, to be told again and again that it’s just such an inconvenience to them to make some small tweaks to what they’re doing, to resort to pointing and hinting in what should be a dignified interaction because the majority of people just can’t summon up the empathy to learn some words of a language that seems trivial and useless to them but means more than you can understand to the speakers of it.

[@peacefulleopard8016]

@Simon WoodburyForget I literally offered an alternative that would take less than 10 minutes. It’s only a couple signs.

[@emileelong8538]

I'm a nurse and it's SO HARD to get ahold of ASL interpreters, especially during night shift. I've been trying to learn more signs related to being in the hospital to help my deaf patients feel like they have a voice for themselves and don't have to rely on finding an interpreter. For small things we usually write back and forth but getting someone admitted is difficult. I took an ASL class years ago but didn't keep up with it so I can manage only the basics. A few coworkers and I are trying to learn together!

[@rosederavil8710]

I’ve always had a love for ASL. I’m not deaf or hard of hearing. Nor do I know anyone who is. Just ever since it was introduced to me in 6th grade I thought “everyone should know a little sign like they know a little Spanish.” I’m learning more everyday!! Love this channel. ❤️

[@KCDay-eu1iq]

Me too. I have always been interested in different languages and always thought ASL was beautiful. I only know the basic signs though.

[@bornvolcano]

It’s both fascinating and unnerving to watch a video with no sound to it, but that was really educational. I’m new to asl and trying to learn because I have a hard time speaking vocally sometimes because of bad anxiety, I don’t know if that’s really a valid reason or not but that’s my reason. This was really cool to watch and I learned a lot, thank you!

[@leemcindoo6778]

That’s a completely valid reason! All reasons for seeking knowledge are valid, even spite lol

[@christinemeleg4535]

There is always a good reason to learn a new language, it improves how you think!! Don't think that anxiety is a bad reason to learn, you just want to learn! So do it!

[@SphinxKingStone]

How is your anxiety is it better or worse after a year?

[@lauracolorstoo]

Thank you Chrissy! I have a new deaf friend at work and I'm very grateful to start learning so I can communicate with her better. These tips are awesome.

[@jshumko]

This is good information. I am hearing and was married to a Deaf man for 18 years (I am a widow now). I made a lot of mistakes during those years with both Deaf and Hearing people. The part I like best in this video is, “Don’t be upset or angry if someone doesn’t like you. It doesn’t matter. Move on!” There are biases in all cultures. Anyone who gets out of their comfort zone to learn and experience this world from another cultural perspective is bound to make mistakes. None of us are perfect.

[@chelsey8737]

I always worry that who ever I'm signing with will be frustrated that I dont know more than I do or that I sign too slow or fingerspell too much. I know thats probably not the case but

[@sousalarson6858]

Heck yes. I can fingerspell and count to 20 and knew a few basic signs that dont come up much. I know in my head immersion is the best way to learn but I am so scared to be a burden on someone or make a conversation run slowly or ask people to repeat

[@johardy-bishop9105]

@@sousalarson6858 when you learn a foreign language people appreciate the effort you are making and take it more slowly for you. I think sign language is just the same. We’ll only get better and quicker with practice.

[@LadyJachyra]

Learning how to say "thank you for your patience" was literally the best thing I ever did to combat that feeling in various situations. Hope it helps ya feel a lil more confident in practice here!

[@BxNcVsper777]

I just know my alphabets 😂

[@MariaBareiss]

@@johardy-bishop9105 Yes! When I went to Austria & Germany, I said, "Ich verstehe nur ein bisschen Deutsch," ((I only understand a little bit of German)) they nodded and spoke slowly, but seemed to be happy I was at least TRYING.

[@HelenavV_]

I found it really helpful for other (deaf/hoh) people if you ask what type of communication they want (signing/typing/talking/writing) they get happy and excited because you've let them know you want to be accessible for them

[@galsigner1]

I am a CODA and live in an area where I don't have contact with the deaf community and I really miss it. You did a great job with your video. It's true there are so many cultural aspects to the deaf community and hard for me to put into words or to specify exactly what some of them are as they are so ingrained in me it's just part of who I am as a person and I don't think of them as being specific to the deaf community. Miss seeing my deaf friends.

[@emilyrighter6123]

I've been learning ASL for about a year now. Recently I went to an event where there was a group of people who were deaf, and it was cool that I was able to talk to them! This video was very helpful to keep in mind 😁✨ Thanks

[@lisaforte1575]

I found at a work situation that two deaf coworkers were STUNNED that anyone would bother to learn their language if that person did not need to. They appreciated my interest and went out of their way to encourage me.

[@kaitlyn5573]

I'm in ASL 2 and really want to be fluent in ASL eventually. I really love how you sign--it was easy to understand and I feel like I was able to pick up a lot of it! I really appreciate it! thanks for this video, you have a new subscriber :)

[@dealin21s]

Kaitlyn Pinegar I agree and I’m only in ASL 1. It wasn’t too fast and was at the perfect speed for beginners like me.

[@prettycool2237]

Nice

[@abyss6484]

eyy I'm in ASL 2 right now! hope it's going well for you lol

[@angelfuturejob]

I want to learn and be fluent in ASL just because I find it fascinating

[@christopherthomas8421]

Me too

[@adriana10677]

I've always been found signing and the deaf culture and community so rich, interesting, and amazing! ever since I was 7 and I learned a song in sign language I've been dying to learn, finally now trying to ty for your video.

[@astrid_anxiety3184]

A year and 4 months ago i watched this with subtitles. Proud to say i understand it even more clearly without now. Thank you for being a staple in my beginnings.

[@victoriacoltro6602]

Schools should definitely teach sign language, you never know when you might need it

[@alexismorgan6292]

Agreed ive had a little teaching in 2nd grade because my teacher was very much for the sign language but then after that i was self taught through experiences and online posts from people in the deaf community, I never thought id have to use it for personal reasons but then the summer going into my 11th/12th grade year of highschool i had my first silent migraine which I learned I inherited from my dad and depending on the severity will change how long it takes before my hearing returns can be minutes , hours ,days,weeks, in extra severe cases could be years or permanently which is pretty scary so I started really trying my best to learn and keep practicing

[@whoknowsatthispoint7508]

IMO, sign language should just count as a language class. My school doesn't require a language class to get a regular diploma, but it requires a few years of language classes if you want to get an advanced diploma (which is what I want). The thing is that all the language classes are foreign language (ex. Spanish, Italian, Chinese, I'm taking French) but I think that taking a few years of sign language class should count towards language credits. Foreign language classes aren't required, so I don't think sign language classes should be REQUIRED to graduate, but they definitely should be offered, and should count as language credits for graduation.

[@lilsistha25]

My school teaches sign language 😅

[@thunderclanwarrior1253]

In my school we had two teachers who really liked Sign Language and would teach us to sign songs for events with Sign Language. It might have been ASL, but I'm not sure, and idk if some of the signs changed, but to this day I can still remember the lines and signs! I think since the practicing was tactile as well as auditory, it helped stick more. I wish I had learned more!

[@MistaCen]

They should also teach children their rights, by why would the government want well informed citizens.

[@rwxox]

Just came across your channel! you should post more frequently. I love your personality!!

[@prettycool2237]

That’s wonderful

[@danieldumas7361]

I totally agree. People should learn & undestand more.

[@shahroze1522]

Hi

[@robertariddlebaugh859]

You sorta “sound” Singy-songy ....if you plan to be an interpreter , the Singy songy personality will will slow down your ability to keep up with the speaker. However it is your choice of personality just don’t do it while you are interpreting. I am a 73 year old deaf lady now who used to be hard of hearing 3rd generation deafness in family. I am just letting you know. Not criticizing. You are cute and amusing to watch but not for watching you interpret.

[@annie84305]

She has a TikTok! It’s ChrissyCantHearYoy

[@rawdaaljawhary4174]

You are so bright and joyous! 🌞🌈🌞 I love your videos. Thank you!

[@susanwilliams2392]

Just wanted to say, thank you so much for using the youtube cc, instead of baking in the subtitles as part of the picture. Because my screen reader can access the youtube cc, but of course not the picture. This is the first fully signed video I have ever been able to access as a vision impaired person. I really really appreciate it.

[@vroobelekbillie]

Love this video! I'm PJM student (Polish Sign Language) and all these rules apply to Deaf community in Poland :) Although I have to say I feel like here in Poland they are a little bit more open to the topic of choosing sign names. Many times I've seen Deaf person simply asking hearing person which sign would he/she like to have or presenting few different ones and letting them choose :) Also I've seen hearing student telling her Deaf teacher that she doesn't feel her sign name suits her anymore and he would just let her change it to whatever she wants. But I think that the "strict" way is a little bit cooler because you get the most accurate sign :D

[@KattReen]

@Ross Otto If you're trolling, well done. If you're serious, please don't reproduce.

[@vittorias5112]

@Ross Otto can you explain to me what was funny in your joke? I don't get it

[@michelleswanson6347]

@Ross Otto please don't. None of us appreciate that

[@flowxrpot]

Honestly, I really like this. I feel rude complaining about my sign name honestly. I know it can be obnoxious for random strangers asking for a sign name because you don't know the person, and once you get a sign name, it's best not to change it because then it can get confusing to others. (At least that's how it is in America) I honestly don't like my sign name bc it's 'e' (my first initial) and the sign 'glasses' because I wear them. That would be fine, but I noticed they give that sign to many people they don't know and I was so involved and loved my little community at school, I lowkey wanted something more personal or just anything that's not glasses because even with hearing people, I'm known as "the girl with the glasses and long hair".

[@dianegherman9785]

About name signs.....it is best they "happen" or are created out of relationships with Deaf people. The language is THEIRS, we adopt it. I don't much care for mine, truth be told, but I absolutely recognize the honor of being named. Think on that.

[@oliviaclinton3946]

Hi my name is Olivia. I am not deaf. I am going into seventh grade. I can fluently speak ASL. I started signing at 5 months old. You are the only person in tik tok that I she seen awnser questions about being deaf. I honestly just think you are amazing and I hope you can see and respond to this message.

[@patch4537]

Well, first off, I hope your 7th grade year went well. Second off, WOW! Thats really good. I'm In 7th grade now and decided to start to learn sign for no particular reason other than the fact I want to be accesible to all kinds of people.

[@emptyminded4862]

That's really cool to be honest. I've just started to learn basic sentences today just incase I might encounter someone who's deaf. Schools should really educate everyone how to do sign language. I find it fascinating that you've learnt sign language from a very young age. Impressive.

[@rubyjanis1354]

I’m also 7th grade and learning ASL, I’m not sure how to interact with the deaf community, but I will figure something out

[@adraedin]

@@rubyjanis1354 You can learn a lot of basic just by slowing these videos down and learning the signs as she talks. I spent over an hour learning as many signs from this 7 minute videos as I could - I picked up some syntax & grammar while I was at it too. I encourage pausing the video before she signs the word you want to know and then press < OR > to move forwards or backwards one frame at a time (only works on PC) - I find this very helpful. I watched 45mins of Bill Vicars stretched over the course of a lazy Sunday and it really strengthened my signing skills at work. Good luck, Ruby!

[@rubyjanis1354]

@@adraedin thank you for that! I’m learning signs from a teacher here on KZbin! I’ve been doing good, but the main thing was that I want to meet people who are deaf and sign with them.

[@doctorgemma8150]

Thank you. Wow. That’s helpful and very humbling for me as a hearing person. Please keep the videos coming as your schedule allows.

[@emilybarilla7077]

Thank you so much!! I love this a lot; as a hearing person who grew up around deaf people, you hit the nail on the head! So true on both ends. Looking forward to watching more of your videos 😁🥳

[@adraedin]

Thanks for this video - it was really helpful. Re: diversity, acceptance, bias & privilege mentioned at 5:40~6:20... Friendly reminder that not everyone who signs is deaf, h/h or hearing; Some people sign because they don't have a voice.

[@user-ph8tz9zi3o]

I know a lot of people who sign when they go non verbal as well (some people with Autism or ADHD often). It’s interesting how many different reasons there are to use sign language.

[@christinemeleg4535]

Yes they do, they just speak another language.

[@tangerineslice]

I sometimes am unable to speak ( in very specific settings, i believe i have selective mutism) So yeah i cannot speak in french ( mother tongue) unless it's casual stuff or lying, I am however able to sign (French, idk much yet but I know I'm able to) and speak english. So yeah sign languages will probably be very helpful for these situations

[@user-ph8tz9zi3o]

@@tangerineslice that’s incredibly interesting. I also sometimes find myself more comfortable in Spanish (not my native language) but only in certain ways/sometimes. Thanks for sharing I’m really interested in this kinda stuff haha

[@randimcmillan3148]

Thank you for this video! And for this comment! I care for my nephew, who is mute, tests say he can hear. I was raised by my deaf grandparents, and ASL was my first language. I started signing to him searching for a basic method to communicate. Now he can let me know when he needs a diaper change or when he’s hungry or thirsty, when he’s unhappy or when he wants to go to the park. I saw such a difference in him once he could express himself and be understood. We are trying to get him enrolled in early childhood program. The person doing his intake was dismissive of him using sign language (she literally said “baby sign language isn’t a language” and refused to put it in his intake profile!) and right out of the gate denied any ASL services in his education because he was not diagnosed as having hearing loss. He’s 100% nonverbal. This has been such a frustrating journey.

[@JessicasASMR]

I already pretend I understand other hearing people I feel like that one is just a general rule of conversation no wonder people don’t talk to me lol

[@darknekoka1906]

I remember that in history class that one teacher is super annoyed. He ask me a question and I answer. He clearly pretend he understand my answer and say "well that not a answer I'm looking for" and ask me again. I answer the same damn exact sentence. He understand the 2nd time and go like "see that question is not that hard." I'm so fucking pissed. In my head I wanna stab his head multiple time. 💢 That was 11 grade Edit: it fine to ask them to repeat the sentence or question. It show that you care about what they saying.

[@user-om5tv5fd9s]

I’ve done it quite a lot, honestly... Although in differentcontexts (kinda). I mostly did it, when I lived a certain amount of time in a different country and just felt like we were getting nowhere if I asked them to repeat every single thing they were saying. But I mean, it’s not really that good of an idea anyway, since even if they did not notice my lack of understanding(which they probably oftentimes did, but were to polite to mention), I might still miss important clues, sooo... I guess it’s not a recommended thing to do 😅

[@jeanniestaller797]

That was really helpful. Thank you. I'm learning online and realize I need to watch more people like you sign. Thank you for not signing too fast! 🙂

[@thepeanutbuttermen7350]

I love this video style it really puts you in the shoes of the person making the video because there's no sound and it is about deaf people and I really like that

[@alexschofield8085]

5:15 “eye contact is important” but what if you’re terrible at eye contact

[@ashleigheichenberg6251]

You practice and get better!:) It becomes easier with time.

[@alexschofield8085]

@@ashleigheichenberg6251 I don’t mean that I’m bad at it while signing, I mean that I’m bad at it all the time constantly with everyone

[@ashleigheichenberg6251]

@@alexschofield8085 I was too, but my family helped me realize that I just needed a little confidence boost. It definitely did not change overnight, but I can maintain eye contact without even realizing it now!😄👏🏼

[@iswearimnotcrazydoesthatma6460]

Yeah, I was wondering this. As an autistic person, it borders on painful sometimes to make eye contact 😕

[@intercat4907]

That's an interesting question. Being shy in a deaf community could be just as tough as being too outgoing in a very reserved culture. I hope you're working on this still; it's not that there's something wrong with you ... if you travel enough, you wind up somewhere you don't understand the rules. You adventurer, you. :)

[@SireniaWolfMelody]

Your face at "I see you" was so great. I am new to ASL and learning and get maybe every second or third sign when talking to a deaf/hoh person who is signing at full speed. I usually understand but sometimes it's too fast for me. I still try to engage all the time because that's how one gets better at it (I hope)

[@annstropes2236]

Love your video! Thank you for all the suggestions.

[@heatherakers5453]

I really appreciate this video! It is great information to know! I'm a nurse and I'm just beginning to try to learn ASL so I can communicate with patients who sign. I think it is important that everyone feels like they can be understood, especially when they are sick or scared.

[@akivabernstein4723]

Honestly one of the best features that KZbin has added in the last year or so is playback speed now I can slow it down and it makes it much easier to understand.

[@adraedin]

For others who stumble here, here's a handy trick: If you're on PC, you can pause videos then use < OR > to move frame by frame.

[@lrbolotin1227]

I grew up alongside my deaf cousin and never in my life I thought of being sorry about him being deaf. I always saw it as a way of life, not as a disability. I’ve met the coolest people in the deaf community and my cousin is seriously the kindest and funnier person I know. I always felt honored that his friends welcomed me in their community and I always felt that I was the one in disadvantage for not fully dominating their language LoL

[@momma1208]

Thanks for sharing! I really appreciate the insight.

[@blueheadphones6823]

I've been learning ASL slowly and steadily for a year, and now I'm in a formal class! I came back to this video after a while and I am delighted to say I understand so many more signs so much faster than when I saw this video originally. I can't wait to learn more!

[@Silvanfan]

“Don’t try to teach ASL if you’re only a student.” -The Daily Sign has left the chat.

[@idkdude420]

Who?

[@SoVidushi]

@@laurennicole5128 i don't remember that but if that is true, I am glad she took responsibility and did the right thing by taking them down.

[@laurennicole5128]

@@SoVidushi she had PSE tutorials for every single song she has on her channel.

[@SoVidushi]

@@laurennicole5128 and where did she post them? Also, did you happen to watch them?

[@yasmineray8347]

Why did she say it was bad again?

[@marafranklin6205]

Thank you for having CC’s for the sign language impaired 😬💕

[@chloeperdue5046]

This was super helpful! I’m just beginning my ASL and these videos are always great to see and make me aware of everything! 💖

[@dungtrankhanh2222]

Thank you, especially for the last message.

[@Lulu-br1cp]

I want to learn ASL because I'm selectively mute. There are a lot of times where I feel like I can't communicate through talking. I'd rather just not speak at all for the most part. So, I want to learn sign language, so that people can understand me better.

[@zer-op5fn]

im selectively mute too!

[@thedoughnutsystem539]

SELECTIVE MUTE GANG!!

[@dreadcthulhu5]

Being expected to speak can be a burden.

[@solarisjade2292]

Im not necessarily mute, but there’s times where i rlly do wish i could just… NOT speak. It’s exhausting almost at times and silent communication doesn’t do that. Idk what it is about verbal communication that gets me so bad, but it does

[@dreadcthulhu5]

@@solarisjade2292 I hear you on that one.

[@rikkipoynter]

*gets to don't teach ASL online if you're a student and chuckles* Some people should really watch this... lol

[@brittaniepicard8209]

@Rikki Poynter do you have any advice on how to teach my daughter asl I know very little and using KZbin to learn unfortunately. There aren't any resources where we live. She is 7 and recently got her first hearing aid. She started loosing her hearing at 4 in her left ear only but she been wanting to sign more and more and expressed disappointment that there is nobody for her to sign with. She still only signs a little since she relies on mostly me to teach her. And I'm definitely not experienced enough to do her justice. Hope for any advice you can give thanks.

[@brittaniepicard8209]

@@SignLanguageResources thanks we have watched both of their videos. Which is where we learn most of the words we know from. She got some flash cards for her bday a few weeks ago to hopefully help her too.

[@MyClickTip]

@@brittaniepicard8209 I believe that one thing that could help her is to watch videos all in ASL. Story videos made specially for children. Music videos. And so on. She is a child that can learn and pick up things much better than adults ;)

[@realmofthemisunderstood166]

I saw this one girl who just copied this Deaf teachers videos sign for sign. It pissed me off so much.

[@LizCalifia]

@@brittaniepicard8209 Baby Signing Time has a older kids version of their videos. I use them for my 4yr old and 2 yr old, they don't have full sentences yet, but use signs everyday day! Hope that helps!

[@midgardette]

So many things I wish I had known 40 years ago when I started learning. So many gracious and kind deaf people have helped and corrected me. Bless you for the video. 💕👍🏼

[@shanekline8554]

i just started watching asl youtube videos. you showed up with that bright smileand bubbly energy. thank you for giving me some kniwledge

[@nixthelapin9869]

I just started learn ASL at college (literally only a month in), so I don’t know too many signs yet, but I love how you signed very clearly, I was able to understand more than I thought I would (my prof signs super fast, so I’m lost most of the time) .This video has been super helpful!

[@MegaEricPham]

I have a friend who does the scomm (speaking & signing) she does it to not only flex but teaches others around her what she is saying. It also helps her subconsciously. Dunno but it works for her.

[@marcvelez6541]

This is an OUTSTANDING video!! It is VERY helpful.

[@dollsinc.1796]

thank you so much for this, i’m rewatching this after a year since i did at first when i was first learning, and with this video and other resources, i have been able to have decent conversations in sign! again, thank you bunches, have a great day, remember to drink water, take breaks, n take care!

[@Jaelily319]

I remember being in some ASL classes that would require us to go to different Deaf events and I’d see students come for like 15 minutes and not interact and just watch and I as a student would get angry! You can’t learn anything in 15 minutes without any interaction. Great video!!! 🤟

[@kelleykay5070]

my asl classes did the same thing. I loved it but also hated it because i was so awkward and felt so embarrassed if i signed something wrong. Now that im older i want to relearn and meet more Deaf people.

[@thestoryofmylife4817]

Jessey Cook sane thing with my school. I actually go around and try to talk to people. I get laughed at some times cause my signing isn’t good or I might sign the wrong thing but if you never put yourself out there how do you expect to learn ??

[@bonniea8189]

@@thestoryofmylife4817 My first prof required time spent interacting with deaf people. By chance one of my close friends from HS was also in the class and he had a HoH uncle and deaf aunt, so we'd hang out with them and sometimes their deaf friends. I also think the prof organized a skate night, because I remember being at the rink with them, and other deaf and HoH people being around. It was def really helpful

[@nicolepapole]

@@kelleykay5070 Not to mention it makes human beings a public spectacle.

[@marcushoward6560]

Some people just don't like events, period, though. Being in a group setting is enough to spike my anxiety pretty bad, but having to also use a skill I barely grasp in front of those people, would be enough to make me physically ill.

[@Aphaythea]

Thank you this was wonderful. I've just learned I might lose my voice, hopefully just temporarily, but I decided to start learning a few signs just in case. While looking for 'quickies' I found this video of yours quite by accident and I'm so glad I did. I have much more respect and appreciation (and I hope a better understanding) now.

[@maryannegrafton1882]

Thank you for taking the time to educate me.

[@stumpy1012]

I'm a very new student to ASL, and this was a really helpful and important video!! Thank you for taking the time to explain these boundaries :>

[@TheMichellebella]

Thank you so much Chrissy! I am a new student in ASL 1 and all you just shared was so important and helpful, truly Thank you!💃🏻☺️💃🏻

[@gabbykobel1139]

Im trying to learn asl online right now an honestly watching you sign while reading it at the same time helps me put together certain signs and pick up on a lot. Thank you so much

[@julesoxana3630]

Tysm for always educating us❤️ love this video❤️

[@desert.mantis]

I found this video interesting and the "rules" covered extend beyond the reach of the deaf community. I especially appreciate your closing message, Chrissy. Blessings 🙏

[@creaturefeature37]

Thank you, Chrissy for discussing this topic in such a fun non-shaming way! It is really helpful to students like me who genuinely want to better understand the Deaf Community.

[@caseysexton4299]

I really appreciate this video! I'm starting my interpreter degree next month. I made an instagram story today of myself signing and talking at the same time (2 no nos at once!!!!!) so i'm so glad i watched this and will hopefully save myself lots of embarrassment and annoyance from the deaf community. Thanks again!

[@KnightJRL]

Thank you for this video! I really loved the examples you gave for disclosing our ASL abilities. I have a couple of regular customers at my new job who are deaf, and I'm starting to learn basic ASL online to help communicate with them. Being able to tell them that I'm still learning will be very useful!

[@ceaslug9791]

Thank you for taking time out of your day to educate us!

[@moonandstarsatnight]

Thanks for this video! The intimidation part is real. I need to get over it tho! Will share! ❤️

[@kawaiiwolfie1385]

Me too! Although I've never actually met a deaf person, I'm the kind of person who would want to talk, but be scared to.

[@brittneyhaynes3732]

This is awesome! I am an aspiring interpreter, and I am always so anxious about interacting with new people, especially in sign language because I am hearing and a novice. I am excited to see the rest of your channel. :)

[@katyturner1968]

Thank you for this! I always appreciate knowing what is taboo in a community

[@ceasinghornet40d40]

i'm only about 2 weeks into my ASL 1 class and i only know a few basic signs, but we've also started learning some things about deaf culture and some of the things you said in this video. some of it i knew, some of it was new to me. definitely a great video for ASL students like me. i'm really excited to learn more stuff, and after watching this i know about some things i should avoid doing (and some things i should be doing more). thanks for making this :D

[@Skys_TheLimit]

You’re so awesome!! I took a 3/4 of a year of ASL and used to go to a deaf church. Im hearing but just loved the community and wanted to know more! There were definitely people there not happy to see me because i was hearing, but everyone has their own opinions. Im just trying to learn and make peace ☺️

[@allisongoble8862]

Interesting! Why did you decide to get involved in the Deaf community? I have found that many people are happy to get to know you, but it’s definitely normal for some within the community not to be.

[@grace3582]

Thank you so much! I am a ASL student and I just want to keep learning and learning more about the history and Culture! 💗

[@melissawhiteland6241]

Can I say you are absolutely stunning and love your charisma.. your personality shines through and I love that. It’s phenomenal to see how times have changed things within the deaf community or possibly it’s simply the area I reside in which is north Texas. Mostly here especially with the ages of 40s and above they have spent their lives with parents that never cared enough to learn signs and have children that hardly know any at all. They’ve been limited in so many ways, it’s heartbreaking really. Anyways, long story short, I’m glad I found your videos.. have a stellar day!

[@piane_e]

Thank you for this! I’m getting into leadership and management, and have always had an interest in learning other languages and cultures to better connect with people I interact with on a more human level. Learning ASL has been on my mind because of the joy I’ve seen it bring when someone is understood and can easily be communicated with like anyone else. Knowing and respecting the culture is just as important as learning the language itself. Otherwise, you might as well be a tourist/stranger and not bother them at all.

[@phoenixmoon3]

Hi! I love your hair! 💜. Thank you for these tips. I’m blind ( like literally) in my right eye and have corrected vision in my left. I am starting to learn ASL. I run in to lots of deaf and hard of hearing people. Lately, I’m sad because with wearing a mask I realize it’s frustrating for those who read lips to even try to understand my poor signs. I have typed on my notepad on my phone, but I must do better and I can. So thank you. Stay well and stay awesome. 🤗💜🙌🏽🌈

[@meganjpmap4544]

Just found this in 2020, it’s great for those of us just starting to learn about hearing loss and deafness. Thank you for sharing!

[@BryanGregson]

I have no idea how I stumbled on this video. It pop’d up in my feed somehow. I travel a lot for work and have always found myself trying to stumble though the basic a,b,c’s that I was taught as a child at home when trying to communicate. I always wished I knew more. I don’t know the “do’s and don’t’s” with this community so this was a really great video for people like me. Most of the information I knew and assumed at least in the sense of human behavior and equality (common sense), a few things I didn’t. Thank you for posting this. It’s inspired me to learn to communicate better with the people I meet and in my own community.

[@theradiumgirl9298]

I've never seen any of your videos before and it's so interesting to watch a video with no sound at all (not even music!) I don't see people using sign language often and I think it's so cool to see how it flows just like any spoken language and how much emotional expression and empathy it requires. I can really feel the feelings in your signs and facial expressions (even though I don't know ASL) You make me want to learn it 🥰

[@anajuliadacostaduarte8891]

I love your video, thank you sm❤ I'm learning LIBRAS(Brazilian sign language) and I'm loving so much to learn a new language(I love English too)it's literally a new world, a different perspective Everyone should learn, it's so important! ❤❤

[@summermendez7703]

My Best Friend is Deaf and I've picked up a lot of pet peeves. We were friends since 1st grade so I learned ASL when I was younger. Sometimes I'll just be surprised by what people ask/say. I notice a lot if people who kind of "Pity" or like treat her different and I know they don't mean bad but it's definitely frustrating. I've also met a lot of really nice people too! I can definitely say that learning basic ASL signs can mean a lot! 💕👭

[@arletteruby6733]

You are stunning !! Thank you for your insightful video.