My Pet Peeve of ASL Signers | ASL Ponderings

[@Katelyn3666]

I totally understand this. I am currently learning ASL and am new to watching videos in ASL ( thank you for the CC's) :) You can see more range of motion in a horizontal video and therefore see the signs clearer. Thank you for pointing this out!

[@ewitty]

LOL! Feel you! My pet peeve is ASL students who overcite 'regional signs' as the reason why they couldn't understand a video (the whole video tho!?!?).

[@snappleandcats2209]

Oh, this problem is not limited to the d/Deaf lol. This has been bothering me for years with English and ASL videos alike.

[@RoganShannon13]

Oh, I know! It's a bigger problem for Deaf* people because of the form of language we use. Vertical videos bother me, it doesn't matter what they are! There's a great video someone just shared with me here: bit.ly/2iOmS7g

[@snappleandcats8045]

LOL, that was great. (btw this is my other channel, just know that both Snapple and Cats accounts are the same. sorry if that's confusing). I can see how this is especially problematic for d/Deaf people/ASL users though.

[@plmfb]

Rogan Shannon this is AWESOME. I’m hearing, learning ASL, and I’ve totally not considered this! Embarrassed to say, but I’m grateful because exposing mistakes helps us learn. I’ve generally been far enough to not go OFF camera...but...DUH!...of COURSE horizontal is better! And yes, it does stay up better! 😃

[@deaflepuff-abby6430]

I totally agree with this! Though, the only time I like the small space signing is when I absolutely cannot see ( I am DeafBlind, I need small signing space) but I still prefer full screen as you get better understanding of message. Also, even try having solid colour shirt or at least not distracting background...

[@RoganShannon13]

That makes sense! I have a few DeafBlind friends, so I know how that works. Also why I pretty much only use plain shirts or shirts that are low on busyness in my videos.

[@deaflepuff-abby6430]

Another reason why I appreciate the shirt options! I can actually see and understand the videos! Some (okay, most) I cannot due to the fact of busyness of background/shirt. ... Time to do a DB Etiquette video - at some point... for me to do lol.

[@oddfellowfloyd]

Hi, Rogan! I am thankful you are so understanding of your mates who are Deafblind! Like Abby, I am deafblind too (I'm legally blind and severe-profound hearing loss), though I am slowing learning sign. I find it helpful when people are close to me, sign/fingerspell slower so my eyes and brain can process things better, and a smaller signing space can help too. May I ask what accommodations your mates find helpful? And, when I get up the courage to (find and) attend Deaf events, would others be put off that I sign slowly and/or ask for those few things that help me? I feel nervous about trying to communicate, because I become very self-conscious and shaky, though I really want to be able to, with all my heart. Many thanks and peace! ~Justin

[@wesleyjake1509]

Very true! I love the way you sign and express yourself I find it easier to understand and obviously having the video horizontal is a must for us asl students!!

[@monsterrr1999]

I'm from the UK! :) My one of biggest pet peeves is that a lot of people in my circle of friends were bad at spelling words and grammars. It's really bothering me for some reasons because they were just refused to improve their English skills and always talking about the same boring things all over again and again due to their limited vocabulary, so all they did was just gossiping about the people. I am not perfect, but I am determined to improve my english skills. They called me a nerd for reading a lot of books and even called me out for trying too hard to be a hearing person instead of deaf, like what the hell? :/

[@FireRupee]

Naima Yeah, wow. lol

[@aslmastertutor1670]

Agreed! I constantly tell my students to sit back, more, sit further back... and they can't stand being so far but must respect Deaf Space, period.

[@snappleandcats2209]

Could you possibly do a video on regional signs? Even after studying ASL for years now, these still trip me up. It's especially bothersome when people try to "correct" my signing when it's not wrong, but I learned a slightly different version. And sometimes I'll adopt the new sign only to run into someone else who says THAT is wrong XP.

[@RoganShannon13]

I actually do have a plan for that! I put out a request in several places for regional signs! I will be able to say where some signs are from, but some I don't know where they're from. It's a quite long list, and I know it's not even all of the ones that are out there (and that isn't even touching Canadian ASL). So I might make THAT a separate series with a few words each video. Yeah, I understand the annoyance that comes with that! That's why I always make sure, before correcting anyone, that it is actually wrong and not a regional sign. I know that's a problem some interpreting students have run into when attending RIT, with some professors telling them they're signing it wrong. Then the students have to clarify that it's the sign used in their home area.

[@wesleyjake1509]

Yes I have that same problem.. Just too many signs out there sometimes for the same damn word! But usually people are pretty patient with me since they know I'm trying to learn 😁

[@29silverstar]

Yesss, it annoyed me when I saw their post with vertical video. Thanks for your brought this up to share.

[@erinhendrickson341]

Dude, thank you for explaining your pet peeve. As a hearing person, I know jack sh** about ethics so the more I learn, the better. Bring it on.

[@coop6040]

ethics?? what

[@harrisonshin7093]

Hi Rogan! I recently became hard of hearing and started learning ASL at school this Fall. I found your channel while searching for content that I can watch to help improve my signing and learn more about Deaf culture. I've been making short videos of myself practicing and I must admit, I have been filming VERTICALLY. But after seeing this video, I see the error of my ways and will never do it again. Thank you so much for this video and everything you do with your channel!

[@RoganShannon13]

Yay! Haha that was the whole point of making this, to make people realize that horizontal is better! :P Thank you for watching!

[@elliotholland3450]

On phones, I just find it annoying to have to switch back and forth for watching, recording, typing, etc. But I agree it looks a ton better horizontal.

[@BonJournal]

Hmmmm............. That is certainly a good idea. I had never thought about turning the camera horizontally because most of the ones I've seen always post sideways, which is irritating too. Next time I make a video, I'll practice! : ) Thanks for the request/suggestion!!

[@vaivabichnevicius1889]

OMG THANK YOU!! WTF is that small visual field about. Freaking fracking soda cracking. Bothers me in non-signing videos too. If I need a magnifying class to see you, nevermind!! I appreciate your videos!!

[@shamansslave]

I was recently told to sign *table* and do a Y hand with the thumb on my forehead to test my recording space. As someone who is a beginning ASL learner, I agree. I don't like the vertical recordings either

[@RoganShannon13]

That's a good way to check framing! The top of the head isn't as important as the body, a lot of my videos have the top of my head cut off, including this one but it is good for beginner signers and people who have a hard time keeping their hands constrained within the frame.

[@laniebuggx33]

I am 100% guilty of this! my phone camera quality becomes shit when I do landscape and I'm still working on a new laptop, but it makes me crazy when I post videos in portrait mode! I do my best to make my signing clear inside the smaller space but it's really not functional. I'm pretty sure all of my youtube videos are portrait and I am hoping to record on a different device cause it's such a pet peeve!

[@cookiestout8985]

They probably do that vertically because they don't want you to see what the rest of their surroundings look like!

[@kennethmaese4622]

Lol, first time watching this channel and it’s a rant and rightly so. Subscribed.

[@letstrytobekind]

How someone so annoyed can manage to be so hysterically funny while expressing that annoyance is an indication of true talent. I was laughing out loud repeatedly. (Still chuckling)

[@RoganShannon13]

Thank you!

[@burntownsgetmoney2376]

Preach! I haven't seen it much on KZbin, but it's ridiculous on Facebook!

[@unleashedbylove1693]

I just wanted to write that I found your channel today and I'm so glad to have stumbled upon it! It was actually a suggestion from a suggestion from a suggestion on the homepage because I follow Ricky. Anyways, I'm so glad that you have similar interests and I can work on my ASL, learning more and new words, while enjoying what you post!! I also didn't know about this Facebook page you talked about, so thanks for that resource. Are there any other good ASL learning resources/online communities that you know of? After next semester, I won't have the opportunity to learn ASL in a school setting and I really don't want to lose what I've learned.

[@RoganShannon13]

That's great, I'm glad you found me! For ASL resources, I don't really know of any that's more advanced than basic learning and dictionaries, like LifePrint, HandSpeak, ASLPro, etc. On FB, obviously ASL That!, and I recently discovered ASL Flash. But it's not really learning/teaching. There is some of that, but more discussing aspects of ASL. If I think of anything else, I'll leave a comment again!

[@deafqueen2010]

I totally agree with you! Since you stated the reason I've thought back and made me realize you're right.

[@WarpedHalo79]

Sooooooooo.... been 5 years since this appeared on KZbin ☺️ Has the ASL-KZbinrs/ASL That-ers here your heartfelt plea since?

[@TheFrulie]

so true! Hate the vertical! (and facetime/VRS when someone is driving one-handed! *GASP*)

[@chuckytm]

I'm in a workshop right now and they are showing this video and im cracking up because nowadays the wider view doesn't fall in line with KZbin Shorts, Tiktok,IG stories etc. But im definitely understanding where the wider view is way more helpful because i hate that fcking blackbar dearly. Pet peeve as well. Great video

[@RoganShannon13]

Haha this video certainly hasn’t aged well! I do some vertical content now, but I still get annoyed when people don’t have a good framing and just cut off half of their signing.

[@mmartens3]

Yes. I agree. I’m learning asl and have been watching a lot of deaf content. I’m not a fan of watching asl on Tik Tok or you tube shorts because the signing space is limited and so the signer will modify the signs and its harder for me to follow.

[@rhondayutzy7612]

Can someone explain to me why I watch these videos with earbuds? I know I don't need to but when I take them out I'm afraid I will miss something.

[@RoganShannon13]

Heh, it's hard to break habits!

[@Ladyleigh86]

Thank you for posting this video. I have been watching a few different KZbin channels that sign to practise understanding ASL. The vertical video is annoying ! So is one handed signing when holding a camera in the other hand.

[@RoganShannon13]

It's way worse on Facebook! KZbin generally doesn't have a problem with the vertical videos, but Facebook, oh man!

[@Ladyleigh86]

Rogan Shannon I don't use Facebook much so I can't say I've noticed it there.

[@equus22]

I also am very irritated by people videoing with vertical format. Makes me crazy!

[@LanceMcWilliamsDeaf]

Hmm. If I lay down, on my side, while signing it should then make the video horizontal. I'll have to try that! :) (snicker) Good thoughts.

[@lyktahlyktah8528]

YES !!! I agree. Well shared thank you

[@lisiw]

Good thoughts. My two cents: would be nice if you offered solutions to the problem. I would bet that two main reasons people do it - it's easier to hold the phone in that position, or most phone covers come with vertical "stands." Solution: make sure to pay attention while buying a phone cover - does it stand vertical or horizontally? For the hand-held solution, buy an extender, if they're cheap emphasize that, "it's only $10 at walmart! Problem solved!" (no idea what the price range is, I'm making this up)

[@RoganShannon13]

+Elise Whitworth thank you for your suggestion. You're right, I could've, but the thing is--the situations that people find themselves in when they're filming is so varied, even a couple suggestions wouldn't be very helpful. In cars, walking around, in the office, at home, at the store, and on and on. I know it's impossible to always find a place to set the camera down, but filming horizontally gives you more space to sign even if you're holding the phone. Most phone stands can work both ways, they do seem like they go only one way but it's like picture frame stands, they can work on two sides. And selfie sticks are another pet peeve of mine :P

[@lisiw]

Lol. I don't own a selfie stick but I can imagine how useful it could be. Curious - why is that a pet peeve? My pet peeve is the overuse of boomerang. It causes motion sickness for me and some others I know. Not exactly related or true video. I also dislike videos that opens with "how you? Me good....weather report or something else personal & off point" then FINALLY half a minute later they start getting to the point.

[@RoganShannon13]

People look ridiculous using them, they can be a safety hazard (far too often has someone been hurt by someone who's completely oblivious), and frequently people don't know how to have it not show up in the picture or video. That, for me, kind of ruins the picture/video. It can be useful for sure, but people abuse it. So much that all Disney Parks have banned them! Oh gosh, Boomerang videos. Siiiiiiigh, if they're done right, they're pretty cool but I agree, it's way overused. 😂 that's actually on my list of future videos! It's so annoying, and a waste of time. If they do that, honestly, I stop watching the video. If it's only the "how you, me good" part, then eh okay I'll watch it. But anything further, bye! It's actually a bit worse in the international community, I'll explain in that video when I make it :P

[@lisiw]

Yes, some boomerangs are GREAT.... it's when people move too much between one image and another. Should make the movements closer.... hard to find the right words, I'm sure you know what I mean. "Flip book" style where you do one small movement at a time to create an animation. My dear (fellow techie) husband had a great tech solution idea: If camera OS has an option "HD in Vertical" that would help with the hand held issue..

[@RoganShannon13]

That! The whole looping forward and in reverse is what's usually the issue. Hmm, I'm pretty sure it can be HD, regardless of camera orientation. But I don't want anything that would encourage vertical videos.

[@jeffbeatty5966]

Indeed, Pet Peeves ~ If you want to setup right with video calling via VRS or P2P. Our first choice: Use "horizontal" setting, then use"Fist-Elbow" setup. It is time for our 2017 Do it right way! Many thanks to @illustratorblog Sam Dunn #AccessibilityLens

[@paramedium5478]

Thats true. I see alot moré people doing this. Especially one handed vídeo messages. Any advice before I start vídeo messaging on the move??

[@RoganShannon13]

Don't do it while driving! :P Usually, I try to find a table that's against the wall or has something on it to use to prop up the phone. Or a windowsill, that works too - usually great lighting too! But if all else fails, and you have to do it one-handed, the main thing is holding the phone far enough away from you so your signing can be seen clearly. Try to keep it as stable as possible. Hope that helps!

[@shelbyb6414]

Great video! I was just wondering, what is the sign you used for "pet peeve?" I've never seen that sign before.

[@RoganShannon13]

That's the ASL equivalent for pet peeve! It's often used as "annoyed" as in "I'm so annoyed with that person." It's hard to explain, I don't think it has a direct translation, and the closest would be pet peeve. But the meaning changes depending on context!

[@laniebuggx33]

hi! I use "sick and tired of" as my English translation for that sign!

[@RoganShannon13]

+Twenty Something and Spoonless that works!

[@markm691950]

I can understand the reason people do that with cellphone (it more easy to hold phone) but Why would you limit your sign space for something that you think is important to say to the world or your best friend? I use my cellphone to watch asl vlog when I go somewhere or with FaceTime or vp. It like watching someone sign through a straw when they do that,and I need a magnifying glass to see it on cellphone

[@artemismoon7065]

Do you have any recommendations on how I should go about learning ASL when it isn't offered as a class at my school? I've started watching your videos with subtitles to familiarize myself with the language but of course that won't be enough.

[@RoganShannon13]

Now, a lot of community colleges will offer basic ASL classes, so that can be a good start. Lifeprint.com is a great resource for learning the basic things. On the home page, there are links to First 100 Signs, ASL Lessons, and a lot of other things to get you started.

[@artemismoon7065]

Thank you!

[@breckonmoon9371]

I always will

[@burndogswing]

Yes I understand but some people don't have iPhones they have other kind of phones that don't adjust vertical to horizontal as easily as in iPhone so that's the problem

[@asl.learner]

good information but also funny...thanks for this ;-)

[@blueribbonash]

This could almost be made into a parody of a clown car scenario... Trying to cram so many signs (clowns) into such a tiny viewing space (clown car). Really doesn't make much sense. ASL is a 3-D language (I've heard it described as); gotta be free and limber! Thanks for the reminders and perspective.

[@RoganShannon13]

Ha, yes! ASL is _definitely_ a 3D language, it's part of why it's so difficult to represent accurately on paper.

[@hemademejj]

Is there a way the CC on your videos could be changed to be a bit easier to read? It's a bit tough to read white on gray background. Thank you!

[@MiguelPerez-ri2ng]

On a PC: Settings (The little gear on the bottom right on videos) -> Subtitles/CC -> Options... Then you can change CC size and colors. If you're on mobile, I've no idea.

[@RoganShannon13]

+hemademejj what Miguel said. I have no control how you see the captions, but you have full control over adjusting them to fit you best.

[@deafqueen2010]

Hi wondering what edit software and camera do you use for videos

[@RoganShannon13]

For software, I mostly use Final Cut Pro X for editing videos and Photoshop for any graphics. But iMovie works too. The camera I use varies. I have a Canon Powershot ELPH 330 HS, GoPro Hero 4 Black, and I often use my phone. My next video of my Alaska trip was pretty much all shot on my iPhone SE. And so far, all my ASL Ponderings videos have been taken on my phone.

[@malwan1419]

you said it!

[@louthe_coffee_addict7790]

Hey I have a question.. Do you think sign language is an art form?

[@RoganShannon13]

Let me flip this question back at you. Do you think English can be an art form? German? Norwegian? The answer is usually something like: it can be, but not always. I don't think it's an art form just by virtue of being languages that uses hands instead of sound.

[@louthe_coffee_addict7790]

Yes exactly I had the same thought.. I tried to convince my teacher but she said get proof and ask people. Thank you for answering!!

[@teamhooligans3387]

AMEN!

[@sleepyredhd]

Lots of blinddeaf people have complained about vertically videos. They prefer hortically (so?) videos.

[@sleepyredhd]

I mean sp?

[@Bowie5386]

horizontally :)

[@bobsmedsen8116]

Agree agree Agree!!! 😂

[@davidmacdonald9159]

oops! society did not listen. This has aged interestingly lol

[@rockandrolldude22]

Why are there no CC?

[@RoganShannon13]

Not a single one of my videos is made public without captions, so maybe yours are turned off? Or KZbin is being weird and not showing them. Refreshing the page usually does the trick, or play around with the settings some.

[@taraleigh3659]

Agreed!!

[@wandaburki948]

Lol... it’s so true. I bothers me too. Lol

[@charles.stewart4422]

Wow you are getting a little upset Rogan l do understand what you mean , l would call this a design problem that has been going on for years , what you need is a Bloody good HUG , l would Love to give you one , l live in Melbourne , Australia ....... where are you ???

[@harveyabel1354]

First world problems, as people say. And yeh, it's annoying!

[@JoyfulTwinkleToes]

So appreciate your sharing ...wise perspective!