New Signers At Deaf Events ┃ ASL Stew

So you are learning sign language and have to go to a Deaf event. Which one should you go to? Are there Deaf only events? Here are some tips to find events and what to do at them. Enjoy!
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[@22qartandmusic]

I am hard of hearing (severe, bilateral). I have signed up for my first semester of asl classes at the American School for the Deaf, and will be going to my first local Deaf Event on July 13th! Until the last couple years I never knew there was a deaf culture or community and felt alone for a long time! I am excited to attend my first event!

[@KenMarch]

I am hard-of-hearing and started learning ASL seven months ago. I went to my first deaf event which was at WILLIAM JESSUP UNIVERSITY where there was a deaf worship assembly. Afterwards, my church group and I hung out with a deaf couple in the cafeteria and "talked" for almost two hours in intense conversation. Since then we formed a social group and have our own social events every 1 or 2 months - having dinner potlucks and a fun game after dinner. I'm pushing myself to keep learning ASL so I can meet and talk with more deaf and HoH people.

[@LadyKnightEllen]

The 'silent dinners' in my area are super informal. They're at the mall food court so you can kind of sneak in and ease into the conversation if you're nervous. There were pretty equal parts deaf and hearing people there (family members/friends). I actually ran into a guy I know from church who I hadn't seen in a while because he goes to a Deaf Church in the area. Overall was a great experience, except for one of the guys there that was deaf, but had a CI and a hearing aid, was rambling on and on (talking and not signing at all) trying to convince this other girl to wear her hearing aids more often so she would 'be able to get a job' or something like that. I was on the other side of the table and when she looked up at me I just shrugged and signed 'everyone's different???' When the guy finally let it rest and left, I admit I had quite a laugh about it with her and her friends.

[@TheStews]

+MusicalMysteries Yes there are gonna be people who are not signers but of course you cannot force anyone to sign. Just keep signing yourself. That type of silent dinner sounds like a great way to join. A kind of come and go as you please way. Also yes it can be a great way to re-connect with people.

[@FlamingOL]

i wouldn't call it a silent dinner i am deaf and i go to alot of deaf events and it is pretty loud alot of people don't realised oviously because they can't hear too well

[@juliekiecker1075]

Another option, for signers who have completed at least ASL 2 or 3, is to volunteer at Deaf agencies. The school I am attending to become an ASL interpreter has started requiring volunteering as opposed to Deaf events. It is only 2 hours per class, but I decided to take it farther to help with more practice, getting more involved with the Deaf community and helping out doing something I really enjoy. I am starting next week at an Adult Basic Education program for the Deaf as a volunteer tutor. I am a bit nervous. I know I will be learning as much from the students as they will from me. We have many immigrants from East Africa, particularly Somalia, so not only are the students Deaf, but many are just learning English as well. As I said, I am nervous, but also excited. I love to help others, and I know they will offer much to me as well. I feel blessed for this opportunity. I volunteered in ABE with hearing students, so I won't be lost. I did a long training, so this new agency for the Deaf students are always saying "oh yes, you're the one with the certified training". Next week goes from having alot of time on my hands to a super busy schedule. But I will be fine. I like your videos. I got kind of lazy about studying ASL on my Christmas break, but I am ready to get back in. I am going to spend this weekend watching ASL videos and practicing fingerspelling online. My stomach is doing somersaults just thinking about all this! Keep up the videos. Jenna, you remind me of my sister.

[@TheStews]

+Julie Kiecker Thank you so much! Yes volunteering at Deaf agency or place is a great opportunity! Sounds like you are doing great things with your Deaf community. That's awesome! I hope all goes well. Yes, I'm sure you will learn a lot from working there. Good luck!

[@heartsongsKat]

This was super helpful. I got into signing a few months ago and just can't stop! I've since gone to my first Deaf event. It was super fun. They were all significantly older than I am, but every last one of them was super supportive and just really happy that I wanted to be involved in their community. I ran into one of them at the mall last week and she recognized me. She invited me to Deaf coffee this week. Her and her friends don't mind at all that I'm only about level 3 or so. She said she wants to get to know me better so I can be given a name sign. It feels like such a lovely, supportive place to be a part of. I have two Deaf events this week. I'm so excited!

[@TheStews]

Wow that is great! You will get great practice being around many native signers. Can't wait to hear what name sign you get. :)

[@heartsongsKat]

+ASL Stew I'll be sure to let you know!

[@L2b1serval]

Meetup is a good place to look. I've found several Deaf events in my area by just searching Meetup for ASL. It's also more likely to have info in the description such as what levels are welcome.

[@TheStews]

[Jenna] Good suggestion!

[@gabbybrock6706]

I've been to silent dinners, game nights, and trivia nights, and my favorite so far is definitely the silent dinner! I found that the game/trivia nights are filled with Deaf individuals looking to have fun with their friends and maybe not so much talk with people learning ASL. On the other hand, the dinners are filled with people looking to chat and meet new people. Totally true about older individuals being more patient with new signers! Also, anyone looking for an event in their area should check out ASL Meet Ups (www.meetup.com/topics/asl/). They have events everywhere (mostly US) and it's a great place to go whether you are Deaf, an experienced signer or brand new to ASL. Also @ASL STEW, you two are awesome. Not only are your videos are super honest and informative, you also take the time to reply back on SO MANY viewer comments! It shows how much you care. Keep up the great work!

[@JStew-wv8kh]

Great suggestion on the meetup website! Thank you for your kind words and we love to interact with all of our viewers. :)

[@daviddeharty2656]

This is a great topic about going or experience ASL Event or Deaf Event. I had no idea there were different levels of what you can and what you can't do a certain event. fascinating, different levels of signing in your area. when I started going to ASL Event I was shocked by the concept. it is a remembering that I will never forget and when I see people like that which I do go over and talk to them see how their experiences going.

[@TheStews]

+David DeHarty Yeah not all events have level requirements but some encourage it.

[@mackenzieanderson1580]

You guys are so good . I know American sign language. I like you guys are talk with your hands in asl l i am try to learn more

[@sushibu]

The group I belong to gets a lot of people who come after one week or before they even start and don't know any sign and they expect to have a lesson in the event when it's a silent event. We will of course bounce off questions about certain signs and everything because there are all types of people from interpreters, HOH, Deaf, and students but one student came up to me and actually wrote "Teach me all the sign language you know". And it's a little rude to make the people at the event become you're solid teacher since most people go because everyone lives kinda far and busy live so the event is the only time we can meet. A suggestion would be to make sure you know basic conversation. It's also very disrespectful when loads of students from one class, take all the seats at whatever restaurant, and sit and whisper to each other, leaving the signers to stand at their own event. I just beg of students to read any information and rules about the event before attending and try to follow them. Pen and paper or a note pad on your phone may become your BFF.

[@TheStews]

+sushibu Yes I would say that while you do tend to learn things by going and practicing, you need to be able to function on your own. If you are going to an event you should either have basic conversation skills or be ready to work (like with paper and the few signs you know). I would say that if you are not going to be involved (ie talking) then you should allow others to sit and interact. I hope that they learn soon. Thank you for your suggestion. It is a great one! 😄

[@ConcreteAngelx3]

I went to a deaf social and most people were really friendly and very helpful to sign slow and show me new signs... However, there were a few people that I could tell did not like me because I was hearing

[@JStew-wv8kh]

+ConcreteAngelx3 I'm glad you met some friendly people. I'm sorry you noticed some not so nice ones.. that can happen. Don't let that stop you though!

[@ConcreteAngelx3]

"skeptical of others motives" ?? I don't see any possible bad motives of going to a Deaf event. . the only reasons I can think of is to learn the language and/or make new friends.. at least that's my reasons for going

[@ConcreteAngelx3]

***** you're killing me will these over 50 line comments! lol

[@ConcreteAngelx3]

ok I read it lol.. thanks for that.. I definitely understand what you are saying now

[@ConcreteAngelx3]

***** thank you :-)

[@alliespeaks3561]

Thanks for mentioning ASL Clubs at colleges! I am having a hard time getting turnout for the club at my college (I'm the president for about a year now). I liked the mentioning of a deaf dinner type thing, but I've really only been to 2 of them. I would rather spend money for a Deaf Silent Weekend and get to stay up till 2am playing cards against humanity, watching men put make up on eachother, and make life long friendships - off phones and disconnected from the world. I come back from those events and am just like damn, I'm allowed to talk again, dang ASL is peaceful and easier somedays. I remember one of the weekend retreats ending 1 day before finals week (my first final being ASL 2) my friend grabbed my told me this weekend was studying enough. he was right. I ended up presenting a di'va (or deva I can't remember the correct acronym) deaf art project in sign even though we were allowed to use our voice. I am glad that I went to that retreat, and I'm glad my friend took my study guide from me. those are what I've found to be the best. I learn new signs each time and it's worth the time away from work, and the money! heck my club funds will give a 5% discount and has reimbursement for a club related event!

[@funnygrrl3463]

A local Deaf Association set up a "Deaf World". No voice allowed and we had to visit the "bank", "eye doctor" (finger spelling the eye chart!), "travel agent", etc. It was fascinating to be the hearing minority and try to navigate through this world using our beginner signing. Let us practice signing and helped us understand what deaf people deal with everyday.

[@TheStews]

+Funny Grrl That is an interesting thing to do. Yes you definitely get a different perspective. "Walking in another person shoes" so to speak.

[@jazlynbell8202]

I'm barely a beginner and will soon start ASL 2, going to an event will be fun for sure!

[@TheStews]

[Jill] That's great! Good luck on your first event!

[@ranadagivens5476]

My first deaf event was a game night at our local deaf center. All the people we're really nice and to patient. There was a girl who helped us out when needed but our teacher made sure to tell us at this event to turn our voices off. And if needed to be to just observe. I even took part in a game and they we're super patient when I didn't understand exactly what they we're saying and the teacher helped out.

[@TheStews]

[Jenna] I'm glad you had a great experience!

[@louietoro5360]

Great advice, thx.

[@jyrbo1634]

Since I moved away from home for college to bigger city, I've got many deaf friends. So I'm studying to become a sign language interpreter too. I haven't been on many events, but most of the timeI hang out with them and you know have some fun. There was this ''amazing race'' -themed competition at the deaf association in my city and I took a part of it. There was like 30 or more deaf people, and I was kind of scared of them. I was a new signer (and I still am) so it was reeeally new to me. There was also my hearing classmates taking a part in the competition, but we didn't talk because it would've been rude. But I had a lot of fun during the competition and got to know more deaf people which was wonderful of course. Also if I'm out with my classmates or deaf friends or whatever, we use sign language. In a bar for example it's pretty handy when you can't hear a thing haha :) I often use this app called ''imo'' to call my deaf friends. Once I called her in a public shopping center and people were looking at me like I was some weirdo or there was something wrong with me :D I know people are not exposed so much for sign language in here Finland, but I found their reactions quite funny! I do know ASL too, but it's not that handy in here Finland. Maybe someday in the future I want to move to America and start college there again and continue on this job, can't tell yet :)

[@TheStews]

+Jyri Oinonen Wow that competition sounds like fun. Yeah hanging out with Deaf people is just as good as events. Often students go to events because they don't hang out with Deaf people on a regular basis. Yes sign language can come in really handy in places (like the bar lol). Yeah I called Jenna on Skype while in Jordan and I got quite a few stares. It was funny (and many were from my American friends). Whatever you end up doing good luck on it where in America or in Finland!

[@jyrbo1634]

Thanks! In here Finland is just a little problem with being an interpreter. You may not get a job, because here's so many interpreters but not so many customers. But just a little part of interpreters are men so I may have good possibilities :D

[@itsaudrey7716]

great info thanks for posting!

[@TheStews]

+itsaudzzz 😄

[@mollytaylor8122]

My professor is okay with me counting your videos for some of my "Deaf events" for the quarter - which is great, because I get credit for watching interesting discussions and seeing an adorable baby!

[@TheStews]

Wow, that's great. We would still encourage you to go to actual events if possible. The interaction is key to learning! It will give you a chance to see culture in person and help with ASL skills too. 😊 Good luck in your class!

[@TheStews]

Oops missed the second part of your comment haha. Glad you are still going to events. 😀

[@mollytaylor8122]

@@TheStews Haha, thanks for the advice anyway! :D

[@harleyleeh3031]

I really enjoy your videos. I will be starting asl 3 in January and am still very nervous at deaf events.

[@TheStews]

+Jennifer Hobson Congrats on ASL 3 soon! Being nervous is normal so no worries. Just remember that you can do it and go for it!

[@pookiielover]

I live in Los Angeles and the top type of event our professors tell use to go to are coffee nights. That's where I started. I mostly attend KODAWest events since one of the founders was my professor and I keep close contact with her. The best advice I could give someone who's just learning is go with someone from your class. Start signing when you get to the event with your classmate as practice and go from there. We all have to start somewhere. It's going to be scary in the beginning- heck I still get scared 2 years later because I still need to work on bettering my signing but baby steps are the way to go.

[@TheStews]

+Sarin Mgr That is great advice! Yes being nervous is normal (I still do just because of social anxiety). Every little step is good.

[@thedavidbeach]

+Sarin Mgr Where can I find out about those coffee events? I am very, very new to ASL.. learning primarily via youtube. I would definitely be nervous about being there.. but.. I really want to try

[@pookiielover]

+theDavid Beach Ones in Los Angeles? Some I know of just from my class like I know theres one Friday a month a specific Starbucks has a coffee event(every second Friday Burbank Victory Starbucks), and another Ben & Jerry's is a specific Tuesday of every month(every first Tuesday Burbank Palm Ben & Jerry's). My school (CSUN) holds events sometimes (I go there as a Deaf Studies Major). Look up 'So Cal ASL Events' on Facebook as they post about different events.

[@thedavidbeach]

Thanks!!

[@doloresharlaque3111]

+Sarin Mgr I thought about going to the Burbank one but unfortunately that conflicts with my class schedule...which happens to be my ASL class ha ha ha. Anyways, I'm glad to see there is this type of channel since majority of the time it's always a video signing words and not a conversation for me to follow. I've been working on signing since the beginning of Jan. and hopefully I'll get into ASL 2 next month. Btw, continuously signing (literally 4x's a week learning something new) is turning my brain to mush by the end of 6-8 hrs; 4 hrs class and however long of studying. I'm sure if I didn't make random conversations with my teacher, who is deaf, telling stories about being trouble makers, I probably wouldn't be able to sign this well now.

[@ariespotatoe4729]

I am from Canada and small town from small province Canada haha. And so it's been tough haha. But I've been to two Deaf Poetry Slam nights with my little cousin (Sorry... Younger.) that were pretty rad! Always looking for more, though.

[@TheStews]

+Kaiden Lee That is great that you have been to some events. Maybe you can join our Facebook group ASL Practice Pals and see if you can find anyone else in your area or close by to chat with and exchange events information. Here is the link if you haven't already. facebook.com/groups/1740693782818921/profile_completion/

[@lizabethshelberg7268]

JellyBeans &Jill,I am not an interpreter.I know a little ASL.I'm very interested in learning more!Obviously I am hearing.I do know severa ASL interpreters that I have met on the job working at a hospital.I have found that different interpreters have different opinions about deaf culture.One lady I know who is a KODA and an interpreter told me that honestly deaf people get annoyed by hearing people including interpreters at deaf events.The reason is that they live in a hearing world.They love to spend time with other deaf people because they find camaraderie with those who live life in the same unique way that they do themselves.They don't want to be bothered with hearing people or trying to help them learn because this is their special time to connect with people who live life as they do.I see her point and this is understandable.Do you ever experience this?

[@jillgodfrey8445]

I will, maybe I can request a day out or meet someplace, anyway gonna GET ON IT !!!

[@TheStews]

+Jill godfrey Sounds like a plan.

[@jeanetteisrandom]

I'm curious- how do some of the mouth/facial movements you both do relate to signing? Sometimes it makes sense (angry expression when taking about rude people, confused expression when asking a question) but sometimes it seems like the facial expressions you make don't really relate to what you're signing? Just curious and I thought it might be an interesting video topic.

[@TheStews]

+jeanetteisrandom Facial expressions are part of ASL itself. It is a visual language so you tend to have more facial expressions. I'm not sure of the exact expressions you are talking about , but it can show emphasis, durations, etc. Maybe one day we can do a more information video on that subject. Thanks for the question. Hope that helps a bit.

[@YouTubeExplore777]

ASL Stew Didn't realize this was a year old. thought I was watching a new video. But I did have a question related to this topic. How can a deaf teacher understand the difference between lip moving and a person using voice on? Lip moving to form some of the word signed is important, correct? But if I was to move my lips to create the word as I sign with my voice off, my teacher, or deaf person may think I'm using voice on; not off. Is there a word in the Deaf world for that type of lip moving? Thanks in return. ❤

[@EndingSummerwithRalph]

I think I'm going to a Dingo game in St Augustine FL in July 2018 for my ASL I class.

[@TheStews]

That sounds like fun!

[@desireehaislett4341]

I namely go to restaurant deaf socials because they are the closest. Other kinds of Deaf events are typically too far for me to attend.

[@TheStews]

+Desiree Haislett I'm sorry to hear you don't have many close options for you. At least the restaurant socials mean good conversation and food at the same time. 😄

[@Shannonagainz1st]

I'm practically an infant signer, but I'm really looking forward to moving to an area (moving in a week, ahh!) with a Deaf Community. I've been researching and there's actually a Deaf church there. I'm excited about attending but support nervous to try to talk to anyone.

[@TheStews]

+Shannonagainz Done Wright How exciting! I'm sure everything will be ok. Just keep an open mind and you will learn so much. More than you ever thought. Have fun!

[@jillgodfrey8445]

have had more then my share of both good /bad experiences, it's been sooooo long, since, I went to any event, gosh, I need to find some time to get bck into socializing

[@TheStews]

+Jill godfrey Get with it girl lol! Socializing is good for singing skills and just to get out. I have to have a push sometimes too to get out and socialize.

[@anitavaughn1968]

I was going to learn more ASL before i try to attend a Deaf event

[@TheStews]

It's a good idea to have at least basic level of communication, but not always necessary. Good luck!

[@mireyamendoza526]

We went to Santa Cruz(at the boardwalk) and it just so happened that they were having an event there. And there were people signing music and just signing in general. Anyways I wasn't sure what to do- I think some of it was my social anxiety- but I wasn't sure what to say or how to approach people. Like how does on ho about that sort of situation? Sorry this was rather long, love your videos by the way

[@TheStews]

+winnie the pooh Thanks. If you are nervous, I would say bring a friend if possible. About approaching people, just find someone that looks nice and say hello. Don't have to have huge conversation, just say Hello and your name and ask their name or something. Or if you happen to understand what they are talking about you can just into the conversation. Or ask a question and that is a way to get to talking to someone. Good luck!

[@daviddeharty2656]

What is your advice if you host or help out at Deaf Event? Why is it important to know the local deaf community such as the members that live in the town? one last question Why are deaf individual really welcome come their house only knowing them for brief time?

[@JStew-wv8kh]

+David DeHarty if you want to host or help out deaf events, then make sure you meet with Deaf people and see what you can do to help them. Contact local Deaf organizations or clubs and volunteer. It's important to meet your local Deaf community because that is the best place for you to socialize and learn ASL faster. It is Deaf culture to be hospitable to others, especially to those who signs because it's their chance to socialize in native language.

[@daviddeharty2656]

Thank you

[@dr.eviloverlord3603]

What about etiquette or rather unspoken/unwritten rules at the deaf events? I took ASL 1 last semester at college and still learning. I went to deaf night out once before and I didn't do much beside drinking coffee at Starbucks trying to eavesdropping someone's conversation in ASL. Whenever I try to start a conversation with someone who is deaf, I get that feel that I'm bothering that guy. Any tips?

[@TheStews]

+Dr. EvilOverlord Well that can seem like bothering if you don't know someone no matter the language, but don't worry. If the event is for the public to come and chat then it is expected that people will talk to each other. Just be friendly and say Hello my name is.... and then ask theirs. Make small talk. If it doesn't work then move to the next person haha. Just keep trying! Good luck! We can try to make a video about unspoken rules/etiquette if we can think of any haha.

[@wildirishrose33]

Deafcoffee.com is a good place to go if you're looking for a deaf event.

[@TheStews]

+Tara Gibson Cool, thanks for letting everyone know that. :)

[@wildirishrose33]

+ASL Stew No problem!

[@laurenwalls8542]

hey i need someone to practice with! im attending gallaudet in the fall :)

[@TheStews]

+Lauren Walls If you haven't already, check out our Facebook ASL Practice Pals Group. Great way to meet people to practice with. facebook.com/groups/1740693782818921/

[@tashaann7386]

What was the sign you kept doing close to your heart, and had the handshake you use in favorite/prefer?

[@TheStews]

+Tasha Ann Sorry I'm not sure which one you mean.

[@tashaann7386]

+ASL Stew Jill did it a lot around 1:43

[@TheStews]

+Tasha Ann I think you mean "typically".

[@jillgodfrey8445]

😅😅😅

[@CarolASL]

I had silent lunch in my school with a bunch of deaf kids (Im part of an ASL club) The thing was....I was kinda the only hearing person signing...so yah! Im a beginner and currently teaching myself ASL. It would mean the world to me if you check out my vids and give me some feedbacks for improvements in my signing! Love Carol

[@CarolASL]

Since my area doesnt hav deaf events, I sign with my subs on skype! Like u mentioned! Btw, love ur vids! :)))

[@TheStews]

+Carol ASL Yes sometimes I am the only hearing person in my group too (often actually). Just keep working at it and you will do great (I'm sure you are already lol). Skype is great to use! THANKS! 😄

[@TSRT1976CANADA]

Hi ASL Stew, I have a question for you, What is the best place to learn ASL On line for beginners ???????? What would you recommend???? Your help would be appreciate?????? I did find 1 or 2, but I am having a bit of difficulty learning ASL.

[@TheStews]

+Julie Raceme Lifeprint.com is a great resource.

[@leonjones1113]

What is the name of the green back appt.

[@TheStews]

[Jill] Sorry, what do you mean?

[@jillgodfrey8445]

have alot of deaf friends, unfortunately, we only seem to communicate on Facebook

[@TheStews]

+Jill godfrey Maybe you could try to set up things like the app Glide and video chat that way and eventually set up a group chat.

[@shaantihsukhai9261]

I started learning asl a while ago , to practice and get more involved I decided to volunteer at a dead retirement home. I am really nervous about feeling lost or not being fluent enough , can I have advice on this topic please ? Is this even a good idea ? What can I do

[@TheStews]

+shaantih sukhai Sure that would be a great idea. Working at the retirement home is great practice and you are doing a good thing at the same time. Just try your best and be open to learning from the residents. Just go for it! Good luck 😄

[@martialartsnerd7673]

Sister, home, and tomorrow look the same.

[@JStew-wv8kh]

+AL E do you mean signs for those words?

[@martialartsnerd7673]

Sign laungauge. Sister, home, tomorrow your touching your face in all of them.

[@martialartsnerd7673]

This is a irreavant question, but if a gay couple gets married, how do you determine who takes the last name. Just wondering.

[@JStew-wv8kh]

AL E Yes, all three signs do touch face but still are different in movement and handshape. Jill and I made the decision together for her to take my last name. It's our personal decision. All couples have their own reason for whether they take last name or keep their own.

[@martialartsnerd7673]

+J. Stew Thanks :)

[@houseofmendoza5442]

Asl stew um I'm new signer instrested in working in a deaf school when I'm older are you sure if I went to even i wouldn't get a few stair lol I'm nervous

[@TheStews]

+kadeem mendoza Yes it is nerve-wracking at first, but you will be fine after some time. I worked at a Deaf school and I feel it was very helpful in boosting my confidence and just great practice.

[@houseofmendoza5442]

+ASL Stew thanks for responding

[@skevi1875]

Is sign language international? I mean are there different signs in Greek, English, French? Or is it one universal system?

[@TheStews]

+skevi socratous Take a look at our video on this topic. kzbin.info/www/bejne/omXIlH6OdtBlqdk