Lesson: "Indigenous Signs for Countries"
Preparation: Explain (and clarify with written English on the
overhead as needed) that there are two sets of signs:
1. Legacy signs for countries: Older, "traditional" American Sign
Language signs for countries.
2. Indigenous signs: Signs adopted or "borrowed" from the other
country's own signed language.
Examples of borrowed signs: ITALY, MEXICO, CHINA, JAPAN
Note:
ASL has not adopted new signs for every country. Traditional ASL
signs are still used for quite a few countries and places. Examples:
ENGLAND, BRITAIN, IRELAND
Note:
Users of "International Sign Language" have a sign for ENGLAND based
on the chin strap of the head gear worn by the royal castle guards
but this sign isn't the indigenous sign for ENGLAND.
Note: Early vs Late Adopters
As with new technology, new signs have both early adopters and late
adopters. Some ASL signers are quick to begin using a new sign.
Other signers prefer to stick with the older versions of signs.
Which version is right? Which version should you learn? There are
two answers to that question:
1. If you want a good grade, learn the version your current teacher
uses.
2. If you want to understand the signing of a wide range of Deaf
people then learn all of the versions of a sign.
Activity: Students work in groups of four.
Sentence: BEFORE YOU TRAVEL WHERE?
Sentence: FUTURE YOU WANT TRAVEL WHERE?
Vocabulary: FINISH-TOUCH? = "Have you been there?"
Vocabulary: (Demonstrate signs for various countries).
Definition:
Indigenous: Having originated in and being produced, growing,
living, or occurring naturally in a particular region or
environment. (Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indigenous)