Event

An Introduction to American Sign Language

Saturday, September 27th, 2008, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Speaker: Carlos Budding

This workshop is primarily intended for those individuals who have a desire to learn some basic information regarding American Sign Language (ASL). The workshop will have 2 foci: first to understand a little of the history/theory of ASL, and second to learn some basic signs.

In the first part of the presentation, participants will be exposed to some of the basic linguistic theories that apply to American Sign Language (ASL). Ideas of what makes a sign, and what linguistic rules govern how a sign is made will be presented. Participants will also learn a brief history of how ASL came about in The United States and what challenges ASL is facing in a time of globalization.

During the second part of the presentation, participants will be exposed to a typical sign class, that is, a class taught completely in silence and using only ASL, gestures, and some writing. Students will be taught the manual alphabet, numbers, and some signs intended for basic communication.

Carlos Budding began learning ASL at the age of 16. Prior to becoming a teacher, he was a Sign Language Interpreter working primarily in the educational setting for almost 10 years. Carlos earned two Master's Degrees, one in Linguistics from Gallaudet University, and the other in Education from George Mason University. As a teacher, he taught ESOL to deaf and hearing students in the US, and he was also an adjunct instructor at George Mason University teaching assessment for language teachers. Currently, he is a lecturer working at Akita International University where, aside from teaching English to highly motivated and intelligent students, he also co-teaches in a club teaching both ASL and Japanese Sign Language (JSL).

Organization: Akita Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching (Akita JALT)

Cost: JALT Members: free
Non-members: 1,000 yen for one-day members

Venue: Room B103 at AIU (Akita International University)

Location: Akita City, Akita Prefecture, Japan

Contact Akita JALT

Suzuki Takeshi

Work phone: 0184-22-1562