ASL (American Sign Language) for diver communication

[TexasMike]

My divemaster instructors utilize a lot of sign language based on ASL to communicate with the other instructors and DM's. And it's something that I'd like to learn so that not only can I communicate better with a buddy but can also understand the instructors desires.

Can you folks recommend some resources (print, video, online, etc) where one can learn the basics of ASL?

Thanks in advance!


((and yes, I do have a fast connection so, unlike the commercial, I won't tell the little boy I baked his cat for him))

 

[dulrich]

Hi TexasMike,

I just did a web search using the key ASL and found a wealth of information including "The Animated American Sign Language Dictionary", among others. There seems to be enough there to keep you busy, but if not check out your local library. They should have some reference books on ASL.

Also, you might want to keep in mind that there is a closely related sign language called "SEE", which stands for Signing Exact English. The SEE vocabulary has more words and the syntax is English, as you can probably guess from the name. ASL syntax is completely different from English, but if you aren't using complete sentences it may not matter.

My wife and I both sign and so when we dive together communication is normal. It really helps keep the task loading down.

David

 

[Dee]

Walter knows ASL and I'm sure he'll give us some pointers during Wreckmania. I'd also like to learn more about ASL other than the few descriptive words I know.


dulrich...Welcome to Scuba Board!

 

[CuriousMe]

I sign, but no one I dive with does....talk about frustration!

I try and teach them a few signs each week...usually the ones I wish they knew the week before when we dove.

 

[dulrich]

Thanks for the welcome Dee!

David

 

[Walter]

I doubt it is possible to learn ASL from a book. You can learn some signs and improve your u/w communications, but you won't pick up ASL. I suggest taking a class from an expert. You can usually find them free or for a small fee in most adult education programs in local schools.

SEE is not a "sign language." It is a method of signing the spoken language English. ASL is a totally different language. It is much more natural than SEE. Compare "I" in ASL to "I" in SEE. To indicate yourself in ASL you merely point your index finger at your chest - very natural sign. You will be understood regardless if the person knows any ASL or not. With SEE you hold up a fist with the little finger extended. The hand is oriented so the back of the hand is toward yourself. You then bring the back of your hand to your chest. I found ASL much easier to learn. I really don't see much use for SEE. English is my native language, but it is cluttered with lots of junk we could do without. ASL is more logical and certainly a much more beautiful language than the result of converting English to sign. Another problem I have with SEE is its genesis. It was developed by hearing people because they were not comfortable with deaf people using ASL which they considered to be "bad English." ASL is not "bad English" it is not English at all. SEE was an attempt to fix gramatical errors that do not exist.

A member of my dive club developed a handout to assist divers in communication. I believe it is on the club website at http://www.diveclub.org

__________________
DSSW,
WWW™

 

[scuba_adventurer]

Just get an Aga with a Buddyphone

 

[Walter]

Learning a language is not garbage.

 

[scuba_adventurer]

It was only a joke man.

Have a little less coffee tomorrow.

 

[Texas Tek-diver]

Hi ya TexasMike,

I believe there is an instructor at your LDS that teaches sign and I'm sure he'd be more than glad to help you if you ask him.

Regardless of what some people might think...since your instructors are using sign, it would be most beneficial to you as a DM (candidate) to get on the same playing field with the instructors.

Good move in trying at stay ahead of the game.