I wrote this piece to share the importance of learning new languages and cultures. Learning a new language has opened up so many new windows for me in my life and can do the same for your child too! Hope you enjoy! Last week, I stumbled across a video by a teenage girl who has taken American Sign Language (ASL) for three years. I watched as she told her story of how she encountered a deaf man as she was hosting at a restaurant. She recalled how she went up to the man and started signing to him, to help him take his order, and his reaction inspired her. When the deaf man saw her sign, he was overtaken with joy. That moment taught her about the importance of learning new languages and engaging in different cultures. I felt a connection to this girl and her story because I too have taken sign language for the past three years and have had similar encounters to the one she had with the deaf man. My impetus to take sign language stemmed from my experience working with a non-verbal student in middle school. I was assigned to work with him and teach him math. In order to help me communicate with him, one of the teachers taught me words that I could sign to him. These were simple words like “help” and “bathroom.” I was so amazed that something so simple could help people from completely different walks of life communicate as equals. I knew I had to continue learning. When I got to high school, one of my elective options was ASL. I was ecstatic because I had found a way to pursue this language that had become a new passion for me. On my first day of school, I was surprised to discover that my teacher was deaf. She was the first deaf person I had ever met. She had to use an interpreter for the first couple classes, which inspired my classmates and me to learn fast so we could start communicating with her individually. After the first couple weeks, I realized that ASL was the best course for me to take because I am a visual learner who loves studying languages - it was a perfect fit! Three years later, I can say I am almost fluent in sign language. Over the years, I have had many encounters with deaf people and have shared my love for ASL with the deaf community. I discovered how valuable it is to learn a new language and expose myself to different cultures because doing so gave me the opportunity to communicate with new people and really make an impact on their lives. This year I am teaching an ASL class, and I am currently creating a website to help beginners learn ASL. I’m grateful to be able to have the opportunity to share with others how they can take simple steps to help them relate to individuals around them and learn from other cultures. As impactful as learning a new language has been on my life, it is even more impactful to other’s lives. The deaf community is a minority in society. More people choose to learn spoken languages instead of visual ones, which makes it difficult for deaf people to communicate in everyday situations. Therefore, the deaf man in the video was ecstatic to see that a hearing girl took the time to learn his language and help him feel more included in society. It may be difficult for some to find the time to learn a new language, but even just learning a few words can really make a difference. I have found a new, visual voice from learning sign language and I am excited to continue learning and teaching others how to find theirs. Taking the time to learn just a few words is one way you can help others feel supported, noticed, and safe in your community, so it’s worth giving it a try! Whether you choose Spanish, sign language, or any other language you’ve noticed in your community, you might be surprised what connections you’re able to make when you show an eagerness to communicate. Now, free apps for your phone, free YouTube channels, and online tutorials make it easy to learn the basics of any language - I suggest you give it a try and learn to say just one new thing!
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