<p>Hi! So I have a question in regards to foreign language classes and how colleges view them. I chose to take American Sign Language for 3 years instead of something most people would consider "harder" like spanish or french. ASL has its own rules and structure, but very few people know this due to the stereotype surrounding deaf culture and their "simple hand movements". Do colleges pay attention to which foreign language you take? Or just that you have taken one? And if it's the latter, do you think taking sign language is considered a lighter load than another?</p>
<p>I don’t think the language matters much unless you’re applying for a language program or to a language school. Like if you’re applying to Gallaudet, obviously, taking ASL would be a plus.</p>
<p>Personally, I think ASL is pretty difficult to learn. I’m rather good at languages and find them easy (I’ve taken Latin and French, always done well on National tests). I took classes when I was little, but most of it that I know now, I know from watching my aunt and cousin, who are deaf, as is my mother, but only my cousin primarily communicates in ASL, as she has been deaf since too young an age to know English, or just looking up words. So I guess I can’t comment on the facility of learning ASL in formal classes. But it’s obvious to me, when I compare my awkward signs with my aunt’s and definitely with my cousin’s, as she has now surpassed her mother, that ASL is made up of anything but “simple hand movements.”</p>
<p>Cool, I’m definitely hoping that’s the case. And I’m not applying to any language programs, just possibly minoring in it.</p>
<p>And yay! I just love ASL and how different it is. It’s so sad how for awhile educators(hearing of course) taught the oral only approach to deaf students and repressed the use of sign language. The fact that it was almost lost makes it so much more beautiful and precious. Thanks for your input. (:</p>