Misty Grable

My ASL Philosophy

ASL is capable of conveying subtle, complex, and abstract ideas. Signers can discuss philosophy, literature, politics, education, and sports.

Sign language can express poetry as poignantly as can any spoken language and can communicate humor, wit, and satire just as bitingly. As in other languages, new vocabulary items are constantly being introduced by the community in response to cultural and technological change.

The student learning American Sign Language is learning a new language complete with vocabulary, grammatical rules and structures, and idioms. The ASL interpreting program student also develops an understanding of Deaf culture, history, and philosophies. The interpreter's role is to facilitate communication between an English speaking person and an ASL user.