A real hands-on learning experience

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Learning about a new culture can be done very quietly or, in some cases, with no sound at all.

American Sign Language, the fourth most spoken language in the United States, is part of the deaf culture and can be shared with the hearing world through sign language courses.

As part of Deaf Awareness Week, a sign language demonstration class took place outside Park Library Thursday from 12:30 to 2 p.m. ASL 101: American Sign Language Level I and Deaf Culture took place outside so students could see what a sign language class is like.

“You teach in situation, you teach what is going on. The students learn so fast and don’t even realize how much they know,” said Kevin Cramer, American Sign Language instructor.

This is Cramer’s first semester teaching ASL at CMU. He has been a sign language translator for 18 years, with eight years spent at CMU. He said the benefits of knowing the language can be felt at many levels.

“Whatever career you’re in you will run into deaf people so you will have the opportunity to use it,” he said.

CMU now offers ASL courses at different levels, ASL 100: Introduction to the Deaf Community; ASL 101; ASL 102: American Sign Language II; ASL 201: American Sign Language III; and ASL 202: American Sign Language IV. The courses were piloted last semester.

Cramer said classes are capped at 20 students. There are four ASL instructors on campus, and three teaching courses will take place next semester.

Although ASL 101 is a level 1 course, it is taught with no voice, which can be intimidating but effective, Cramer said.

“It may seem scary at first, but it works really well,” he said.

The demonstration class used a lot of student participation. The only sounds were occasional laughs as the conversations and lessons went on with the use of sign language. Students demonstrated things like hair types and facial hair styles.

Students enjoy the teaching style and the class.

“I took it as part of the honors foreign language requirement and I love it. It is a different learning environment and it’s great,” said Elizabeth Franas, Dearborn junior.

Susan Naeve-Velguth, communications disorders instructor and organizer of Deaf Awareness Week, also was a reason for some students taking the course.

“My friend Vanessa Rennels told me to take it with Dr. Susan. I love it. She’s a great teacher,” said Lauren Nowak, Ida sophomore.

Observers of the demonstration also understood the benefits.

“It enables you to be able to interact with more people in different places. The deaf culture is different from other cultures and it’s neat to be around,” said Bret Crandell, Saint Johns graduate student.

Cramer said students can gain a lot from the culture and the language.

“Learning any other culture helps people become more accepting of other cultures. It’s also a lot of fun,” he said.