Signing Savvy, Your Sign Language Resource

Where I live in Michigan, our Governor has declared all K-12 schools to close from March 16 to April 5. This causes all types of stresses for parents – work, childcare, meals, and financial stresses. Not to mention, feeling fully unprepared for making sure your child doesn’t academically fall behind during this extended time away from school...

We know people are nervous as they navigate how to prepare and stay safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. Schools all over the country that have traditionally been taught in a classroom setting are now being challenged to teach their material online with very little time to prepare...

We get this question all the time, "How do you sign _____?" It is easily the most common question anyone asks. However, it can be a tough question to answer because there isn’t a direct translation for every English word. Figuring out the meaning and context of what someone is trying to communicate is the key to picking the right sign (or signs) to use. So if you provide context when asking the question "How do you sign…" you are much more likely to get an accurate answer. Remember, when in doubt, you should fingerspell the word. 

This Interpreter Q & A ask: If the Deaf client isn’t paying attention, should the interpreter keep signing as normal? This article is part of our "Dear BC, Interpreter Q & A” series, which answers questions on interpreting and Deaf culture from multiple perspectives.

This article is part of our “Signs That Are Close... But Not the Same” series, which highlights signs that look similar, but have different meanings. The signs discussed in this article include (1) THILLED vs. EXCITED, (2) PRINT vs. NEWSPAPER, (3) SOLD vs. SELLING, (4) SIGNATURE vs. CONTRACT, and (5) GOVERNMENT vs. FEDERAL.

As a professional interpreter, it is wise to consider your reputation in the community in which you work. Your reputation is formed on a number of important factors. Are you prepared? Are you dressed appropriately? Are you ready to represent the client and profession to the best of your ability? Are you engaged and give back to the community?

Andrew Foster was the first African-American to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Gallaudet University. He ultimately set up 32 schools for the deaf in Africa. Because of this, he is known as the “Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet” of Africa and the “Father of Deaf Education in Africa.”

This article is part of our “Signs That Are Close... But Not the Same” series, which highlights signs that look similar, but have different meanings. The signs discussed in this article include (1) SEVERAL vs. FEW, (2) USE vs. GET USED TO, (3) LONG AGO vs. USED TO, (4) INTRODUCE vs. INVITE, and (5) PROBLEM vs. DIFFICULT.

Robert Panera was a Pioneer of Deaf Studies, Author, Historian, Poet, and Teacher. Read the article to learn more about the life and accomplishments of this amazing Deaf person.