Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Challenging signers
So, I've noticed that as I have conversations with Deaf individuals and just ASL users in general, that I have a really hard time receptively understanding male signers. They are much harder for me to understand and read than a female signer. I'm not quite sure why this is, but I was wondering if you all would like to share what kind of signers are hard for you to understand??
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I also find trouble understanding males. I'm not sure if it's something that is common amongst males in general, but it seems to be a fairly consistent observation that I make. I also find kids difficult at times - they're signs are often not really clear, especially if they're excited, so it can be difficult sometimes to pin-point exactly what they're trying to say. Those two groups are definitely groups that I need to work with more so that I can become more comfortable.
ReplyDelete-Kristi Hamm
I think that males are harder to understand than females, and I agree with Kristi that sometimes it their point isn't clear, which I think is very interesting considering females are generally known for their long conversations without one clear point and males tend to say the point and they are done after that. I really need to try to work on becoming more comfortable with the male signing style. I also have a hard time with subject matters that I don't understand, which is normal, but when we are talking about something I don't understand and I can't visualize in my head, then I am definitely in too deep.
ReplyDeleteI agree too. I have always had more trouble understanding males, especially when I'm not familiar with them. I'm not sure if this comes from the differences in how men and women think, interact with each other, and communicate but I definitely agree. Maybe linguistics could provide some insight into this question.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's not so much about gender as it is age. I have a very difficult time understanding signers who are much younger or much older than me. This probably has a lot to do with the fact that tend to I socialize mostly with those who are closer to my age.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with Tia on this one. I don't have nearly as much difficulty understanding signers who are close in age with me - male or female. And, as embarrassing as it is to admit, I have a lot more trouble understanding Deaf signers in casual conversation than I do say on a blog on youtube or on a presentation/lecture type situation.
ReplyDeleteI understand how you guys feel. Male signers don't seem to be as expressive as females. This is probably because they are basically less emotional than females. I never thought about the age problem, I need more comparison for this. I think as far as deaf signers are concerned, knowing more about their character may help in understanding their signing better.
ReplyDeleteI have trouble understanding males too. I don't know if its because I am naturally intimidated, and feel more at ease with females in general or what, but I do find that I understand female signers more easily.
ReplyDeleteI think it might be that I connect to female signers easier, like I am on the same wave-length as the females signers that I converse with and not so much as the male signers? I don't know really, I'm just speculating.
I am going to have to agree with Tia and Sarah for this one. I think that age plays a huge role in how well I receptively understand men or women. I think it's great that everyone is so willing to openly share their struggles with reception.
ReplyDeletei tend to have trouble understanding those who are not close to my age and signers who are less expressive.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is hard for me to understand as well. I think it is easier to sign with women, because their fingers are smaller and move easier sometimes. I don't have a problem with watching them sign, but when it comes to fingerspelling, thats where it gets me!
ReplyDeleteyeah, I'm pretty sure it just depends on the day and the signer, in general. This response will probably only make sense for the ITP, so I apologize but go with me here, I remember having NO CLUE what Garland was saying, but I can understand Danny just fine, and I, so far, have a small clue as to what Jehanne is saying, but Angela, obviously, is clear as day. I think it has to do with the setting more so than anything. I think the different environments make people sign in a different way. When Angela is making these videos, they are informative so her signing is much clearer, but I'm sure when she's just out chatting with friends, it's not nearly as clear. So, while I do agree that men are harder to understand and their point isn't always clear, I think that's natural for all men, not just the Deaf ones! (smile)
ReplyDeleteI agree. I have had both male and female ASL instructors and I prefer a female ASL teacher over the males. I think that females take their time signing and if it is obvious that the listener doesn't understand, they typically go back and rephrase or sign something slightly different to make it more understandable. Also, signing with my peers is a lot easier and less daunting than trying to go to a Deaf adult and sign with them. I am constantly worried that I am not signing something correctly or I lose my train of thought more frequently with Deaf adults. I guess people in general are just more comfortable talking with people their age and who have similar interest. Possibly people who are the same gender as them. Who knows.
ReplyDeleteI have signers that I have a harder time understanding that others, too. And most of the challenging ones are male. I think part of that may be because women use more expression and large movements than men. At least, I think that's why it is easier for me to understand women.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting topic. I don't think I've ever considered the gender of a native ASL user when trying to determine why I have trouble receptively. I would agree with most that age plays a big factor as well as exposure to that individual. After looking back on work we have done and just socializing with the deaf community in general, I would have to agree that I tend to understand women more clearly and more frequently than I do men. Very interesting topic, Chelsea!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteChels I completely agree with you. Legit I think its part of their signing mannerisms that make the difference. I remember when I first started going to a deaf ministry at a church in Bowling Green, Ky that I met Lenny West. You know Sherry West husband. Anyway, he is a beautiful signer and although at that time I knew little to no sign language at all I could at least pick up words from the women even the old women but Lenny, He was signing greek. Part of that reason is I find that men are a little bit choppier than women and I also find that men put the words on their mouths a lot less. Now the last part could be wrong and Im willing to accept that but I will say this for sure... its in the testosterone for sure.
ReplyDeleteI haven't noticed a difference in understanding male versus female signers. Is it because I'm male? I've spent approximately equal time with male and female Deaf people and signers - maybe that helps. Or maybe having difficulty understanding male signers relates to the difficulty that some women seem to have in understanding men in general... Ok - maybe that's not true for you but I've heard many, many conversations of women talking about how men are difficult to understand. It seems possible that it might be related in part to empathy - it's likely easier for a woman to empathize with another woman than to empathize with a man. And empathy helps understanding.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a fascinating topic, Chelsea!
I have difficulty understanding left handed signers. I'm not sure why but as I watch them I get more use to seeing the signs differently.
ReplyDelete