American Sign Language (ASL) and The 3rd World

IS A SIGN LANGUAGE A LINGUISTIC GENOCIDE?

I was just thinking about developing countries` sign languages, do they have their own country`s sign language? For example, in Africa, Malaysia, Singapore etc, Deaf people are using ASL, why did they just use ASL, not their own country`s sign language? I surely understand the teachers who are from USA and using ASL to teach and they will surely help Deaf in the developing countries which is fine and beautiful BUT, very importantly THINK!! Why ASL teachers do not think about the country`s own sign language and respect that? Or what? I don`t know why. Does ASL have a power in the Deaf World? NO, WE DON`T WANT THAT! International Sign is missing now which is sad.

So I am interested to investigate more about that!

Are ASL a part of genocide against the 3rd world`s sign languages?

Deaf in developing countries

We all know that they have a hard life there. Surely they could learn English language but no ASL sign language can control their own home country`s sign language! English language makes them to improve their contacts with other countries from all over the world. But why use ASL? What does ASL benefit ALL Deaf people in developing countries?

What you think? Let me know about you`r thinks via comments, please!

Ciao!

Hellou!

Dodih, now I`m here in my room and I`ll write something on my blog.
Ouih! Today is 21.9 already, almost the third week I have been here in Denmark. I had learned something more news about Deaf Culture, Politics, Leaderships etc. again. Yesterday we spoke about WFD and there may be a chance for us to watch WFD`s Board meeting where will take place in Helsinki next week, I am very excited and interesting to see how and what kind of the meeting will be ;) .



What I did last weekend? Yeah, I went to Göteborg with friends. Göteborg is in south-west of Sweden.
What is in there? There is a Dövas Dag, it means Deaf`s Day. Arts, films, theatres etc. were shown during that weekend. At evenings, of course partying!! After Göteborg we went to Lund for few hours before we returned to Denmark. We visited in Lund`s Deaf School, the school was really fantasic and beautiful! Really an old building, 132 years old :), Thinking that a 132 years old school in Lund, a small city!

















We, all Frontrunners team are going to Finland next week on Monday!
My home country! Home Sweet Home, heheh! Smile, I am happy to visit you all, my family and friends again! What will we do there? We are going to International Conference of the WFD "Our Rights- Our Future" and for 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Finnish Association of the Deaf.
And maybe we will visit WFD`s meetings, I hope!! I want to explain about the 100th FAD, here is a short information about my Finnish Association of the Deaf. The Finnish Association of the Deaf (FAD) is the central Deaf organisation in Finland. It was born out of the needs and desires of Deaf people and their families to work together for the welfare of all people in a similar situation. Founded in 1905, FAD has a long tradition of advocating on behalf of Deaf people. During its history, it has worked to ensure full human, linguistic and social rights for Deaf people and an environment in which they can be proud of their heritage, language, history and culture. FAD will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2005 with many events at the local, regional, national and international levels.

Yep we are in Finland 26.9-2.10.2005
We will be back in Denmark on 2.10 and follow us again www.frontblog.dk
Have a good week!

Several books about the Deaf Culture

Understanding Deaf Culture
In Search of Deafhood
by Paddy Ladd

A Journey into the Deaf-World
by Harlan Lane, Robert Hoffmeister, Ben Bahan

Deaf in America
Voices from a culture
by Carol Padden and Tom Humphries

The Mask of Benevolence
Disabling the Deaf Community
by Harlan Lane

Constructing Deafness
by Susan Grefory and Gillian M.Hartley

Deaf and Disabled or Deafness Disabled?
by Mairian Corker

Forestbook shop- books about Deaf, Sign language, culture and community
http://www.forestbooks.com/system/index.html

HEY YOU ALL!
IF YOU KNOW ANY GOOD BOOKS ABOUT DEAF CULTURE
SO PLEASE LET US KNOW VIA COMMENTS :)

Denmark, here I come!

Wow, I have already been in Denmark for two weeks. The Frontrunners decided to set up their own individual blogs. So, you all can read what I think and write about the program. Before I arrived here, I was very busy packing clothes and finding a new roommate to replace my apartment during my stay in Denmark.

During the flight to Copenhagen, I felt this was just some kind of 2-3 day long trip. When I finally arrived and met the rest of the Frontrunners, we drove straight to Castberggård. So, this was when I really realised that I am going to stay here for 4 months!

During the past 2 weeks, I have learned really a lot. I cannot imagine that there's still a lot to come considering that we have 3.5 months left! There were a lot of interesting issues and topics - I have never thought about many of them. Now, they appear to be important.

I can't honestly think of any better group that the one I am with right now. They are a great group, full of energy and excitement. I am totally happy with the course, the group, and the program so far.

PLEASE COME BACK TO CHECK MORE BLOG UPDATES!

Week One