Story
Telling Festival
This past April 10, seventy-two participants were treated to two
hours of stories by several Deaf people -- white, black and Hispanic,
male and female from the early 20s to late 70s. They saw all
varieties of sign language from ASL to Signed English. Overall,
they were able to observe various aspects of ASL grammar, reiterating,
faceting, use of 3-D space, classifiers, etc. They spent an
additional two hours spending 15 minutes with each Deaf
storyteller. In those eight 15 minutes sessions, they were able
to ask for
clarification of the morning's stories.
This is was very unique opportunity for
ASL students and their teachers
(and also beginning interpreters) to both watch several Deaf people
sign stories AND to interact with each one in small groups! We
had eight tables and the participants were able to spend 15 minutes
with each Deaf storyteller. In this picture, Zee Astone from Port
St. Johns, FL explained how she was able to incorporate ASL into music.
Not all Deaf people sign like teachers
of ASL students! Some are
ASL purists, others are of the Sign English variety with very clear
mouthing, and others are in between. Students need to experience
young, middle-age, and old Deaf people, male and female, black,
Hispanic and white.
We will be planning on one this Fall
possibly in Gaineville, Florida
and one Spring 2011 (target date middle of February) in Palm Bay,
Florida.
Watch this site often as early bird
registration will offer you a very
attractive registration fee!
Gainesville's ASL Storytelling Festival is scheduled for October 23,
2010!