Similarities Between Deaf And Asl Literature

In a hearing culture, a person undoubtedly thinks of the word literature as meaning a written form of storytelling. However, in Deaf culture the word “literature” may also refer to Deaf literature or ASL literature. Although both Deaf and ASL literature use similar structure they are different from one another. Deaf literature is written stories, poems or songs that include Deaf characters or Deaf experiences utilizing a Deaf perspective, ASL literature involves visual movement and just like when a person reads a book compared to seeing the movie it may be similar yet, it is different. Unlike just signing a word to convey its meaning, ASL literature becomes more akin to an actor performing in a play. The rhythm and meter of the story becomes

The slow beginning building and rising into the “climax” or crescendo. Proven by the maelstrom in this story, which begins in the form of a frenzied squirrel preparing for fall. As with many good stories, there is “falling action” after the climax. In the squirrel story, it happens quit literally, as the wind blows the tree over. However, the little squirrel does not give up and endures to try again, highlighting the “dénouement” often used in many viable forms of literature. This direct comparison in the squirrel story can be linked with other dramatic structures (also called Freytag 's pyramid) in that it is used in other written literature. In other words, it is a successful way in which to communicate a story and is utilized in both Deaf and ASL

Given that, ASL literature is as engaging and educational as any form of communication, there is no reason why such forms of storytelling should not be introduced to hearing or deaf children at an early age. Many school children are required to read about Helen Keller. Teaching children how to express themselves as well as how to communicate effectively has no drawbacks. Helen Keller once informed, “[b]efore my teacher came to me, I did not know that I am. I lived in a world that was a no-world. I cannot hope to describe adequately that unconscious, yet conscious time of nothingness.” This statement need not be singularly reserved for Helen Keller, as any person can feel these emotions. In other words, there is an awareness that is created through the use of literature and no barriers should be placed on its effective