Pathfinder Bill Bowman: Learning American Sign Language

Pathfinder is a series of blogs about intrepid library staff who are leading interesting programs that you may not yet know about.

Bill Bowman continues to be very involved in the Disability Access Committee, writing blogs and classes for the community.

Why did you decide to learn American Sign Language (ASL)?

"There were two reasons. The first is that we had a customer in the library who was deaf, and her communication equipment broke down. She got very upset and had to be escorted out of the library. This bothered me. I thought that there should be no reason why we should not have someone on staff who knew at least the basics of sign language. The library should be a place for all, not just those who can hear. That’s when I decided to step up and be the one to learn ASL.

 

"Second is that as I’m growing older, my hearing is getting worse. About twelve years ago, this came to light in a very funny way. I really liked the song “22” by Taylor Swift, which had just come out. However, I was quite puzzled by the first line of the song, which went “It seems like a perfect night to dress up like Hipsters.” This is NOT what I heard! I asked my pre-teen daughter at the time to clarify. “What don’t you understand?” she asked. My reply: “Why would anyone want to dress up like...a hamster?” She scowled at me (in the way only a pre-teen can) and said, “You need hearing aids, Daddy!” She was right! I’ve had hearing aids now for about 2-3 years. They aren’t perfect, but they do help."

What do you hope to do with your new language?

"I’d like to get certificated in the language by the library system.

"I’d like to go to Deaf Chat and be more confident with talking to the other people in the language.

"And ideally if any Deaf patrons do come to the library, I’d like to be confident enough with the language to be able to help them without embarrassing myself too much!" 

What have been some challenges in your ASL experience?

"It’s not an easy language to learn.

 

"Imagine a language without the verb “to be” or any definite or indefinite articles. I asked a friend who signs where I should go to learn ASL, and he pointed me to lifeprint.com. I often practice on Lifeprint  and I’ve taken a community college class at SJCC. Lifeprint is nice, but it really doesn’t replace standardized instruction. I’m still looking for another class, either online or in person. I’ve been to a Deaf Chat group at Oakridge Mall a few times, but I haven’t been able to follow the others very well because I don’t know enough of the language yet. It’s also at a difficult time with traffic for me to go to, so I’m going to wait until I get more proficient in the language before I return."

What have been some positive results of your ASL experience?

"I’ve enjoyed learning it.

It's a very unique language and as my hearing grows worse, I find myself practicing it more and more. We haven’t had any more Deaf patrons at the library, but if we ever do, I’ll be ready! I also made a friend in the class which was kind of nice."

When do you hope to complete your training?

"As I mentioned earlier, I’m looking for a new class.

"I couldn’t take ASL 2 because it conflicted with my work schedule. I do still practice Lifeprint and also with videos on YouTube. That can only take me so far, however. I’m also not sure I know what to “complete” my training would look like. I don’t see myself becoming a translator (which is a multi-year process).

"However, learning a new language is a labor of love and is forever ongoing. Perhaps there is no end."

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!