American Sign Language (ASL) has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, but is expressed by movements of the hands and face. It is the primary language of many North Americans who are deaf and hard of hearing, and is used by many hearing people as well. Just as certain English words are spoken differently in different parts of the country, ASL has regional variations in the rhythm of signing pronunciation, slang and signs used. Fingerspelling is part of ASL and is used to spell out English words.

Marsha James, a producer and reporter at Voice of America, will be this evening’s instructor. Like many of us, she has other passions in her life, and one is American Sign Language. She studied ASL at Gallaudet University and has served as a deaf intrepreter.

For more information on this class, and how to participate, contact carolyn.naifeh@ourplacenashville.org.