Serena Ahmad (9) | STAFF REPORTER
American Sign Language, ASL, is a common language used for deaf communities throughout the United States and Canada. However, this language is often only used by deaf people or people who require communication with someone who is deaf such as a family member. This generally creates a misconception that ASL should only be used for certain groups, making it difficult for deaf people to communicate with others beyond their hearing group. Thus, ASL classes should be offered in school to increase its recognition.
By providing students with the opportunity to learn ASL, we are developing our community’s range of diversity. Students will be able to connect with peers and foster friendships without feeling isolated or disconnected. Additionally, it will ease people’s lives by knowing that they have multiple methods of communication so they can be heard. By ultimately closing this gap, we are enabling inclusivity for all individuals.
ASL also benefits our brain. Similar to other languages, it improves our cognitive abilities, specifically our brain function, memory and spatial awareness. This makes learning ASL ideal for our bodies and brain function as well.
Lastly, learning ASL can broaden our horizons on friendships. Learning a new language such as ASL will increase our social circle as we are able to communicate in more than one language. Engaging in different communities can also allow us to be more educated on different cultures.
Overall, incorporating ASL into our school curriculum will offer many benefits and allow the language to receive its overdue recognition.
