The Cool ASL Slang that You will Want to Know!
Workshop Description:
In all languages, there are vehicles to expand vocabulary and slang is one example of how ASL vocabulary grows everyday. Deaf teens invent and manipulate slang which is used in the country through technology and global travel. This workshop introduces interpreters to the most current ASL jargon through direct instruction, video clips, and discussion.
Workshop Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
- Identify ten slang terms in current use by the deaf teen population
- Perform a short signed utterance using newly introduced slang
- Provide an English translation at least five ASL slang terms
- Distinguish the difference between profane and school-appropriate language forms of slang
Presenter Bio:
Edna has a large deaf family with roots in Alabama and Indiana. Edna has double Bachelor’s degrees in ASL Studies and English Literature from Gallaudet and a Master’s degree in Deaf Education from McDaniel College. She also holds an Educational Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from Gallaudet.
Edna was a tenured faculty at Columbia College Chicago in the ASL-English Interpretation Department for 12 years. For the past 15 years, she has taught at Maryland School for the Deaf, where she graduated; English, ASL Linguistics, ASL Literature, and Deaf Studies in High School and was also an ASL Specialist.
Edna taught ASL (and related topics) as an adjunct at Gallaudet University, Towson University, Catonsville College of Baltimore County, and Frederick Community College. She also travels to do workshops and currently works with the American Society for Deaf Children facilitating ASL Weekend Retreats for hearing parents of deaf children. She has served as an ASL Master for several theaters including Shakespeare Theater in Washington DC and as a Technical Editor for several books. Edna is married with four children who are in kindergarten through high school.