ASL program marks 10th anniversary

Supalla

he American Sign Language (ASL) program will mark its 10th anniversary with a series of events during Meliora Weekend that center on the theme of “ASL Renaissance,” including a film screening, open house, and banquet.

Ted Supalla, who has directed the program since it first began and is associate professor of brain and cognitive sciences and of linguistics, says the theme speaks to an ever-increasing interest in ASL.

“It will be a celebration of the intellectual and artistic achievements in ASL in recent years,” says Supalla. “Our program is also looking to the future to stimulate dialogue between alumni, faculty, and professionals and to promote ways of incorporating ASL into the mainstream of life at the University and in the larger Rochester community.”

Among the events planned is the screening of Audism Unveiled, a documentary about the prejudicial attitudes and stereotypes. The documentary examines the concept of audism and includes interviews with deaf and hard-of-hearing people who recount their experiences from attempts to cure deafness and miscommunication with family members to job discrimination.

Coproducer Benjamin Bahan, professor and director of deaf studies at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., will present the film. The documentary was filmed totally in sign language with no voice-over; however, Bahan’s presentation will be voice-interpreted. He also will answer questions after the screening that begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, in Meliora Hall 203.

Approximately 400 students enroll in ASL courses each year, making it the second-most studied language on campus. Beyond standard classes, ASL majors take advanced literature and culture courses that explore the language’s history and literary forms. The program, which was the first of its kind in New York, also includes courses in linguistics, psychology, and pedagogy. All language and advanced classes are taught solely in ASL by an all-deaf faculty.

In addition to the film screening, the “ASL Renaissance” program includes an open house and reception on Friday, October 6, from 3 to 5 p.m. in 210 Lattimore Hall and a banquet on Saturday night that features a presentation by Bahan. More details are available online at www.asl.rochester.edu or by contacting Deirdre Schlehofer at deirdre@asl.rochester.edu.