World Language Week Spotlights American Sign Language

The World Language Department commenced its annual celebration of World Language Week by promoting linguistic diversity and shining light on American Sign Language.

This year marks the first dedicated theme spanning all the language classes, which is Investigating American Sign Language. According to World Language Department Chair Yasmin Haque, the goal of World Language Week is to promote the idea that studying languages creates communities and specifically highlighting ASL allows students to further understand and gain an appreciation about the language not widely discussed.

“Throughout the week we aim to explore what American Sign Language is, understand its importance for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing culture, and trigger students’ curiosity that encourage them to get involved with learning ASL,” said Upper School Spanish teacher Adriana Alcina.

In the classroom, Middle and Upper School students spent time learning about the history of ASL and the Americans With Disabilities Act and how it advances the rights of people in the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. For further insight into ASL, students watched videos about the do’s and don’ts of interacting with the deaf community and a TED talk that speaks on the world of sports, art, music, and dance and its challenges. Following the videos, the classes discussed ways to be more inclusive and supportive of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

In the stairway of the Whitson building, a bulletin board curated by Latin teacher Stephanie Spaulding and Head Media Specialist Stacey Shwartz is on display that is full of information and additional resources for students to learn more about ASL. As part of her class activity, Mrs. Haque sent small groups to the board to read the information and report back to the class what they found interesting. She noted that many students have some experience with the manual alphabet, but don't know much about Deaf culture and that everyone is learning together.

In Lower School, Theatre teacher Lisa Daly is working with fifth-grade students and helping them learn sign language for an upcoming play.

Creating an opportunity to promote global awareness is a key initiative in the Hamden Hall experience. Furthermore, students are encouraged to research and explore on their own as part of their lifelong learning outside of the classroom.

“World Language Week is about unity where a difference in language is not a barrier, but a pathway to learning a new one,” commented Latin teacher Stephanie Spaulding. “By exploring beyond our curriculum and expanding our global view, we champion all humanity.”

Hamden Hall has long celebrated World Language Week. Each year, the Latin, Spanish, French, and Mandarin classes represent their languages and honor the diverse learning community by hosting various activities in the classroom and around campus including movie nights, dance performances, cultural food feats, art projects, and more.