ASL Immersion Weekend '98


"Clarifying a Variety of Classifiers in ASL"

Featuring
Mary Hill Telford



This workshop is designed to develop your knowledge of, and skills in, utilizing a variety of classifiers found in American Sign Language. Examples of these different types of classifiers include: descriptive, semantic, locative, body, instrument, plural, element, and body parts. These classifiers perform a variety of functions when using American Sign Language. At the end of the weekend you will be able to demonstrate an awareness of, and basic skills in, determining the amount of classifiers required for discourse or narrative. We will do many small group studies and activities to improve your ASL storytelling , discourse, and interpreting.

ASL Immersion Weekend '98 is open to anyone interested in American Sign Language or the field of interpreting. This includes students of ITPs and sign language programs, interpreters, families and friends of Deaf or hard of hearing individuals, and special education teachers. Mary's workshop, as well as interaction with other participants throughout the weekend, will offer plenty of opportunities to improve your receptive and expressive skills in a relaxing retreat environment. Through exposure, participants will also gain a deeper understanding of Deaf Culture, and the Deaf community's language: ASL. The Immersion Weekend will be conducted using visual communication; participants will not use their voices.

Mary will share stories with us during storytelling on Saturday night.


Mary, a widowed mother, was born into a large Deaf family in Texas. She is a graduate of the Texas School for the Deaf. She attended Gallaudet University and Vista college, majoring in ASL programs. Mary works in the field of ASL instruction. She has been an instructor at Vista college in Berkeley, California for the past 15 years. She is an employee of the Deaf Education Art Network as a story teller, sponsored by D. E. A. F. Media in Berkeley, California. Additionally, Mary was also an assistant professor in the Department of Linguistics at the University of California - Berkley, designing the summer session ASL program. Among her other roles, she has served as the resident transcriber and language model for Vista's nationally recognized ASL curriculum, "Signing Naturally".

She is a seasoned ASL performer, story teller, and poet. She is often called upon to present her original pieces at class socials, workshops, camps, and the stage. Whether young or old, Deaf and hearing people alike enjoy her work.

One of her favorite phrases is, "Pride of colorful use of ASL can't leave me alone!"

St. Louis Chapter of RID is approved by the RID CMP to sponsor Continuing Education Activities. This program is offered for 1.2 CEUs in the Content Area of Linguistic and Cultural Studies and has an Instructional Level of Advanced.


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