Hearing Loss News and Articles

« Gallaudet University Press marks 25 years of publishing | Main | Hearing aids: Digital isn't always better »

January 9, 2006

ASL in Canada

American Sign Language is starting to receive recognition at the post-secondary level here in Canada, but it hasn't translated to high schools yet, says Campbell McDermid, a professor of ASL English Interpreter programs at George Brown College.

York University, University of British Columbia and University of Alberta, as well as George Brown College, recognize ASL as a foreign language.

"In Canada, there is a real movement for deaf people to teach ASL because it is their native language," says McDermid. "The deaf community would want deaf instructors in the high school teaching, but it's difficult because of the barriers they face trying to achieve their university degrees.

"ASL is a beautiful language and is the fourth most used language in North America," adds McDermid, who says many of the students studying ASL go on to become intrepreters, teachers or become literacy instructors.

By Vena Eaton, Toronto Sun
http://torontosun.com/Lifestyle/2006/01/09/1385391-sun.html

Posted by 4HL on January 9, 2006 6:05 AM


Send this article to a friend

Their email address:


Your email address:


Message (optional):