American Sign Language (ASL) is a language of its own that has been used to communicate across the USA for centuries. It relies solely on visual communication, using hand signs, body movement, and facial expressions as its primary methods of expression. ASL provides the deaf community with a powerful tool for self-expression and for strengthening their sense of community identity.
ASL is the most commonly used sign language in the United States with an estimated 500,000 to 2 million users throughout the nation. The United States government has officially recognized it as its own language and included it in foreign language studies. ASL has its own structure, syntax, and grammar rules just like any other spoken language or mode of communication.
American Sign Language (ASL) is not merely a form of an English translation. It holds various linguistic components that make it unique in comparison to the spoken forms of English, including its own grammar, syntax, and certain aspects of pronunciation. It can be used to convey feelings, attitudes, or messages that cannot be expressed as easily through dialog in verbal form.
American Sign Language (ASL) is a valuable language to learn, allowing people to communicate and connect with the deaf community. There are plenty of online courses available teaching basic conversational phrases and vocabulary, as well as platforms offering classes specifically tailored for beginners.
Additionally, many schools and universities offer ASL classes, and there are other ways to learn ASL, including watching instruction videos on YouTube and social media pages run by deaf people.
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American Sign Language has many dialects, each with its own unique characteristics, but just like you can pretty much understand different regional dialects of American English, ASL users can also understand the various regional dialects of the language. There is a variation of signs used by deaf communities around the United States which have evolved from different cultural backgrounds.
Learning American Sign Language (ASL) can be challenging, but it can be learned just like any other foreign language can be learned, and just like learning another language, you can get better and become fluent in ASL with consistent and dedicated practice.
Just like English, ASL is a complex and evolving language, with its own culture and even a set of creative expressions intended specifically for music.
Justina Miles signing “Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing”
Who is Justina Miles?
Justina Miles was the talk of the LVII Super Bowl when she took to the stage as part of the halftime performance. The versatile artist from San Francisco mesmerized audiences with her interpretation of Rihanna's hit song "Diamonds." Justina blended her own style with complex choreography and emotional intensity to capture the beauty and power of Rihanna's original rendition.
Miles is a 20-year-old deaf American Sign Language (ASL) Performer and pre-nursing major at HBCU Bowie State. Her performance at the Super Bowl went viral on social media. Miles also accompanied and signed during Sheryl Lee Ralph's rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” during the game's pre-game show.
Justina Miles has been making waves with her music, dance, and acting. She's performed in numerous venues including festivals, prisons, and churches. Her original songs explore themes of love, loss, and transformation and have been featured in films and TV shows such as "Grace & Frankie" and "Empire."
Justina has opened for stars such as Ray LaMontagne, Nick Waterhouse, and Lauryn Hill.
Ever since she was a young girl growing up in San Francisco, Justina wanted to make a difference in the world. That's why she's decided to pursue a career in nursing so that she can use her talents and resources to help others in need.
She is also an Olympic athlete. She was part of Team USA at the Caxias do Sul 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil, where she received a silver medal for the 4x100m women's relay. She also competed in the 100m and 200m events.
Justina can be found on various social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Justina is also active on YouTube where she posts music videos, and she also streams her music on Spotify and Apple Music.
Justina appeared on the "CBS Morning Show" and told Gayle King that she has some hearing and can hear music. She also said that she received Rihanna's performance song list only five days prior to the Super Bowl and that she had never met Rihanna in person.
Even if you are not that familiar with Rihanna's songs (*raises hand*), you will be amazed and thoroughly enjoy Justina's performance.
Do you know anything about American Sign Language? Did you see Rihanna’s performance at the Super Bowl?
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