My Guest Book |
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| Message 1 - unknown |
You take stand to speak and are bravery 
Ricky is 
5 July 2007 |
| Message 2 - Audrenne |
| I enjoyed watching you.Your signings are so smooth and clear. I would love to watch your volgs in the future. Thanks
5 July 2007 |
| Message 3 - Unknown |
| Well, It is your observation of what you see. No ASL belong to Indian Sign language not just a language in itself! Indian Sign language is only purpose for between tribes to make work out through Indian Sign language because many differtn tribes have their own dialect not the same as ASL. No Indian sign language belongs to any one of the tribes. Each tribes might have their own language not just verbal but vocalification. No ASL cause the Deaf children or adult who can't understand or write well. Okay In England they have same problem we have here but BSL British SIgn Language the Deaf people use for a long times. ASL was influenced by French . Our ASL grammatic structure is still the same as French grammatic structures saying 60 percent of French. our 40 percent of ASL from the time in colonial Deaf people lived!
2 July 2007 |
| Message 4 - Mary |
Hi Lois
I watched your vlog with great interest. Just a few comments.
I see your point. You were weary of people saying, “my ASL” again and again. I don’t see people say “my English” “mio italiano” “mein deutscher” “mon francais” Right?
You are right that the native sign language came first - long long before Clerc and Gallaudet introduced the sign language (in 1817). We did not use “American Sign Language” till in the 1960's (??) It was simply “sign language” or “signs”. Lois DID say that ASL came from France. However, she did not list other origins, and I won’t get into details, which may take a few pages. The info can be found in Wikipedia and other websites.
True. Deaf children do look at the pictures in books. That is the first step towards reading. Even adults and hearing children do that, too. She was questioning whether ASL is to blame?? The answer is No.
True. Deaf children do not bother looking up unfamiliar words. I did the same thing when I was very young! My vocabulary was weak back then (no captions on TV and TTY). I wanted to keep reading, not wanting to stop and look up many words again and again. If you force deaf children to look up all the words all the time, they will lose their interest in reading. Hearing people do skip unfamiliar words. If we see the same word again and again, we become curious and look up the dictionary. Just my observations as a teacher.
Keep up your vlog work!!
1 July 2007 |
| Message 5 - ChrisH |
Erick Ketcham
"America OWNS ASL"
Canada owns ASL?
Dominican Republic (Spanish)owns ASL?
Puerto Rico (Spanish) owns ASL?
1 July 2007 |
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| Message 6 - Tamara |
Lois,
I hope you are feeling alright. You have been in my thoughts. 
Please keep vlogging.
Hugs,
~Tamara
1 July 2007
Webmaster comments I am feeling alright. Thank you! |
| Message 7 - Scsdb Student |
 Hey there. good vlog, i respect your opinion about asl. but one thing hit me is that most deaf students go to library to look at the pictures on the book. that might be true for young elementary student because most of them dont have a parents to encourage them to read, but by time they reach to middle school they aldready know how to read, thanks to our great teachers at scsdb!! i love you all!!
keep up with vlogs, i would like to see them sometimes soon 
30 June 2007
Webmaster comments You are right about young elementary students! Not their fault. I am so happy to meet a student like you! You sound like a fine person. Have a nice summer! |
| Message 8 - Erick Ketcham |
Hi,
"Chris H" asked in the comments section:
"France has its own100 percent French sign language which includes full language in comparison I don’t see ASL owns Full native sign language that belongs to America not borrowing from other native countries."
from A Deaf Pundit blog
Is it true what commenter said?"
My response, NO.
First of all, Clerc's school in France used a version of "Signed French"- a hearing modification of "Old Languages Signed Francias". It is very comparable to "Signed English" in the US.
So, Clerc signed in "Signed French" to start with. So, with this hearing sign language, he came to the US. In the meantime, Martha's Vineyard had its own sign language, as well as the Connecticut area Deaf people.
ASL is a mixture of these three different languages. Therefore, America OWNS ASL. Additionally, ASL has evolved in AMERICA. It is nothing like old ASL that existed prior to the 50's.
29 June 2007 |
| Message 9 - Kay |
I'm not here to crititize anything like some people may! I admire that you are able to share your thoughts/opinions rather than follow the norm! We don't all have to agree which makes the world an exciting place to live!!
So keep on with what you believe in regardless of what others think!
29 June 2007 |
| Message 10 - Alan |
| I'm appalled and disappointed. I cannot respect your opinion and comments because you distorted the truth, made up facts, and basically went against hundreds, even thousands, of researchers and linguists, all of whom have proved that ASL is a true language developed and fostered by the Deaf people of America. There's no linguist in the world that would dare argue against this. But you dare? ;-(
29 June 2007 |
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| Message 11 - Dennis L. Simpson |
How can we dare to tell people that "we respect your opinion" when the information this woman is actually a distortion and manipulation of the truth?
This is the same woman who scolded my wife for making up stories just because my wife stated that we own a rowhouse in the Capitol Hill vicinity (Washington, DC) and this woman saying outright to her that it is IMPOSSIBLE for any DEAF people to own a place in the 'fancy neighborhood.' We still OWN this rowhouse past 13 years! And more deaf people are moving here.
I know that we need to respect our elders but I will not respect any one who distorted the truth and acts like they "know" everything. I grew up in a deaf community where most of my deaf role models graduated from deaf schools between 1930s to 1950s. They taught me to respect anyone ONLY if they respect you as well.
So, this woman does not have my respects at all.
29 June 2007 |
| Message 12 - Rob W. |
Way to go! You got out there and said your piece! I love it when older Deafies dare to defy the world of technology and do this! Heck. MY mother can barely do e-mail and she is 81 now. Lois you rock! :) Keep it up and I will sure come back to see.
:) (by the way. please disregard the negative comments - and SOME people just can't find a better way to express this without getting nasty. Shame on them.)
29 June 2007 |
| Message 13 - I love America |
Readers,
You rock, no matter whoever you are! We love or hate relationship with free speech. You have to deal with it or busted!
America is great because America is free. Everything else that is great about America is a result of the freedoms that Americans enjoy.
Therefore I really enjoyed reading your comments.
Keep vlogging!
You rock, Americans!
29 June 2007 |
| Message 14 - ChrisH |
"France has its own100 percent French sign language which includes full language in comparison I don’t see ASL owns Full native sign language that belongs to America not borrowing from other native countries."
from A Deaf Pundit blog
Is it true what commenter said?
I wonder if you agree with the commenter.
29 June 2007
Webmaster comments I respect her opinion. |
| Message 15 - Unknown |
| Hello and just wanted to say dont listen to them, to say is gay is just a ignorant comment and they dont have nothing smarter to say, I am 2 spirited and that is lesbian/gay in Native American culture and people need to learn more about others before make comments like that and love ya smile.
29 June 2007 |
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| Message 16 - Unknown |
| Hello and nice to meet you, I am Native American and and hearing but my partner Sara, is deaf. She showed me y our vlog and we both love it. I understand you perfectly your AsL and your stories are great, and from my elders in the family and being Indian they understand what my partners says in sign language and anyways love your vlog :-)
29 June 2007
Webmaster comments Nice to meet you, too! I have never met an honest-to-goodness Indian before! I am so happy that you signed my guest book. Thank you! Thank you! |
| Message 17 - ricky evil |
Ridor
you are miseducated, misguided and one incredibly stupid gay.
I don't like attrack elder lady.
29 June 2007 |
| Message 18 - LaRonda |
Hi again.
I've watched the comments grow here on your guest book. (I have to say Lantan's comment made me laugh so hard I nearly wet my pants! Very good way to lighten up the comment made from Ridor.) 
I've now seen 3 other vlogs that have discussed your Pet Peeve post. I've also read the numerous comments left on those posts. I hope you have too.
So, after all of these vlogs, and comments about those who advocate respecting elders, one who blames elders for the mess in the world, and those who point out the generation gaps, and era differences, etc., I'm wondering if you will respond.
I think we're all sitting on the edge of our seats to see how Ms. Lois will respond to it all.
I eagerly await your next post of commentary.
~ LaRonda
29 June 2007 |
| Message 20 - IamMine |
I agree with the constructive commenters here like MishkaZena, michele, to name a few. :)
I disagree with some of your point of views, but I do respect your right to express them like any of us.
Some people just don't know when to step back when in anger and offering their differing opinions/point of views in a constructive manner and at the right time without wishing to wipe one off of the face of earth.
Look at Barb DiGi as one wonderful example - she provided with good facts/information to continue with the argument/discussion in courtesy and professional.
Anyway, I so admire your knowledge of using technology (yeah acting like a hearie going, "Wow, your English skills is awesome for a deafie!" haha) - both of my 80 years old grandmothers REFUSE to even acknowledge the existence of computers and one thinks it's evil! ;)
Keep vloggin' away! 
29 June 2007 |
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| Message 21 - Anna S |
| Old timer Deafies know best. She has words of wisdom.
29 June 2007 |
| Message 22 - Lori Lehr (again) |
Please forgive my spellings and English becuase I typed my first blog in my blackberry: mini screen and I didn't have a chance to review to edit sentences. I hope you understand my perspective.
Don't let attackers stop you! Just ignore them.
Thank you!
29 June 2007 |
| Message 23 - Unknown |
| I like your vlog and love to hear your wonderful perspective and your experience, too. Keep your vlog!!!
29 June 2007 |
| Message 24 - mishkazena |
Lois, I enjoy watching your vlogs. I'm fascinated with your signing.
I understand that you are speaking from experience as you came from a different generation. It's true back then people thought ASL was the reason Deaf people have problems with English, but that thinking is no longer true. Research had indicated that ASL, as a real language, wasn't the problem, but lack of exposure to a real language in during toddler years was the culprit. Many Deaf children were never exposed to ASL until they went to school and by then, it becomes more difficult to master English. When you looked at the hearing teachers at deaf schools, many of them didn't sign well, so that made it harder for deaf children to understand what they say.
If you examine the studies on Deaf children fully exposed to ASL from birth up to one and half years old and also to written English in a timely manner, like those raised in Deaf families and some kids from hearing families dedicated in using ASL 24/7, their competencies of English are above average. As a result, bi-bi education emphasizing on written english and ASL is now growing in popularity in some schools.
Lastly, I am so sorry to see some real vulgar messages here. These are uncalled for as you don't deserve to be treated this way. I hope this doesn't stop you from vlogging. I look forward to your next vlog :)
29 June 2007 |
| Message 25 - Lori Lehr |
Enjoy ur vlog very much. We, deafies, need a Deaf grandmother to give
us some advices, stories and ur wisdom. Howsome, i disagree with some of
pet peeves. If u ever take Deafhood workshop and ASL workshop then u
will understand them better. I don't blame you for thinking of that way
because i used to think ASL effected our education until I studied ASL.
Wow! I realized that oralism actually hurted our education. It is
nothing to do with ASL. ASL is legally forgian lanuage that is brought from
Frence. English is our second language. I noticed that deaf children
from (not all of) deaf family usually are experts at writing and readng
English. Remember that they learned ASL as soon as they are enough to
understand signs from their deaf parents at home first. They learned
English lanage at school later. That's parell with hearing children who
havenot develop to write or read until going to school. They depends on
sounds and already have concepts by speaking. Deaf children have the
same concepts in ASL. For ex: deaf child can sign "cat" before learning
to read. A teacher writes "cat" on the broad then she signs "cat". Deaf
child understands immediately. Most of us like u came from hearing
parents. We didn't learn any sign until we arrived school with no lanuage
at all. That's a big difference. If oral school was our first school,
that hurts our education. Teachers would teach us how to speak without
understanding what words mean. I don't mean that i m against oral method.
In ur time, even my time, they taught and so focused on oral method
than educating us. Deaf child from deaf parents is able to speak better
than most of us. Why? They already acquired langauge first. Which
lanuage? Of course, ASL! I m deaf and don't speak well because of the bad
oral method. My reading skill is so high because i happen to love reading
books to improve my English skill but not great. Believe or it, i read
better than writing.
29 June 2007
Webmaster comments Sent from her Blackberry. |
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| Message 26 - Jaymie |
For all of those who bashed this fine and intelligent lady, you just wait until the next generation, or two, begins to bash you and you'll wonder why the younger generations do not respect you.
Lois, I truly appreciated your input. You do have justified and valid arguments. We all do. It is what we do with it and it's ok to disagree. Please do not let those who put you down cease you from sharing more of your wisdom, of which I really enjoy from you and other elders. I'm one with great respect and admiration of elders too.
29 June 2007 |
| Message 27 - White Ghost |
I respect you for being a human. I think you came from the "post-WWII" era.
I understand what you are saying.I realized that either sign language or body language could come from the million years ago (dinosaur years). I find it interesting because I wonder how the people in the before christ (BC) years communicate without the papers, pens, computers, TVs, Telephones, and so forth.
Please don't let Ridor get to you. I already put a big X on his blog because of what he said in the very last sentence, in the last paragraph!
I admire your vlog.
White Ghost
29 June 2007
Webmaster comments Don't put a big X on his blog because he's entitled to his opinion. |
| Message 28 - Erick Ketcham |
I have to respectfully disagree with your viewpoint.
I am a fluent ASL signer, yet I write perfectly fine in English.
As a matter of fact, my wife has a Bachelor's Degree in English- and she signs in ASL. She doesn't even speak. She writes better than I do.
The problem really stems from teachers not using true ASL to teach English.
They are using English to teach English. How can a Deaf student learn another language when they are being instructed in a foreign language (English) in the first place?
But, you're entiled to your opinion.
Best of luck
Erick Ketcham
29 June 2007 |
| Message 29 - Unknown |
| Enjoy your Vlogs. you are sweet, make me smile too.
29 June 2007 |
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| Message 31 - Paulette |
| enjoyed listening to ur childhood stories that u told in ur vlog. maybe u can use a shadowbox 's different color so that i will know it is all about ur childhood stories only.
29 June 2007 |
| Message 32 - Julie B. |
| I believe that many deafies weren't taught to write in English while in schools (all of the grades). Its not ASL's fault. It was teacher's fault. I remember vividly when I asked my teacher in my high school to teach us English. She said "you know that its hard for deaf students to learn English, therefore we refuse to teach deaf students English." I learned English on my own most of the time. If I'm not sure, I would ask. I suggest that deafies should do the same.
29 June 2007 |
| Message 33 - Diane |
| Keep vlogging. I admire you.
29 June 2007 |
| Message 34 - jehanne |
Well I disagree with you but it is your opinion. ASL is our first language. We like ASL better than SEE. I love to read books without pictures! They still amuse me! Some hearing people can't read and is it English's fault? I don't think so! Its same thing with ASL! Think about it! Thanks for sharing your opinion!
29 June 2007 |
| Message 35 - Karen Mayes |
You made some good points. I also wonder if in France, whether deaf people there have better literacy skills.
Yup, ASL does not stand alone; you are right, ASL has borrowed many from other sign languages, like French and some from Native American signs.
Yeah, it is sad to see younger people not interested in reading nowadays (not only deaf, but hearing also.) Today's society is more into computers, TVs, and videogames.
I think it is wonderful that you had wonderful parents! Thank you for sharing your childhood stories with us. you are an inspiration.
29 June 2007 |
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| Message 36 - OLD FART |
What is with this missus? She blabbing about ASL? She knows nada!
She needs a good sex! She lacks one!
Poor gal!
29 June 2007 |
| Message 37 - Dianrez |
Your message shows how older deaf and younger deaf are different, and shows how we have changed in thinking over the years.
I wondered if you were a teacher, because some of the things you said were from the fifties as I remember attitudes then were different than now.
Your comments are valuable to us as they are a piece of history and we need to think about them with insight into how hearing people have influenced deaf people in the mid-50's.
Please ignore the negative comments here, since these are from people who fail to appreciate history for its lessons.
Keep on vlogging, you are very modern in this way and have much to share with us and make us think, even if we do not agree.
28 June 2007 |
| Message 38 - Stephen Hardy |
Native Americans had their sign language established before Martha Vineyard and Laurent Clerc.
I am aware there were many Deaf people back then who signed but we do not have records also we are looking for them to educate the Deaf Americans about our history in America.
No need to put anyone down. That will keep the others from coming out to share the history of the Deaf. If you don't agree and no need to insult or use words that are not appropriate.
RESPECT the elders and one day we will become one.
28 June 2007 |
| Message 39 - Lantana |
 Hey, that is a big compliment to be called hussies at our age! Wink, wink. ASL might not be the perfect answer for us, but what is the alternative? Beats me! Smoke signals? I will be looking forward to your next vlog, I admire your spunk!
Atta girl!
28 June 2007 |
| Message 40 - kira |
| u r so sweet gramma and i love u! :)
28 June 2007 |
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| Message 46 - Bradley |
Speaking of Pet peeves, I don't agree with you, that you think ASL is not our language, You think ASL is from Indian. It's wrong answer. Clerc and Galludent brought ASL to our deaf world in USA and Canada. ASL is our deaf language. It is primary language. We should thanks to Clerc and Galludent for our beautiful ASL.
28 June 2007 |
| Message 47 - Southern boy says |
very disappointed with your post. very sad of you to look down to deaf people who use the asl.
28 June 2007 |
| Message 48 - michele |
I finally got to see the rest of your vlog when I went into Internet Explorer.
I understand where you are coming from, back in the days, were you mainstreamed or where did you go school?
Some deafies got good education and others got "watered-down" education, it is not their fault but the system's fault.
We are constantly striving to help make deaf education a better one so that many deaf children will have access to equal education just like hearing children.
Maybe back in your days, things were different and we are experiencing "generational gap" among each other as we have never experienced the life that you grew up or what we grew up in , I am not sure, but thanks for sharing your viewpoint and hope maybe that we all can learn from one another to improve our deaf society one way or another.
28 June 2007 |
| Message 49 - michele |
Hi, your vlog froze on me during the middle so I could not watch until to the end.
Many deafies have to fight for ASL because oralism have claimed it and tell parents that they cannot use ASL with their deaf children or otherwise their speech will fail.  Especially with the Cochlear implant trend going on right now and that they want to stress on AVT (auditory Verbal Training).
As for reading, its not only the deaf people who do that, it can apply to anyone. Some deaf people are excellent readers, they have an expanded vocabulary and are extremely intelligent. From what you said, it is a stereotyping that we want to avoid and puts deaf people down.
ASL and English are completely two different language with its own set of rules/application and grammar. This is why we are actively pushing for Bi-Bi education so deaf children can learn ASL and English equally.
What made you bring these up? Why are they pet peeves? Baffles me. This is one of the most disappointing vlog I have ever watched. Sorry to say this.
28 June 2007 |
| Message 50 - Tamara |
Just wanted you to know how much I love your vlogs. You are so sweet.
You made me smile when I watched your vlogs.
:)
~Tamara
28 June 2007
Webmaster comments Hey, Tamara. You have made my day! |
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