It’s 2021, and undoubtedly no one is now a stranger to video chats. But ever heard about American Sign Language (ASL) before? Since 1927, this ASL interpretation is right there from the very beginning but with the 2020-COVID-pandemic restraining individuals to be isolated – the platforms for instance Skype, Webex, Zoom and several others got the much-needed hype. This is a result of altered aspects of American Sign Language as people are willing to rely completely on such video conferencing platforms.
Zoom – Support for Deaf or Hard of hearing People
When we talk about Zoom, the consecutive meetings and online sessions attended by thousands of individuals highlighted the need for this platform. On the other hand, the limited size of the window during Zoom’s video meetings indicates the issues that may arise for people with hard of hearing or deaf individuals. Though, zoom screen enables people to show the hand-moves but displaying of sign languages isn’t that effortless.
This is so because several signs cannot be properly made in the dimensions of the Zoom screen. For instance, sign language interpreters demonstrate and make signs of “body” by making “B” with hands and must move it till the hips from the shoulders. But with Zoom, due to lesser space – interpreters are unable to deliver the expected signs. So, how Zoom influences the overall sign language system? Zoom’s other feature is the pre-recorded video that favours individuals to focus and learn more. And this, in turn accommodates interpreters to experience virtual classes.
Knowing the fact that American Sign Language’s grammar is related to the facial expressions, we should know that several faces are there during a Zoom video conferencing session. As compared to class, the students are more attentive during Zoom but the teacher or interpreter needs to repeat things as students might not see signs visibly. For sign language classes, teachers make use of cards or other physical tools, which aren’t possible in Zoom. Although Zoom can help to have card games but the virtual aspects aren’t the same anymore and rather than passing out the cards – emailing them isn’t that simple.
Sign Language and Means of Communication
With Zoom, sign language interpreters not only go slower but also try to make things or signs with a single hand. By repeating the sign on a tiny conference screen and making smooth angles with their bodies, they bridge the gaps of communication. Moreover, people need to make sure that each sees the hands of the other individual. It is significant to understand the sign languages and the thing which should be kept in mind while adapting to Zoom. When the signs are away from a person’s body but in the forward motion, they often demonstrate the future tense while the opposite is the case with past tenses.
The sign languages are not easy to detect on a Zoom’s video conference. In such a case, interpreters or teachers must write the content down or make the sign with the body and hands by keep on moving. Besides, sign language often requires more space for instance pointing or indicating at someone hence this might not go smooth for video conferencing platforms like Zoom. These things might return when individuals do one-on-one interactions as sign languages require specific physical movements and have strong identities.
Final Verdict
Though Zoom empowers deaf individuals as it offers both text and video chat, but the uninterrupted Zoom’s use may constrain and shape the sign languages like never before. Moreover, the environment, individuals we communicate with or other tools may be a contributing factor in such communicative and language practices. At Languagers, we understand the significance of virtual learning platforms like Zoom and offer our services for your growth and convenience.
To know more about American Sign Language, feel free to contact us and have a discussion!