Comments on: “Sign-Chi-Do” Butchers ASL, Excludes Deaf People

By: Magdalena Barone

Magdalena Barone — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:34:54 +0000

i love your writing style

By: SueW

SueW — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:32:40 +0000

I know ASL and have interpreted for years. I also know there are several different types of sign language all of which are different variations. And then, there’s “pidgen” which let’s face it, a lot of deaf folks use.

I’ve done “moving prayer” with Dr Anne (she IS a physician by the way) and she appears to me, to use some signed English along with ASL.

Think about it, isn’t this a good way of SHOWING hearing folks that ASL and other types of sign language are more than just “deaf sign language” but rather beautiful expressive types of communication with enriching potential for all?

I’ve seen what could be more called “pidgen” used in schools and many other places for expressive art and I think this creates awareness. I would like to see ALL children taught ASL in first grade – this would (1) make them bi-lingual which means they would develop an alternate language center and (2) teach them language STRUCTURE helpful in learning most other languages. But most important of all, it would mean that non hearing kids whose ONLY disability is not hearing the spoken word, be easily mainstreamed without interpreters etc. From my long years of teaching, I know that kids LOVE ASL! It’s so natural…

Awareness of the fact that ASL is wonderful and useful for ALL people and a great way of expression (not withstanding very handy at times), is a good way of perhaps working TOWARD bringing it in as a second language and helping parents of non hearing kids understand that they are NOT doing their kids any favors by restricting them to “lip reading” – this was the opinion of the lady who taught me sign and I feel a worthwhile opinion. I taught our son ASL, we loved using it between ourselves, he can always communicate with non hearing folks, and the knowledge of this second language gave him ease with learning other languages… it’s all good… see…

By: Rusty

Rusty — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:55:26 +0000

I have been in contact with Dr. Borik off and on for several years now. As a hard of hearing person who more and more depends on sign language, I have repeatedly suggested captioning for Anne’s videos. I do hope one day she will do this because I believe that all my Deaf friends would benefit from the exercise and ignore the less than exact ASL signing. They are generally very understanding and tolerant about the hearing population’s inability to sign precisely and, like people in other lands, the attempt to speak their language is appreciated.

By: Dawn Margaret

Dawn Margaret — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:03:49 +0000

Dear Daniel, My hope is that you find peace in your mind, Spirit and body. Sign Chi Do was created out of love and is something everyone can learn. It is a “language” that transcends words and signing to reach a person’s Spirit. May your Spirit be touched with the love and grace that Dr. Borik intended when she created this beautiful movement. Please know that this is a “love” mail and sent with the utmost warmest of wishes. We are all connected and grow stronger when we see the good in others. Namaste…

By: Daniel Greene

Daniel Greene — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:58:44 +0000

You know, I wrote this three years ago, and I thought that Deaf people would be outraged at Sign Chi Do, yet it seems that Deaf people don’t care and it’s the Sign Chi Do folks who are outraged. Apparently, Deaf people don’t give Sign Chi Do a second’s thought because they know it wasn’t created for them. As much as I have a philosophical problem with it, it obviously doesn’t have the Deaf community up in arms. So, go ahead and do your thing– not that you need my approval. This is the last time I’ll fight a battle for the Deaf. If something bothers them, they can fight their own battles.