ASL teaches your fingers to tell the story

If you’re interested in learning a new language at PNW, American Sign Language is one of your few remaining options. ASL is one of three language programs still taught on campus – in addition to Spanish and French. The ASL program helps students develop signing skills specifically for career and personal growth. “You can always find someone who knows Spanish or another common language,” said Kaylyn Bastasich, a sophomore Human Development and Family Services major. “I feel like ASL is a unique language to learn, and I find it to be very helpful in life.” ASL has proven to be popular with students. The language is the third most studied language at U.S. colleges and universities. Hearview, an organization devoted to improving communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, reports that more than 200 colleges accept ASL to fulfill foreign-language requirements. It also reports that ASL is the third most used language in the U.S., behind English and Spanish. “There are three sections of ASL I and two sections of ASL III, with one ASL III class showing it’s full already,” said Hannah Fus, who teaches ASL III and IV. “It seems to be a popular program, and there is a desire for these classes.” Signing helps students to communicate with deaf individuals and they believe it offers other advantages. “I think learning ASL is a form of welcoming and creating a comfortable environment,” said Nicole Tirado, senior Communication major. “It’s also a good skill to have for future opportunities, such as applying for jobs.”