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American Sign Language (ASL) is its own language with a distinct grammar and vocabulary.
It is just one of many sign languages used around the world, predominantly by  
Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, but also those who interact with them on  
a regular basis.
There are an estimated 500 000 native signers of ASL, making it the fourth most  
commonly used language in the US.

Intrigued? Wanna start signing?

Reasons why you might want to learn how to sign
1. You get to learn a very different new language that might change the way you  
think about language, speaking, time, space etc.
2. You could learn to communicate with a deaf/hard-of-hearing person in a manner  
they're really comfortable with, make new friends and get immersed in a new culture.
2. You'll get more attuned to using your body and facial expressions to communicate  
your thoughts and feelings.
3. You can use it to talk to a friend at a loud party or while diving or in a  
library or... you get our point.

How about now?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjln9OMOw-0

And now?

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We're trying to start a new student group at Dartmouth that will focus on raising  
awareness about Deaf culture at Dartmouth and that will enable students to learn  
and practice ASL. And we need YOU to make that happen! If you're at all interested
- blitz "Signers" and/or
- come to our first (pre-recognition) meeting on Tuesday, 10/04 at 4 PM in Reed  
102 (Reed is the white building on the far right of Dartmouth Row, across from  
the HOP).
- NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

We're super excited to meet you!

Signers