Scribd
Upload
68 views19 pages

Understanding Filipino Sign Language

This document discusses Filipino Sign Language (FSL), the natural sign language of the Filipino Deaf community. [1] FSL began similarly to other sign languages, through Deaf Filipinos communicating with each other before the establishment of schools for the Deaf in 1907. [2] However, FSL was long considered inferior to American Sign Language and its use and recognition has increased only recently through research efforts beginning in the early 1990s. [3] FSL is now understood to have its own linguistic features and vocabulary, though more research is still needed regarding its grammar and as a distinct language from ASL.

Uploaded by

johnflores7532
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
68 views19 pages

Understanding Filipino Sign Language

This document discusses Filipino Sign Language (FSL), the natural sign language of the Filipino Deaf community. [1] FSL began similarly to other sign languages, through Deaf Filipinos communicating with each other before the establishment of schools for the Deaf in 1907. [2] However, FSL was long considered inferior to American Sign Language and its use and recognition has increased only recently through research efforts beginning in the early 1990s. [3] FSL is now understood to have its own linguistic features and vocabulary, though more research is still needed regarding its grammar and as a distinct language from ASL.

Uploaded by

johnflores7532
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Introduction to FSL
  • History of FSL

Filipino

Sign

Language
What is FSL?

¾ Natural sign
language of
Filipino Deaf.

¾Indigenous sign
language
especially of Deaf
adult
communities.
How did FSL begin ?

¾Beginning of FSL –same way as the


beginning of other natural sign languages
of other countries.

¾Through Filipino Deaf persons coming


together and communicating with each
other.
When did FSL begin ?

¾Not certain (no recorded history)

¾Before the establishment of the very first


School for the Deaf in 1907

¾As early as the existence of early Deaf


adult communities
“FSL”, An Inferior Language?

¾Early Filipino Deaf persons favored ASL


(learned from the first American
missionaries)

¾Filipino Sign Language considered as


“local” or “ native”

¾FSL was set aside


Late Recognition

¾Name “ FSL” - a recent development .


¾Start of name “FSL”
- early 90’s
- awareness about own indigenous sign
language for Filipino.
¾Thru aware and enlightened Filipino Deaf
and hearing professionals (with exposures
to other natural sign languages of other
countries).
Could you describe FSL?

¾Has own linguistic features –vocabulary,


word order and rules of grammar

¾FSL features not yet fully explored and


subjected to research

¾Many FSL signs already identified.


Samples from FSL Vocabulary
1.“grabe”
2. “sawa” (turn off)
3. not include
4. eye throw/drop
5. dangerous (out of topic)
6. “bahala ka” (self)
7. “kuripot” (stingy)
8. “sobrang pagod” (too much tired)
9. “Mahirap” (hard work)
10. “sayang” (such a waste)
11. “think zero” (don’t think)
Issues and
Concerns
Related to
FSL
1. Research Efforts
1.1. Research - a very new development in
Filipino Deaf History.

1.2. On-going separate researches on FSL

1.2.1 Dr. Liza Martinez ( Philippines


Resources for the Deaf, Inc.)

1.2.2. Mr. Jonathan Tusalem


(SDEAS,College of Saint Benilde)
1.3. Goals: FSL as a unique language
distinct from ASL; Discover FSL unique
linguistic features.

[Link] thesis by Mr. Tusalem


- FSL has a written form.
2. FSL V.S. Signed English

¾Late 1990’S start of Advocacy of Deaf


Communities thru PFD: USE FSL IN
SCHOOLS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

¾Slow Response of Government


Schools due to unsettled
issues:
• Unsettled Issues:

[Link] would help improve the


reading and writing skills of the Deaf? Is
it FSL or signed English?

NO RESEARCH YET
2.2 Who would teach the deaf
using Filipino Sign Language?

¾Mostly hearing teachers


¾Very few Deaf teachers
¾Teachers’ lack of training and exposures
to FSL
¾FSL researches not complete yet
¾Who will give training on FSL?
2.3 FSL common to all Filipino
Deaf or FSL for every Deaf
community?

Philippine situation
¾7,107 islands (Deaf people found
everywhere)
¾More than 70 dialects spoken by hearing
Filipinos reflecting the uniqueness of
the culture
3. Filipino or English Language?

¾Filipino Deaf don’t know Filipino


language (written form)

¾Filipino Deaf more comfortable with


English (exposed to English prints)

¾Filipino Deaf are alienated from their


own roots.
“The Filipino Deaf
have a unique way
of expressing
themselves
through their
language and
creativity.”
Maraming
Salamat
Po!

Filipino Filipino Sign Sign Language Language
What is FSL? What is FSL? ¾ Natural sign language of Filipino Deaf. ¾Indigenous sign language especially of Deaf adult
How did FSL begin ? How did FSL begin ? ¾Beginning of FSL –same way as the beginning of other natural sign languages of
When did FSL begin ? When did FSL begin ? ¾Not certain (no recorded history) ¾Before the establishment of the very first S
““FSL FSL””, An Inferior Language? , An Inferior Language? ¾Early Filipino Deaf persons favored ASL (learned from the first
Late Recognition Late Recognition ¾Name “ FSL” - a recent development . ¾Start of name “FSL” - early 90’s - awareness about
Could you describe FSL? Could you describe FSL? ¾Has own linguistic features –vocabulary, word order and rules of gramm
Samples from FSL Vocabulary 1.“grabe” 2. “sawa” (turn off) 3. not include 4. eye throw/drop 5. dangerous (out of topic) 6. “
Issues and Issues and Concerns Concerns Related to Related to FSL FSL
1. Research Efforts 1. Research Efforts 1.1. Research - a very new development in Filipino Deaf History. 1.2. On-going se

You might also like