Dr. Bezzant Praises Provo High ASL Program December 15, 2008
Posted by bookncurls in In the News.Tags: Provo High, ASL, American Sign Language, Provo School District, UVU
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11 Dec 2008 Laken Cannon, Media Relation Specialist, Provo School District
5 Dec 2008
Mark Bezzant, the Assistant Vice President at Utah Valley University, visited a Provo High School American Sign Language class to express his desire that all ASL programs across the country be as excellent Provo High School’s. Bezzant said the Provo ASL students can be streamlined right into college-level courses and pick up right where they left off in Provo High. The education given them at Provo makes it easy for them to succeed and progress, he said. “This school and class provides a quality of ASL instruction that is a model to the rest of the nation,” Bezzant said.
Provo High School offers four levels of ASL instruction, including receiving some college-level instruction when reaching the fourth level. Audrey Bastian, the ASL teacher at Provo High, said her students work extremely hard to master the vocabulary and is thrilled they can continue their ASL instruction at higher levels. “I’m really excited that UVU wants these students and is willing to take them even further in their ASL,” she said. “It is a great opportunity for them to continue studying a skill that is in such high demand.”
Language September 24, 2008
Posted by bookncurls in Uncategorized.Tags: American Sign Language, language
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A friend of mine was talking about how much she loves language. …so I thought I would write here some of my own thoughts about language.
Language is fascinating. Those who know and can control their language, can manipulate the world. So are people interested in such a powerful device? I would say, yes, but it manifests itself in so many different ways.
People like the trickle and the rhythm of the language in a book and read voraciously. Is it just the story or does part of the love for reading come from the way a master of language can lead you into places that words themselves cannot?
We are pleased and put off by words. It has nothing to do with educational levels. Slang originates from some of the most creative play with language. People who speak different languages can isolate or open themselves just by making their words sound different.
Math and sciences have their own language completely encrypting themselves to some. Deaf speak words through signs. Many deaf protect their language with passion. I have a friend that works at an organization dedicated to preserving dead and almost dead languages. There are writers and poets.
So, in my estimation, people are directly or indirectly interested in language. Some study it directly, others yearn for the power over the language; the ability to manipulate the language to achieve goals.
As I explain language to students, I notice the beauty of its intricacies. Truthfully, I like to notice the power of language and hopefully use what I learn to create a better world. Either through learning someone else’s language or by writing or telling a story or using them to heal.
Can you ever be done learning language?
An International Education March 22, 2008
Posted by bookncurls in Uncategorized.Tags: American Sign Language, Arabic, ASL, international, teaching
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I studied international relations, history, and Arabic. Now I teach Arabic and American Sign Language at a public high school. I also speak Mandarin from my LDS mission to Taiwan. I love to write. …
