The American Sign Language (ASL) program will provide you the opportunity to expand your understanding of languagehood by learning a language that relies on a visual modality. This will develop your awareness and sensitivity to linguistic and cultural diversity that enhances communicative and cultural competence.
Offered by the School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures in partnership with the Division of Continuing Studies, the Certificate in American Sign Language (ASL) develops a conversational level of communicative competence of ASL, alongside a knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the culture of the Deaf community.
Participants in the program gain an awareness of, and sensitivity to, linguistic and cultural diversity, enhancing their intercultural communicative and cultural competence.
Upon completing the program, graduates will be able to:
These learning outcomes fall in line with the UVic learning outcomes of informed civic engagement and understanding, effective communication, and intercultural knowledge and sensitivity.
Nigel Howard has been an interpreter for nearly 30 years in various settings such as medical, mental health, legal, theatre, community, and conference/workshops locally, nationally, and internationally. Learn more about Nigel.
ASL is Tim Lane's first language. Throughout his life, he has been involved in teaching ASL ranging from one-on-one basis to community courses. Learn more about Tim.
This program is designed for undergraduate learners looking to complete the ASL certificate concurrently with their undergraduate degree at the University of Victoria.
Our learners come from across the university community of learners, including the Faculties of Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences.
I have loved participating in the fantastic ASL classes here at UVic since my first year, and now that the ASL certificate program has been implemented, myself and so many others are excited to declare this program and learn even more about ASL. Whether we want to learn the language or take our new knowledge to further heights, this allows us to have a solid footing.
Because of the program, students are not only able to learn an official language, but we can immerse ourselves in Deaf culture through events and activities. The program also delves into the linguistic features of the language, allowing us to learn the structure behind the language, efficient ways of learning a second language or tackling issues based on linguistic misunderstandings. For anyone thinking of joining the program, I recommend it 100%.”
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