Citrus College has added American Sign Language to its foreign language arts program and now offers three sections of American Sign Language 101.
“We developed the first two levels of ASL because ASL would add another option to the language offerings in the foreign languages program. Area high school’s like Glendora and Claremont indicated interest in having ASL offered at Citrus College,” Gina Hogan, dean of language arts and library said.
In the class, students will learn about the deaf community and culture, as well as the basic conversational strategies. The course attribute said that it is also a transferable course.
A student enrolled in the class is excited that Citrus College is now offering an ASL class.
“I originally took classes in high school, and it was very difficult to find classes once I graduated,” business major Raquelle Martinez said. “I could only find them at adult schools, and it was counterproductive to be going to two schools especially being a full-time student here and also having a full-time job. It was very difficult. When I found out, I was so ecstatic about it.”
Hogan said that students are looking forward to taking the class.
“Two weeks into registration and we are already at full or almost full enrollment in all ASL sections for fall 2019,” Hogan said.
She also said in the spring of 2020, Citrus College will offer one or two sections of American Sign Language 102.
Students said why it’s important to learn another language.
“I think it’s important because a lot of these kids in this young generation, they should be learning American Sign Language.” photography major Monique Salazar said. “Not just that, we have Spanish and French as well at Citrus, and it’s going to be very cool actually because once you start working, you know, getting to know the history of American Sign Language and what people need to see. It’s very good learning and fun.”
Martinez said why she feels American sign language is necessary to learn.
“I found multiple times at my old job a lot of deaf people would go in and not everyone was able to help them.” Martinez said. “I always felt bad giving them a piece of paper and being like you can write it down. It just feels like you’re not catering properly. I feel like that is just an important aspect to bring awareness to people.”
Hogan said that ASL classes are important because they provide students with more options for foreign languages and increase awareness of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community/culture.
