La Union Association

of the Deaf - FSL

November 17, 2022
What is a Filipino Sign
Language (FSL)?
● Filipino Sign Language is a sign language originating in
the Philippines. Like other sign languages, FSL is a
unique language with its own grammar, syntax and
morphology; its neither based on nor resembles Filipino
or English. Some researchers consider the indigenous
signs of FSL to be at risk of being lost due to the
increasing influence of American Sign Language.
Filipino Sign Language Act
The Republic Act 11106 or The Filipino Sign Language Act,
effective October 30, 2018, declared FSL as the national sign
language of the Filipino Deaf.
What is Deaf Culture?
● Deaf Culture is developed by the Deaf
people who gradually developed strong
bonds with other members of the Deaf World.
Deaf people are bonded by a common
language and two forces namely, its athletic,
social, and political organizations, and its
artistic expression.
Face Expression
"In sign language, facial expressions are used to
express both linguistic information and emotions.
For example: eyebrow raise is necessary to mark
general questions in most sign languages. At the
same time, signers use the face to express
emotions – either their own, or when quoting
someone else.
Acceptable Terms
●Deaf
●Hard of Hearing
●deaf
Deaf
● YES! The big D distinguishes us as a group of
people with our own unique language and culture.
We have our own identity, and we would like to be
respected as such. Many people all over the world
call themselves Deaf.
Hard of Hearing
● Some of us can hear quite a bit. We, hard-of-hearing
people, live in both the hearing world and Deaf
world—we have an identity of our own.
deaf
● This is OK, when taking about people with hearing
loss, in general.
Not Acceptable Terms
● Deaf and Dumb
● Pipi
● Hearing Impaired
● Deaf and Mute
Deaf and Dumb
● We may not be able to hear, but it does not mean we
are stupid.
Pipi
● Tagalog version of mute. Not true. Maaring
magsalita ang marami sa amin kung nais namin.
Hearing Impaired
● Why focus on the negative? This term is
used mostly by people who are mainly
interested in our ears “not working”.
Deaf and Mute
● We use various means to communicate– some use
their voice, while others use sign language. Because
we can’t hear how loud or soft or how high or low
our voices are, we are sometimes ridiculed and we
feel terrible. Would you want to be laughed at?
Neither do we.
Deaf Community
● Hearing majority
● Hearing workers with the Deaf
● Hearing workers of the Deaf community
● Interpreters
Deaf vs hearing behavior
● Attention-getting devices - Use “Hoy! Or “Pssst!
● Door light - Doorbell
● Sign-name - First name basis
● Well-lighted place - Dim places for dating or talking
● Eye contact - Ear Contact
● Facial expressions - “Poker face”
● Pointing allowed - Pointing is rude
● Hugging - Shaking hands
● Can “talk” with mouth full - Talking with mouth is rude
● Misbehaving children cover - Misbehaving children cover
● Their eyes - their ears
● Deafness can be a source of pride - View deafness as a disability
Thank you
so much