The Linguistics Department and SLANT will host a screening of the documentary, Signing Black in America, followed by a Q&A from 4-6 pm in the RTFP Building, room 184 (UNT Denton Campus) or via zoom https://unt.zoom.us/j/5060312167 (password: UNTLING)

SIGNING BLACK in AMERICA is the first documentary about Black ASL: the unique dialect of American Sign Language (ASL) that developed within historically segregated African American Deaf communities. Black ASL today conveys an identity and sense of belonging that mirrors spoken language varieties of the African American hearing community. Different uses of space, hand use, directional movement, and facial expression are ways that Black ASL distinguishes itself as a vibrant dialect of American Sign Language. The African American Deaf community is now embracing their unique variety as a symbol of solidarity and a vital part of their identity.         

Event speakers/Association Producers:

• Joseph Hill, Associate Professor, Rochester Institute of Technology
• Robert Bayley, Professor, UC Davis
• Carolyn McCaskill, Professor, Gallaudet University
• Ceil Lucas, Professor Emerita, Gallaudet University