A Good Sign...

Tehachapi Library for the last three years has been hosting a Sign Language class on Monday afternoons. Casual and fun in its approach instructor Ann Barton, lets her students learn by doing rather than just a text book approach. For two hours a session advanced students speak in sign language while Ms. Barton helps new students learn by engaging in verbal conversation which is then converted into sign language.

Many of her students are high school age and have been learning from her since the beginning some three years ago. Drop-ins are welcome and by the end of a session newcomers have learned some basic sign language and been introduced to the signing alphabet. Explaining that, “Sign language is very regional in its usage. As an example there are five accepted signs for the word pizza and three for the word shark.”

When she does refer students to a text book on sign language she prefers Dr. Bill Vickers, Signing Illustrated publication as it shows “California” style of regional symbols. Ms. Barton works with hard of hearing children in the special needs class at Tehachapi High School.

The library sessions meet every Monday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Tehachapi’s Kern County Library branch.