November 11, 2014 - 23:55
What struck me most about Deaf Jam was how much Aneta and her peers' personalities came through in their signing, both while performing slam poetry and talking between each other. Aneta, in particular, had a certain rhythm in the way she communicated that was very engaging and expressive. In our conversations about speech and tonal patterns of Mawrtyrs, I was disappointed that we are the same in that way. Yes, voices are special and unique, but as a dancer, I feel I can understand people better when I know how they move. You know how you can recognize your best friend's walk all the way across campus? For me, knowing that sort of sets a tone for the rhythm of conversation with that person and their frame of reference. I could easily click into understanding Aneta's personality through her movements. I was captivated by what she had to say and her method of self expression and, to be honest, a little jealous.
I think in many ways, we don't use gestures enough to communicate with English. ASL is so comprehensive and, in Monsoon and Bennaifer's words, more open for interpretation because it demonstrates symbols and in conveying symbols, gets across emotions in a rewarding way. After watching the film, I couldn't help but use my hands for emphasis in conversations I had. I definitely dance around grocery stores and am shameless in my physical expression, but I wish others could invest that much effort too, sometimes. Communication SHOULD be something that requires eye contact for truly understanding. We too often talk to each other while looking at our phones nowadays.