American Sign Language

- ASL was offered at 119 colleges and universities as of 1999.
- ASL class enrollments rose from about 4,000 in 1995 to more than 11,000
in 1998
- Nearly 8 million Americans reported "difficulty hearing a conversation",
according to a Census Bureau Survey.
- The American Sign Language Teachers' Association has certified 225
teachers and has applications from about 125 more.

Source: Modern Languages Association as reported by CNN.com/Education on
5/13/02

Instructor: Fred Farrior

The American Sign Language program at Linfield College offers studies in ASL, Deaf history and Deaf culture. The Modern Languages Department recognizes the growing demand for ASL by offering both elementary and intermediate level courses, and an experiential course at Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, Oregon during January Term. Interaction with deaf students, visits to ASL theatre performances and sports activities are regular features of Linfield's ASL program. Additionally, Linfield students can satisfy their foreign language requirement by successfully passing the elementary level ASL courses. Freshmen and transfer students with ASL high school credentials are encouraged to apply for immediate entrance to second year SL.