Workshop Title:
“Identifying and Interpreting Visual Images and Depictions in ASL”
Workshop Description:
Figurative language in ASL presents unique challenges for learners and interpreters, requiring more than direct translation from English. This session explores how semantics, facial grammar, and depiction work together to convey figurative meaning in ASL. Teacher trainers will see demonstrations of classroom activities used to teach ASL-specific figurative expressions and their English equivalents. Participants will examine strategies for helping students identify, analyze, and interpret figurative language accurately, while preserving meaning, nuance, and speaker intent across languages and discourse contexts.
Educational Objectives:
1) Identify sources of ASL visual language that can be used to increase student exposure and learning.
2) Analyze how visual meaning is conveyed through nonmanual signals and visual-spatial strategies in ASL discourse.
3) Demonstrate instructional activities that support teaching ASL-specific language and exploring comparable English equivalents.
4) Apply strategies to help students recognize and accurately interpret visual meaning across ASL and English.
Bio:
Alisha Bronk, a Deaf Interpreter with over thirty years of experience, is dedicated to advancing the fields of American Sign Language and International Sign. She obtained her master’s degree in applied Linguistics from Portland State University in 2009. Currently, she is a full-time faculty member in the ASL and Interpreting Education Department at the Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf (RIT/NTID), where she also holds the position of coordinator for the Certification in Deaf Interpreting (CIDI) hybrid courses. As a dynamic and enthusiastic educator, Alisha is committed to enhancing her students’ understanding through visual and spatial representation. She frequently conducts workshops aimed at improving sign language skills in innovative 5D formats. Outside of her professional pursuits, Alisha enjoys hiking and traveling, and she values spending quality time with her family to create lasting memories.
Danilo E. Torres V. is a Deaf Colombian-American educator, multilingual interpreter, accessibility advocate, and community leader. He serves at Gallaudet University’s Center for Black Deaf Studies. With extensive experience in International Sign, higher education, and global engagement, he promotes equitable opportunities for Deaf communities worldwide through collaboration.
RID CEUs Offered: .15