This paper discusses issues of language revitalization and linguistic prescriptivism related to the teaching of American Sign Language (ASL) in Canada. I describe the current and historical context for ASL teaching, including the increase in ASL course offerings at some postsecondary institutions, and discuss findings related to challenges in…

Provides a current example of recent legislation that promotes the instruction of American Sign Language in public schools and/or at the college/university level for foreign or second-language credit. Addresses the impact and planning necessary to meet the challenge of this "new" old language in the schools. (RJM)

This article explores some of the complexities of the question as to whether or not American Sign Language (ASL) is a foreign language. It reviews the historical oppression of the deaf, the development of ASL and its defining value to proponents of deaf culture, mentions other language systems (including foreign sign systems) used by the…