Crossed Signals

Communication can always be a challenge, but when communicating in a 2nd language, the challenges become.... well, extra special. 

My thesis topic is second language acquisition of ASL by hearing adults, particularly in the area of phonology.  What does that mean?  (See, it's English, but most people still don't know.)   What it means actually isn't important beyond the ramifications of said topic and my proficiency level in sign language.

I'm not that proficient.  I can have a (slow) casual conversation.  Sometimes I can understand speeches/sermons given at a regular signing rate.  But discussing the details of 2nd language acquisition by hearing adults and examining how they learn phonology and what my procedures are... well, I don't know how to express that in ASL any more than most people understand what I'm talking about.  Because this is my thesis, I need someone who's fluent, grew up using sign language, to help validate my study, essentially.  I can come up with ideas of things to test, but I may I may miss a sign that's "right" or one that's "wrong". 

And can I just say, it is exceedingly difficult to express something so technical and detailed in another language, even after doing it several times.  Then it becomes frustrating.  Every meeting is a huge undertaking, to plan what I'm going to say and how, and prepare a few documents to help me out in case I get stuck.  Every conversation feels like it missed something.  Perhaps because I can't fully communicate, or perhaps because I'm used to using speech.  Every time I say "GOOD-BYE" in sign, I feel like I haven't really said good-bye -- it was just so silent.

So I've left meetings, wondering how well I was understood.  Especially later if I don't get a response.  "Did they really agree to help?  What was the level of help they were willing to offer?  Did they understand what I was saying?  Did I understand what they were saying?"  And did I miss something culturally?  If I need to follow up, how do I do that?  In email?  Keep showing up at their door?  I can't call them.

It's all so complicated!