AW: [sw-l] How long does it take to learn?

[Valerie Sutton]

SignWriting List
December 17, 2006

James Shepard-Kegl, Esq. wrote:
> When I am asked how long it takes to learn SW, my answer is that this
> depends upon whether or not you are fluent in whatever sign  
> language that
> you are reading or writing.

Hi James!
That is true...it depends...


> SW, and reading in general, is all about codes and predictions.   
> One learns
> a code so that one can predict how a word or phrase or sentence  
> might be
> written.  This analysis assumes you have a foundation from which  
> base your
> prediction.

Yes, that is what the Quick-Reading is based on...



>
> For example:  THE BEAR INHABITS THE FOR----
> We English speakers are halfway through the word and we already  
> know we are
> talking about a "forest".
>
> SW is quite easy to learn to read if halfway through the word you can
> already predict the rest.

True...


>
> The, there are errors:  THE BEAR INHABATS THE FORSET.  English  
> readers can
> predict the intent and, knowing the correct word, can apply their  
> knowledge
> of the code to find the errors.  In fact, when teaching SW,  
> throwing in some
> intentional errors is a good method for teaching children the code.

Great idea! I agree...that would be an interesting way to teach more  
detail...


>
> As for speed in composition, what I can't figure out is how the  
> Chinese
> accomplish this.

Very well! And the written system for Korean is gorgeous and equally  
as amazing...


>
> Life is a journey, not a race.

I love this phrase...we surely need to remember this!

Thanks for your input!

Val ;-)