In a world filled with several forms of instant communication,
the reader or listener must focus to discern the intended
message. For the hearing impaired, some of these same message
cues serve as context clues to the message or topic idea. But
when the deaf converse with others who have the inability to
hear, use of American Sign Language is beneficial. American Sign
Language, or ASL, is the form of communication used by deaf
communities in the United States and English-speaking regions of
Canada. There are many people, though, who work with someone who
is hearing impaired and speaks English, but does not know ASL.
To help such people share a conversation, Pidgin Sign English,
or PSE, can be a boon. PSE is a combination of elements of ASL
and English. Julie Poor teaches a six-week course on PSE during
the fall at the Tahlequah Public Library, and recently held a
refresher class for participants who are learning to the basics
of sign language. “What I teach specifically is called pidgin
signing. It’s the gap