Posts by Amy Lazzaretti


What are the Five ASL Parameters?

Amy Lazzaretti /

One of the key components of American Sign Language is the use of five parameters, which are used to convey meaning and nuance in signs. The meaning of a signed word can change when any of its key parameters are altered. For example, in English, incorrect pronunciation or spelling errors. . . + Read More

American Sign Language Handshapes

Amy Lazzaretti /

What is a mental movie and how do we produce them? When we visualize something in our minds, it’s like a movie scene of what we recall or imagine. It can be a memory or a possible situation we witnessed. When Deaf people think in English, they have words or. . . + Read More

Deaf Certified Interpreters

Amy Lazzaretti /

While American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are common, Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs) are less common.  However, CDIs share many similarities with ASL interpreters, possessing specialized knowledge and skills that ASL interpreters lack training in. The relationship between CDIs and ASL interpreters resembles that between Special Forces and a town Sheriff;. . . + Read More

Tips & Tricks for Learning ASL from a Deaf Teacher

Amy Lazzaretti /

After more than 30 years of teaching, I have advised students on how to enhance their American Sign Language (ASL) skills by improving fluency, retaining knowledge, and developing abilities. Instead of spending time googling numerous tips and tricks for learning ASL, here are some tried and true methods that will. . . + Read More

Black Deaf History

Amy Lazzaretti /

At Sign Language Blitz we recognize our shared humanity, and our collective need to observe our specific cultural heritages & histories.  We support people across boundaries of race, faith, orientation and identities in the face of ongoing discrimination, injustice, bias, and lack of inclusion.  Though information and education exist, bias. . . + Read More

“Standing on Business” ASL Trend

Amy Lazzaretti /

With the rise in popularity of videos on social media, American Sign Language has become the center of many trends. Recently, the phrase “Standing on Business” in ASL has been trending due to a Seattle Seahawks wide receiver’s touchdown celebration. Definition of “Standing on Business” According to Urban Dictionary, ”Standing. . . + Read More

How Do Deaf People Learn to Read?

Amy Lazzaretti /

The path to literacy for Deaf individuals is unique compared to hearing individuals, as they navigate a spoken language-centric world to master reading. This blog unravels the strategies and experiences that enable literacy development within the Deaf community. From birth, Deaf infants are frequently exposed to visual forms of communication,. . . + Read More

What Language Do Deaf People Think In?

Amy Lazzaretti /

Language is often seen as the foundation of thought, allowing ideas to take form and perceptions to be shared. For the Deaf, the link between language and thought is unique and captivating. This exploration dives into the fascinating question: What language do Deaf people think in? Visual Languages and Spatial. . . + Read More