Do I need to learn the culture to understand sign language?

Question

Without learning a culture along with a language, we become parrots. Can a parrot truly engage in a meaningful conversation? Of course not. They echo phrases and words, but can't analyze our word choice and topical interests. Learning a group's culture including their literature, art, struggles, history, and shared experiences gives clues to interests, etymology, and social rules that enrich the language learning process.

Answer 1

Learning the culture is important when learning ASL because how you communicate, or what signs you encounter often are influenced by the culture. Deaf culture is a prominent part in how you sign. It also helps you understand to an extent why you sign what you sign; in other words, how certain phrases or signs came to birth.

Answer 2

Every group of people that has its own language usually has a culture as well. Without knowing the culture, you can't relate well to the language users. So understanding the culture gives you an extra leg up in being accepted by the individuals. That translates to giving you their trust as well as your being able to converse with them. This is even more important when you are translating information that is personal and valuable to them.