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There are signed languages in U.S. <br />territories, such as Guam Sign Language <br />(GSL) and other indigenous sign languages, <br />and in other countries such as Mexican Sign <br />Language (LSM).[4] <br />ASL similar to English, has regional accents <br />and dialects. There are regional variations in <br />sign production, rhythm of signing, and <br />slang. Other sociological factors, including <br />age, gender, race and ethnicity, affect ASL <br />usage and contribute to the diversity of <br />language use within the Deaf community.[5] <br />For example: <br />• Black American Sign Language: Many <br />people in Black Deaf communities use <br />Black American Sign Language, a distinct <br />variety of American sign language that <br />reflects the unique history (including <br />segregated education) of Black Deaf <br />people in the United States and the <br />influence of Black hearing culture.[6] <br />• ProTactile Language: ProTactile is a <br />language that is rooted in touch and used <br />on the body. DeafBlind people are <br />empowered by communicating, <br />connecting, and experiencing the world <br />through touch (as opposed to sight).[7] <br />Values <br />Collectivism is the heart of the Deaf <br />community. Information -sharing and <br />resource -sharing among community members <br />is vital since Deaf people do not have the <br />same access to information that hearing <br />people do. One of the primary ways <br />knowledge is gained is through incidental <br />learning or informal communication <br />(including overhearing information) in public <br />or private settings and, because of language <br />differences and barriers, Deaf people cannot <br />access information in hearing environments <br />in this way.[8] Deaf people are also a critical <br />source of support and resilience to one <br />another. They rally around each other and <br />provide support and solidarity in the face of <br />systemic discrimination and exclusion in the <br />hearing world. This support is even more <br />critical to Deaf community members with <br />intersecting identities, such as DeafBlind, <br />Black Deaf, DeafDisabled, and Trans Deaf <br />people. <br />Norms and Traditions <br />Deaf norms and traditions differ from their <br />hearing counterparts. Eye contact is <br />essential and communication is direct - often <br />considered blunt by hearing people. Deaf - <br />centered spaces, like Schools for the Deaf <br />and Deaf clubs, are cherished. Deaf events <br />like social outings and conferences create <br />rare opportunities for Deaf people to come <br />together to socialize and network — <br />opportunities leading many Deaf people to <br />go out of their way to attend them. <br />07 <br />