Deaf and Hard of Hearing
By lifeluver
@lifeluver (743)
Canada
September 26, 2008 10:59am CST
I have just started learning sign language so that I can become an intrepreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. I've also learned some very interesting things about their culture. I had not known before that Deaf people do not see themselves as having a disability, instead, they see themselves as being unique. Therefore, their language (sign language) is actually a part of thier unique culture.
I would like to hear from you MyLotters any experiences you have had with deaf people and people who are hard of hearing. Are there any deaf people here on MyLot? Please share with me you experiences, good or bad, so that I may learn even more about this very unique culture.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
26 Sep 08
The deaf and dumb are special people whom God has given special gift not given to normal human beings. In our church we have a group of choir comprising of deaf and dumb people. They are being led and conducted by a normal person who act as their conductor. I am fascinated by this special choir group when they sing the hymns with no voice but with sign languages. They are real good with these sign languages though they might not be able to hear and speak but they are really gifted with this special sign language which we normal people will take ages to master.
1 person likes this
@lifeluver (743)
• Canada
29 Sep 08
Hello Zandi! The deaf choir must be amazing to witness. Before I started my classes, I had no idea the talents deaf people have. Watching a poem being signed is an amazing sight - it looks like a "dance" with their hands.
ps...another thing I learned is deaf people frown at the term "deaf and dumb" ;)
@lifeluver (743)
• Canada
29 Sep 08
Words can be so easily misinterpreted. I knew you hadn't meant "dumb" to mean "stupid" so no worries there. Admittedly, I had assumed that all deaf people were of the same opinion as they are here. I had also assumed that all deaf people use the same sign language, American Sign Language (ASL), but they don't. As a matter of fact, there are even regional dialects just as in spoken languages. The more I learn, the more I am amazed!
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
29 Sep 08
I responded to a discussion on a similar topic and was tick off for using the word 'dumb'. I don't mean to say they are stupid but they are deaf and at the same time speechless which makes it sound very rude. But over here in my country they normally refer to this special people 'deaf and dumb' and is not considered rude. If it hurts anyone here I sincerely ask for forgiveness. Words can divide and anger some people but please forgive me as my use of the word is provocative.
1 person likes this
@ahansen (31)
• United States
26 Sep 08
How exciting for you! I took an ASL class a few years back and was teaching my son who was 4 at the time. We still use it minimally, but I'm looking at going back to school for it. My biggest piece of advise is to expose yourself to as much "real" and "natural" signing as possible. Our instructor was deaf so on breaks and such, I would "talk" with her as much as possible. Of course, I didn't know alot of signs but it really opened me up as far as learning to communicate. Good sign to learn upfront is "what sign" for when you don't know the sign for something, simply spell it out and ask "what sign". Also, grab yourself an ASL dictionary, extremely useful!! My instructor also kept me informed on local events and activities going on for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. If you're lucky enough to have a Deaf or Hard of Hearing instructor, then you should definitely take advantage. If not, check with your local groups, maybe a school for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for local events that you could attend. Have you learned about alarm clocks for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing? Pretty unique!! Good luck with the classes and the career!!
1 person likes this
@lifeluver (743)
• Canada
26 Sep 08
I am very excited AND, my teacher is deaf!! I, too, use our break to "talk" with her and learn to sign naturally. I find the hardest part is learning the "body language" that comes with the hand signals. I don't want to look forced but it sometimes feels very akward. An ASL dictionary would definately come in useful...I'll have to see if I can find one. Thanks!
@kenzie45230 (3560)
• United States
26 Sep 08
I used to have an internet friend who had worn two hearing aides since she was about 3 years old. They don't help her to hear like the rest of us, but do help her hear important sounds - like sirens or horns honking. She was the first to tell me that she was not disabled, just hearing challenged.
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