Would you like to Learn Sign Language?
By paxrein
@paxrein (77)
Philippines
December 11, 2008 1:10pm CST
One time I was queu-ing for a train pass in MRT station when i noticed in the in the next queue, a young man staring at the destination buttons long enough to stirr grumbles from the people behind him. He appeared oblivious of them until the woman behind him tapped him and asked if he needs help. He looked at the woman shyly and pointed to his ears and cheek and then immediately left. I wasn't sure if the woman understood that he meant he is a deaf and mute.
After I got my MRT pass I followed after the deaf and asked him where he wanted to go in gestures i could recall from my Sign Language lessons. To my relief, he smiled and responded. He asked me if I was also a deaf. They don't usually expect that hearing people would communicate with them in their language.
What would you do if you find yourself wanting to help someone in similar situation? Would you shy away from helping a Deaf because you don't know Sign Language? Are you willing to go to school again to learn Sign Language? Why?
3 people like this
6 responses
@liisafiat (659)
• Latvia
15 Dec 08
Sign language is just another type of Languages, and as I do like to learn languages: then Sign Language might be one of them. Although I have not met many deaf people, so from this point I would find this language not useful for me to learn, as I will not be able to use it and help people.
But I would have helped the deaf person in that type of situation. I mean, if I had a time to spend on him and a small paper and pencil. I would write down my question and show it to him: "How can I help You?". He is not blind, right? So probably he is able to read English, right? So in this way we would solve his problem in 10-12 minutes.
1 person likes this
@paxrein (77)
• Philippines
16 Dec 08
True, the easiest way is thru writing, but many Deaf are still illiterate especially in poor communities, and most of them shy away from the hearing people because of fear of rejection and miscommunication. Even the educated Deaf seldom approach a hearing person first, unless the person is also signing. In my country there are very few school that caters for the Deaf people,and there's no college for the Deaf here. Only the few brave and can-afford ones go to college with the hearing students. BTW, What country are you from?
@paxrein (77)
• Philippines
11 Dec 08
I used to say exactly the same and sometimes i still feel I don't have time for the things I wanted to do. But when I tried to squeeze in a new schedule in my daily routine, I eventually learned to find time for opportunities to learn new things one at a time. Everytime i learn new skill, i earn new friends, i earn new experience and i earn self confidence. I tell you, it's worth it.
@warmweatherwoman (2233)
• Atlantic City, New Jersey
12 Dec 08
I would love the opportunity to be able to learn and use sign language. Im always all about learning something new - thats what life is about and that is what keeps us growing in life :)
I remember googling sign language and learning the easier ones such as I love you and Thank You and Your Welcome, but I would love to learn the language in whole.
A co-worker of mine has three deaf children and I have to say that when they come into the office, it is the most beautil thing to see mom and daughter communicate with no words. I gained a new respect for it, especially after seeing this woman I work with who is not deaf or mute have three children that are.
1 person likes this
@paxrein (77)
• Philippines
14 Dec 08
You really are a warm hearted woman. I encourage you to learn more even thru internet eventually the opportunity will come after you. I believe we can make the world a better place for the hearing impaired by reaching out to them and inspiring others to do the same.
1 person likes this
@ronnyb (6113)
• Jamaica
17 Dec 08
Wow that’s a touching story ,made my eyes moist. Now that you mentioned it ,I might shy away from situation like that not because I don’t want to help but because I wouldn’t want to give him wrong information or something. I can only imagine his frustration at not being able to understand what to do and not being able to ask for help. This must no doubt engender feelings of inferiority and low self worth in him. One thing I would do though is try to learn sign language not only because I want to help teach them but also because I would want to counsel them on being worthwhile individuals.
1 person likes this
@thecrazyjogger (3178)
• India
15 Dec 08
yeah i owold like too
it would give me the Opportunity to talk to all those poor ppl who cant talk properly
adn i would love to help them
i wish i can learn ti online n then pass a test!
happy lotting and have a nice day!
@paxrein (77)
• Philippines
16 Dec 08
You can find basic Sign Language lesson in YouTube, search for American Sign Language or similar title. I suggest you learn the sign alphabet and practice finger spelling first. It's fun and useful.
It also helps to join volunteer works for the Deaf,if you're a volunteer the deaf will teach you their sign, and its the most effective way to learn -by interaction.
Thanks and have a nice day too.
