Post #14: Chapter 36

                This is the last chapter we are blogging this semester. As I look back to when I first sat down to blog Chapter 1, I feel like I was so uneducated on the deaf community. I have loved reading this book throughout the semester because I feel as if it really connects what we learn in class and at our Deaf Culture Events and helps us bridge the gap between the two and gain some more insight into the deaf culture and history.

I hated that deaf people were originally labeled “deaf-mutes” and “deaf-and-dumb” (pg. 209). These terms are so condescending and patronizing, as well as completely untrue.

So many people question why deaf people won’t use their voice and the authors kept restating that, “Because they cannot hear themselves talk, profoundly deaf people cannot control the pitch, inflection, or loudness of their voices” (pg. 209). I also completely agree with the fact that a deaf persons tone does not reflect their intelligence, “the quality of a deaf person’s intonation has little, if anything, to do with the kind of education they’ve received” (pg. 209).

I found it cool that, “deaf children whose first language is Sign tend to develop better speech than those who are given intensive early oral training” (pg.210). According to the authors this is because, “Having a solid foundation in a visual language (i.e., ASL) makes it easier for the child to pick up another language” (pg.210).

This chapter points out that, “It is unfair to compare the speech skills of those who are born deaf or early-deafened with those who had the advantage of having been able to hear their own voices for years!” (pg.210). Of course it is! Duh! I don’t think we should compare the two at all. I’m glad that the authors ended this chapter by saying, “It’s strictly a matter of personal preference and comfort” (pg.210). No one should feel forced to use a language that they are uncomfortable with. When the chapter talked about speech it said, “Many Deaf people lead full, productive, happy lives without it- and they deal with the Hearing world every day” (pg.211). I find it so impressive that deaf people use Sign Language and are still able to battle the hearing world; I can’t even imagine the struggles and hardships they face every day. I have gained so much respect for the Deaf Community and the Deaf Culture after reading a small portion of this book, next semester I look forward to reading more of it.

Posting #13: Chapter 35

I love that the author’s start off the chapter by saying that, “Deaf people are individuals. They shouldn’t be stereotyped” (pg. 205). I feel like deaf people are stereotyped more out of other people’s ignorance. So many people are clueless about the deaf community and deaf culture. Unfortunately, the deaf get labeled out of hearing people’s stupidity. This is one reason I’m glad I am taking an ASL class; I want to bring awareness to the deaf culture. When asked why deaf people can’t talk, the authors answered by stating, “If we do use our voices, are we oppressing other Deaf people?” (pg. 205). This reminds me of what was discussed in the previous chapter, Chapter 34, referring back to how many deaf people aren’t confident in using their voice.

People assume that because many deaf children go through speech therapy that they should be able to talk, but the reality is that, “Some children enjoy the training and find it rewarding. Others loathe it” (pg. 205). I also had never heard of deaf people being categorized before so this chapter really taught me a lot.

Categories (pg. 206-207):

1. Those born-deaf. “They usually disdain using their voices, but may use them to communicate with a hearing sister or brother, or other close relative they feel comfortable with” (pg. 206). They are labeled “deaf”.

2. Those born-deaf or early deafened, may use their voice around hearing people, they are categorized as “deaf-speech”.

3. People who become deaf later in childhood are classified as “HH-voice” (Hard of Hearing)

4. Progressively-deafened or late deafened adults- “ex-hearing”.

5. Deaf from hearing families who learned ASL but are not fluent signers- “oral”.

6. Hard-of-hearing from deaf families/ hearing loss of 60 dB- HH-voice”.

7. Oral-deaf who don’t know how to sign and don’t plan on learning- “hearing-in-the-head”.

                After reading all the categories, I am glad that the authors added that, “People are not labels. We are more important than categories. Our prime concern is that there be communication” (pg. 207). Towards the end of the chapter I also came across a sentence I found ironic. It said, “It should also be noted that there are some hearing persons who don’t use their voices when in the company of Deaf friends, co-workers, relatives, or clients” (pg. 207). This is exactly what our teacher taught use to do at our Deaf Culture Events; it is a perfect way to become immersed in the deaf culture and learn ASL.

Posting #12: Chapter 34

                I liked that in this letter the writer Roger Mindel said that he wanted to learn enough sign language to “be fully understood, and, as important, to learn about the deaf and their culture” (pg.201). He discovers that he knew nothing about the deaf culture and language. I also thought that that about myself after reading a few chapters of this book and attending a few weeks of my ASL class. He asks the authors if it is wrong to want the deaf woman in his office to verbalize. The authors say that, “It’s not wrong- it’s human nature” (pg. 202). I understand why he wants her to speak but at the same time I think that is a little selfish of him. The author’s brought this to my attention, “But if speech is the portal to success, is non-speech the automatic gateway to second-class citizenship?” (pg.202). This statement really calls hearing people out on their selfish expectations.

The fact that “Good articulation is notoriously difficult both to achieve and maintain, especially for those born deaf or early-deafened” (pg.202) was reemphasized which I appreciated. I could only imagine what a struggle that must be. “You can never really be sure how you sound” (pg.202). It was sad to read that a lot of deaf people don’t feel confident using their voices. “They know that their voices sound harsh and unpleasant; they’re embarrassed about using them” (pg.202). I agree with the advice the authors gave towards the end of the chapter, “As for wanting your Deaf co-worker to verbalize, that really has to be her decision” (pg.203) and that “It should be voluntary” (pg.203).