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.