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).