If you had a deaf child, which would you rather, s/he learn to speak badly or sign fluently, or both?

Question

I put this in the parentlng section as it's a question of parenting a deaf child.

smile, I'm deaf myself, and my parents made the decision to teach me how to talk and to sign, as I am a deaf person in a hearing world. the point about interpreters is a very pertinent one. I asked this question to see what the general public had to say. cheers!

Answer 1

Both! I'd say fluent sign language is the most important,as this may be th eonly way to have open and fluent communication, which is so vital for our mental health. However, a little speech may be useful in some situations.
The most important things are communication and that the child grows up with a sense of pride in being deaf and not shame.

Answer 2

I would definitely teach them and their family members sign language for the ease and fluidity. It is a really fun and beautiful language to learn. I would also see that they were trained to talk as well as possible because it gives them more mobility to function in the "general public". It's not an either or proposition atleast that is what my professor at college said. He was on the State Board of the Deaf and hearing impairment was his specialty.

Answer 3

I'm learning American Sign language, going on level 3, advance. I would say I need to brush up on my signing skills. However, I very much enjoy signing and going to deaf community events. I am hearing and I try to not use it. Amazing how we take advantage of our senses.

If I have a deaf child(ren), I will teach them to sign and speak. Some children are more skilled in signing as some are more clear in speech/reading lips. It depends on the child him/herself.

My first ASL 1 teacher is deaf, with a hard of hearing wife, with two hearing small children. He can read lips and very patient. but his speech is hard to understand. However, we were understanding and actually it was the best for him to not speak, as it made us truly focus in signing.

When it comes to children, have to know the child and go with their skills to build on top of it or to go with what they also prefer. I know a lot of deaf people or hearing sign language learners who have preferences. Some love to sign and others love to talk.

I personally love to sign and only use my voice if I have to. Takes awhile to get used to not talking as it is a natural habit.

Answer 4

Both. Although interpreters are available for deaf people they are not always handy. It would be good for your child to learn to speak. Working with a speech therapist will improve her speech greatly. Being able to speak will also help build her self-confidence and will allow her to feel better equipped to communicate with others outside of the deaf community.

Answer 5

I'd go with both. Some speaking, even badly, may be necessary in the case of an emergency or just to communicate with hearing people. Not many know sign language. Good question

Answer 6

I'd say both. I love Americn Sign Laguage (I took it for two years and I might take it again next year). I'd want my kid to know how to talk and read lips and also know ASL. I know that if I have a kid he/she could do it because Sue Thomas learned and she got a job from the F.B.I.. And Helen Keller could talk later on I think and she could feel the alphabet leters of sign language.

Answer 7

Both, if the child can vocalize. With advancements being made , that child may be a hearing child someday.

Answer 8

Both! I think both are great abilities that the child needs.

Answer 9

both. the more methods of communication the child has, the better it is for her/him.

Answer 10

both