What ya think abt deaf people?

Question

I am just curious to see what hearing people have things to talk about deaf people...have you interact with deaf people...how was that like...you have deaf friends??? How is like to have a deaf friend??? You learn any of their languages??? How?? You learn anythin' of deaf cultures??? What do you see differences between deaf and hearing cultures??? Etc...please be nice as possible as you should consider deaf people might see message you typed...if you gotta be rude...be courteous...peace!

Answer 1

I have several Deaf friends. When I first starting getting involved in the Deaf community it was intimidating, because I was so awkward in my signing. But with time it became easier. I went to classes and hung out with people that were kind enough to be patient with me.

My Deaf friends are like my hearing friends -- good people that I enjoy being around. There are nice Deaf folks, and mean Deaf folks -- just like there are nice hearing folks and mean hearing folks. Yes, there are some differences in culture, but that is not a bad thing. :o) Learning about a different culture has enriched my life. Now I am an interpreter and in the perfect job for me! And I have met some great people that I wouldn't have met otherwise.

Answer 2

You have so many questions and each is very important but has a different slant on how your child's life would go. I strongly suggest you go to a meeting where people who have lived with their own or a family member's serious hearing limits can talk to you openly and honestly about those choices. The cochlear implant is not as perfect as people think. The sounds the person hears are not the same as a person with average hearing abilities. Sign language works in a community of those with hearing deficits, but in a world of hearing the majority of people do not sign. Putting a child in a specialized school may give them a sense of community but does not allow the child to develop a rounded social circle, adjust to people's inappropriate and rude responses in a less threatening manner, and not allow them to develop friendships with neighors, etc. No, a law does not need to be made. Look at the actress with hearing loss and see that she signs, reads lips, but lives within the average community. If you haven't read any of the books like The Miracle Worker or other books on Helen Keller, do because you will get an insight to help you make the decision. Ms. Keller went on to become a diplomat, etc., and she not only lost her hearing as a child (age 2) but also lost her sight. Your choices are hard and few have walked the walk you are taking. Use the professional resources and those of the deaf community to help you make this life altering decision. Again, your choices are hard.

Answer 3

When I read the title to your question I was angry as I was thinking 'what do you mean what do I THINK about them?' but your question really is an interesting one. To be honest I really wish I knew sign language, I'm not sure how many types there are or if there are different types--call me ignorant if you want-- but I figure it would be great if everyone could speak sign language and there was only one, you could talk to anyone in the world!
I don't have any friends who are deaf but as a person who is not deaf and not exposed to many people who are I have always wanted to know if people who are deaf find it rude if I speak slower to them? I know that many people who are deaf can read lips so I find myself trying to speak slowly and very clearly when I am talking to someone who does. I worry that they think I think they are 'stupid.' I dont. I'm trying to make it easier but I don't know if I am being insulting. For anyone who is deaf and may think that remember, some of us are not sure how capable you are a reading lips. Sorry if it seems rude.

Answer 4

I have a deaf aunt, and in our university, there's a school for the deaf, so I sometimes get to meet them.

It can feel awkward being around people who are deaf. Sometimes it's like being around foreigners speaking their own language. But I think they are more attuned to the universality of body language. As such, sometimes, there's no communication gap at all. Deaf people are very good at picking up subtle cues about how you're feeling, etc. and I think they're very remarkable for that. Sometimes speaking/hearing people hide behind their words.

I was amazed at seeing a team of deaf performers street dancing. They feel the vibrations of the music on the ground/stage and dance to that (but they have to play the music very loud).

I think deaf people and their needs have to be better considered/represented in the political and technological fields, to protect their rights and safety, and enrich their quality of life.

Answer 5

deaf people do not have a different culture than normal people do, they live thier lifes, just like you and I do, they only difference is that some people can hear, and others can't, most people who are deaf or hard of hearing, or going deaf (like me ) learn how to read lips, so that we can understand what other people are saying, so just talk slowly, and plainly, and we will understand you.

we also learn sign language, which I would reccomend that every one learn, because there is nothing more frustrating than going into a store, restaurant, etc, and not being able to have a conversation with the person/persons you are with because you can't hear like they do.

also, being deaf is not a handicap, we can do the same thing that "normal" people can do, we just can't hear sounds, that is the only difference, so treat us with respect, not like we are disabled, etc.. we deserve respect just like anyone else does.

Answer 6

My neighbor is deaf and we get along fine. She's an old lady, always see her out front of her apartment watering and on her way to and fro, we wave hi, I let my dog run over to her for a petting, she gives my dog treats, and if we need to have a lengthy conversation, we use paper and pen. I took a sign language class about 30 years ago and went on a date with a fellow in class, what a time we had, he took me to a porn movie and couldn't speak the whole time, not that you need to, but I went right home afterward. Never did find out what else he thought we would do. It was quite funny at class later. js

Answer 7

i have a deaf friend. he reads lips and can talk ok.

i am looseing my hearing to some extent. and it is easier for me to understand people if i can see their mouth moveing when they talk. so him and i can communicate well.

i used to be fluent in American Sign Language. back when i was about 12 of 14 years old. i had a deaf friend then too and learned it so that we could talk.

have not used it in over 10 years and am trying to get used to it again.

Answer 8

Quite honestly whenever I meet a deaf person I find out just how lazy I have become. They are some truly amazing people.

Answer 9

Deaf people have their own blessings and are very courageous in my view. It is hard enough to live on this planet with all our senses, but to exsist without a sense such as hearing, well that is just amazing and should be honored.

Answer 10

I am not deaf and mute..... but at the moment i am enrolled in the shcool for special people... and i am learning the language of the deaf and the mute...... i felt lucky because for me.... i am their voice when they cant speak and their ears when they cant hear... its a challenging thing for me especially if they have visitors because i have to explain everything...especially if their teacher is not around.....