I can hear! I am very animated in speech and am very open to a relationship with this guy. He is so cute and funny and for the most part, I actually understand a lot of what he is saying because of his facial expressions and body language. PLUS, he can read my lips if I slow down my speech a little and if he can't I have been bringing paper and pen so I can write down what I am talking about and vice versa. I guess what I am really looking for is tips and insight into deaf culture - I don't want to do something completely off-base. I am new at this!
2007-03-22 10:36:03 · 9 answers · asked by d_nanner 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Singles & Dating
Deaf Culture 101:
1. If the person you want to communicate with uses sign langauge, and you know sign...use it. ALWAYS. If you were in a group of people who were all speaking english and all of a sudden 2 people started speaking spanish, you would feel kind of awkward.
2. if you have to walk through a conversation between 2 signers, don't just sit there and wait for them to finish. Just walk through. No need to duck or anything extravagant. Just say excuse me and walk right through. This is NOT considered rude.
3. Getting attention. There are several ways to do this: flick the lights on and off several times, ask another person near the person you want to tap them on the shoulder, tap them on the shoulder yourself, wave your hand (GENTLY) at them. (you don't wanna look like you're trying to fly)
4. Explain EVERYTHING. If you are late, explain why. If you are leaving, say where you are going. If you are in school, tell where, when, why, how....Deaf people LOVE information and they may seem "nosy"...they aren't. Its just part of their culture.
5. Be aware of things that might be controversial in conversation. (Such as the recent Gallaudet protest, oral education, cochlear implants..etc)
6. Don't ask a Deaf person to "slow down". Its annoying. The Deaf people I'm around will sign something 12 kajillion times at a normal speed for a new student, but if you ask them to slow down, they just get annoyed. This is a teaching tool...take advantage of it as it will help you to get better at understanding the langauge.
7. Familiarize yourself with "deaf idioms" such as "TRAIN-ZOOM", "PAH"...it will help your conversation flow more smoothly.
That's all I can think of off the top of my head. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask me!
EDIT: Also...don't be afraid to talk to him about his feelings. If you want to know more about him and his involvement in Deaf culture...talk to him. He'll appreciate your interest.
2007-03-22 13:30:31 · answer #1 · answered by Jenni Q 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
deaf people are like any other people, they should not be pittied. Also if anyone ever talks about him while he's right there it's very rude even mean so stand up for him. My best friend is deaf and people talk about him all the time and I just tell them they are being very mean and sometimes they stop. Also i would try learning sign language it only took me a month or so to learn all I know.
2007-03-24 02:19:08 · answer #2 · answered by kewlgrl1024 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sunshine's right. Deaf people are just like you and me. Also, if you really want to be cute ans surprise him by buying a book on sign language and learning some. It's frusterating for a deaf person because not many people speak sign language, so I think he'll really appreciate that.
2007-03-22 10:43:01 · answer #3 · answered by Firewheel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sister has been married to a deaf man for 20 twenty years. They have 3 children. It's takes a very special person to do this. I've spent a vacation week at their house and I got very frustrated. I don't know how she does it. I couldn't.
2007-03-22 10:42:33 · answer #4 · answered by luckford2004 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That sounds way cool. I learned basic sign language in 2nd grade. And stil remeber it. You should learn a bit of it. I had a Sesame Street book that thaught me so much!
Good luck and I really hope your relationship "blossoms"...
2007-03-22 10:45:00 · answer #5 · answered by Julie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's just like you and me, only thing is he uses his eyes to hear. Learn sign language so that you can communicate with him better... dont let this discourage you from having a good time with him or learning new things.. i say go for it!
2007-03-22 10:44:23 · answer #6 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Deaf people are just like any other people and want to be admired for their talents not pitied for what others as their perceived handicap.
2007-03-22 10:40:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
wait you understand what he's saying because of his facial expression? is he a mute also?
2007-03-22 10:45:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
yes, he is smart!
2014-02-09 19:53:34 · answer #9 · answered by ImKid 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋