There is a deaf girl at the shelter (I am homeless and using a library computer). I was wondering if it would be rude to tell her that I know a little sign language and let her know that we can talk (if she goes VERY slowly lol -- this is stuff I learned in grade school . . . takes a while to get my neurons going lol).
Anyone know how to start that conversation?
2007-07-25 11:14:24 · 24 answers · asked by Abnormal 4 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Polls & Surveys
FYI
She carries several notepads around with her and staff and other shelter members are frustrated by the amount of time and confusion involved in a conversation with her sometimes.
I have been keeping my knowledge a secret b/c I don't always feel welcome in that shelter (don't ask . . .)
But the longer I watch everyone struggle, the more I want to scream "I CAN HELP!!!"
2007-07-25 11:20:38 · update #1
She is not vocal. Sometimes she moans to get attention, but you can't tell what she is saying.
2007-07-25 11:36:09 · update #2
Hearing Impaired or also known as Deaf people, most of them anyways, are always happy to know that hearing people are tryin to learn thier language. I am Hard of Hearing.. kinda like i dont fit in either world lol! but just walk up to her and sign hello (pretty simple and basic) then you can sign my name is then finger spell your name.. any questions you have to ask her and you dont know the sign for it finger spell or describ it best to your knowledge, or write it down and ask how you sign it.. It should be pretty easy after a while.. Good luck
2007-07-25 11:45:43 · answer #1 · answered by Bryan & Rina W 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She'd probably welcome a new friend to talk to. Start off by signing a few words like "Hello, what's your name?" Then ask if that was the right signing. I've worked with a lot of deaf people, and they appreciate "hearing" people making an effort to communicate. Sorry to learn you're homeless. Hope things get better for you. You seem like a really nice, caring person. Good luck
2007-07-25 18:24:09 · answer #2 · answered by Taylor29 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you just start signing some everyday thing, as something normal. If she can lip read too, then you will be able to explain that you are not fluent in signing.
It is lovely that you want to do that, and I am truly sorry you both are homeless.
Perhaps you can both investigate whether there are any social services you are entitled to and not getting.
2007-07-25 18:20:02 · answer #3 · answered by gilpers302 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think that would be a great thing. she's probably lonely if most people don't want to take the time to communicate with her.
i'd brush up on your sign language a little bit first. :) good luck!
2007-07-25 18:18:27 · answer #4 · answered by jess 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would walk over to her, touch her on the arm and sign, "would you like a friend?" That is my favorite sign (friend). She will probably "talk" her fingers off. Is she vocal at all?
2007-07-25 18:32:05 · answer #5 · answered by little lu-lu 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you caught her attention and signed, "Hello, how are you?" It seems to me that's the best way to start any conversation, hearing or not.
2007-07-25 18:17:41 · answer #6 · answered by Jess 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you could ask her if she wants to be friends..and if so, then you guys could just learn more about eachother and see what likes and dislikes you each have and see if you have anything in common...
Good Luck
~Krysco~
2007-07-25 18:18:14 · answer #7 · answered by Bleeding Love 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yup that's fine. In deaf culture you always give your name, where you're from and how you learned sign....if you wanna email me I can give ya some tips
I tutor ASL : )
2007-07-25 18:17:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no i think thats pretty good way to start communicating. start by not speaking but using sign language to let her kno that you kno. but make sure ypu make it clear that she has to go slow. good luck!
2007-07-25 18:18:39 · answer #9 · answered by :) 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it wouldn't be rude. I'm sure both of you could use a good friend right now.
God bless you.
2007-07-25 18:17:11 · answer #10 · answered by Phoenix Rising 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋