I think there is little substitute for verbal communication. ASL and other forms of sign
We live in a world based on verbal communication. In that sense people who use any of the signed languages will be a t a deficit just as much as if an english speaking person moved to Japan and had to try to communite with the people there. BUT the deaf I think do have an advantage there because many "signs" are very similar to gestures that hearing people use. Eat, drink, sleep. The deaf are very adaptable in this regard.
however are more complex than people realize.
Very true. Most people think ASL or QSL (Quebec Canada) or FSL (French France) or BSL (British) are all word for word trandslations. They aren't SEE (Signed Exact English) is a word for word transslation but the deaf don't use it. People like me use it - caught between 2 worlds. lol
A couple of years ago when I started losing my hearing I went to meet a deaf group that meets close to where I live. If I had to I think I could more easily make the adjustment to the deaf world because of my ability to sign. I was very pleased that the deaf community is as large as it is here. I expected 5-10 people. Instead there were almost 50 and that includes just the ones who could attend.
Many times the recognition of ASL as a language on par with all others, is also an attempt to disuade younger deaf from leaning written english or getting coclear implants. This is a subject of much debate in the deaf community and no small amount of pride is involved.
I think something got confused in there. I think you meant that the failure to recognize ASL as a true language is based on the attempt to dissuage children with hearing problems from learning sign language. There has always been the debate to educate the deaf iusing the oral method, where the child learns to lip read and speak through intensive sessions of learning sounds when they can't hear them. I think it is cruel to subject a child to that when all the parent needs to do is learn to adapt to the child's needs instead of the child adapting to the hearing world. It doesn't work and most children who were taught this eventually learn to sign.
It is false that all people who use sign language are totally deaf and hear nothing. Many can hear a bit and yes they can hear music or at least feel it and they can dance.
MY opinion is that if the implants or hearing aids help, then use it. it doesn't have to chage the cultural group you belong to. I wear glasses and now I have an artificial lens that replaced my cataracts. I have hearing aids. I use a wheelchair to go out. Those thing make my life easier and help me be more independant. I will use anything that helps me maintain my independance wether that is visual, auditory or mobility.
Schools for children who are deaf are not against hearing aids or teaching children to talk. If they have any level of sound it is encouraged and the child gets a richer and more independant experience. But they shouldn't be deprived these things if they need them or would benefit from them.
Off my soap box before people start thowing eggs at their monitors
