Personal Narrative: My Journey Into The American Sign Language
Going back in time to see how much little knowledge I have about the deaf culture is insane to think about. Everything that I have learned throughout this journey has made me a more opened minded person. I wouldn't say that it's just about learning a different/second language, unlike how most schools teach languages, you get to learn about the culture, history, and the people. I personally have enjoyed this experience mostly due to the fact that it is very inspiring. I am glad I have made this decision and am following this path into the American Sign Language world.
Looking back I have realized the most incredible thing about this journey is the people/culture.The most surprising thing to me is realizing that these beautiful people are
just like us. Yes the deaf culture is a little bit different than us but there's so many good people and good qualities to them.Yes they have some challenges but I feel like if we can help them and learn this language we can be more of a united world. Being deaf doesn't define who they are, their is so much more to these people other than just being deaf. I personally thought that deaf people would have it hard and wouldn't be able to do much or that I would just pity them. I've come to realize that, that isn't the case at all. I've grown to appreciate them and have met some people who are classified as deaf and now have a great connection with them. People that I thought I would never be friends with or know are now the closest people that I have in this messy world. Learning who these people really are and having connections with them. That is the most surprising thing that I have personally learned, making friends and understanding the beauty to being deaf.
There are many myths and/or misconceptions about deaf culture. I think that the reason this is is because we,as a world, haven't explored or wanted to learn about them. Most schools require you to learn a second language in either middle school or high school. Kids or schools only do spanish or french, depending where they are in the world and the surrounding languages. Teachers don't really tell kids about all the languages that they can explore and the impact it can have on their life and others lives. Most just assume without researching or exploring also. The deaf culture/community is a rising and should be a requirement to lean. Many kids across the world don’t even know about the deaf culture. One myth is they assume that deaf citizens can't talk, which in some cases is not true. There are doctors (speech pathologists) that can teach deaf people how to talk. Or depending on when they became deaf, english could be their first language, if it was at a young age they don't know much. Not only does not knowing the language have an affect but so does deaf people not liking to speak. Some think that hearing people won't be able to understand them due to the fact that they sometimes don't get the right volume or pitch. One other myth is that deaf people can't drive. Though some researchers say that because they can't hear they can stay more focused on the road and drive better then us hearing people.
A great way to start looking into the myths and truths about the deaf culture is to just go straight to the source, deaf people. Be polite and write them a note if you don't know ASL. If something gets in the way or you don't know what to do a little bit of research never hurt anyone. It's a great way to get some knowledge and pass it on to others so more people are aware.
Looking back I have realized the most incredible thing about this journey is the people/culture.The most surprising thing to me is realizing that these beautiful people are
just like us. Yes the deaf culture is a little bit different than us but there's so many good people and good qualities to them.Yes they have some challenges but I feel like if we can help them and learn this language we can be more of a united world. Being deaf doesn't define who they are, their is so much more to these people other than just being deaf. I personally thought that deaf people would have it hard and wouldn't be able to do much or that I would just pity them. I've come to realize that, that isn't the case at all. I've grown to appreciate them and have met some people who are classified as deaf and now have a great connection with them. People that I thought I would never be friends with or know are now the closest people that I have in this messy world. Learning who these people really are and having connections with them. That is the most surprising thing that I have personally learned, making friends and understanding the beauty to being deaf.
There are many myths and/or misconceptions about deaf culture. I think that the reason this is is because we,as a world, haven't explored or wanted to learn about them. Most schools require you to learn a second language in either middle school or high school. Kids or schools only do spanish or french, depending where they are in the world and the surrounding languages. Teachers don't really tell kids about all the languages that they can explore and the impact it can have on their life and others lives. Most just assume without researching or exploring also. The deaf culture/community is a rising and should be a requirement to lean. Many kids across the world don’t even know about the deaf culture. One myth is they assume that deaf citizens can't talk, which in some cases is not true. There are doctors (speech pathologists) that can teach deaf people how to talk. Or depending on when they became deaf, english could be their first language, if it was at a young age they don't know much. Not only does not knowing the language have an affect but so does deaf people not liking to speak. Some think that hearing people won't be able to understand them due to the fact that they sometimes don't get the right volume or pitch. One other myth is that deaf people can't drive. Though some researchers say that because they can't hear they can stay more focused on the road and drive better then us hearing people.
A great way to start looking into the myths and truths about the deaf culture is to just go straight to the source, deaf people. Be polite and write them a note if you don't know ASL. If something gets in the way or you don't know what to do a little bit of research never hurt anyone. It's a great way to get some knowledge and pass it on to others so more people are aware.