So many of us (d/Deaf/HoH) have gotten a lot of questions regarding: Sign Language learning, Deaf Community/Culture, Interpreting, and other things in between. So I decided to do a “Master” post with answers from myself and other d/Deaf/HoH replies.
Also this will be updated quite frequently so keep checking back for more questions/answers!
It is best to learn Sign Language from a class and in person. Yes Online can help but in person, face-to-face interaction is best. Find Sign Language classes in your area (HS, College). It is best to have a Deaf/HoH Instructor/teacher as they know the Deaf Life/Culture/World from first hand experience. Deaf people work hard to tell the hearing world that Deaf Can. Deaf give the best advice in learning Sign Language. Also, here’s a link to help you out.
Also, try and find a Deaf Community in your area if you can’t find classes and you’re learning Online. The best is to learn from the Deaf Community and going to events. If you live in the USA: Here is a link that can help you find your area if they have Deaf Events. If you live outside of USA… use Google to search “Deaf Community in ( your area ), Province/State, Country. Something should pop up!
2. Sign Language Interpreter
Every Deaf/HoH person has their own mode of communication when it comes to sign language. In this case I will use American Sign Language (ASL) as examples.
Some prefer true ASL, word order.
There is also PSE which is “Pidgin Signed English” it isn’t a Language but more - ASL signs in English Word Order. Example in English: Are we going to the mall tomorrow? PSE: We go mall tomorrow?
SEE Signed Exact English is where you use sign (different from ASL) and use a, the, and, -ing, -ed in your sentences.
Some prefer when the Interpreter is mouthing the words while signing. (SimCom is talking/signing at same time, but i’ll get to this later)
Others is just no Sign Language, but lipread Interpreters.
Now it comes the Interpreters themselves. Many Deaf/HoH will agree with this: We like Interpreters who KNOW what they are doing, who are Ally’s/willing to accommodate us. This is what some/most Deaf/HOH want to see in an interpreter. Everyone is different though in what they want.
3. How can I find Sign Language resources when I have no classes nearby?
Obviously Sign Language is NOT universal. Each country has it’s own Sign Language. Except Canada/America, we share the same Sign Language (American Sign Language). Even though Canada/America/UK/Australia has English as their main language… but they have their own Sign Languages!
So make sure to research what Sign Language is used in YOUR country.
Here is link on different Sign Language Related Links
4. Wait Sign Language isn’t Universal?!
Nope! Not at all! Lovely slecnaztemnot did a post about it… here
Only exception would be Canada/America sharing the same Sign Language (American Sign Language) but… some parts of Canada has LSQ (Langue des signes québécoise) which would be in Quebec mostly and small bit of Ontario.
SimCom is Simultaneous Communication. Meaning, the person is signing AND talking at the same time. This is not an ideal option for someone to do because voiced language and signed language have completely different grammar. So it’s impossible or extremely complicated to Sign AND Voice at the same time. Your brain just can’t do it. You either slow your signing down, or don’t voice at all.
6. But I’ve seen people SimCom before, why are they doing it if it’s impossible to do?
SimCom is only really meant for when you’re around Hearing AND Deaf individuals. Even if it’s 14 hearing people and 1 Deaf and one of the hearing people know ASL… it is a must to have said hearing sign while talking so the Deaf person isn’t behind or lost in the understanding of the conversation. Here is a video explaining it.
7. Why are Closed Captions (CC) so important?
Well I’m just going to leave this here for your wondering eyes to read.
8. What’s the difference between deaf and Deaf?
Check this link out explaining the differences between deaf, Deaf, Hard of Hearing and why some people don’t like the term hearing impaired.
9. I am hearing and was wondering what is the best way to learn about Deaf Culture/World/Life? I don’t want to offend the Deaf Community and I want to approach them appropriately.
Here is going to be a LONG answer. By a few Hearing People perspectives.
1) My first bit of advice is: when you’re doing anything related to the Deaf Community, keep your voice off and your eyes open. Introduce yourself as hearing right off the bat. “MY NAME ___, ME HEARING” *Most* Deaf are open to hearing people who are learning sign language and are happy to slow down for you. Others aren’t so keen to slow down. Don’t be put down by your first bad experience, keep at it!! Remember that Deaf people are blunt, and many go by the “if I can see it, I can say it” rule, and try not to be offended. For example, I was experimenting with a new eyebrow pencil that I didn’t notice was too light for me. My hearing friends didn’t say one word because they didn’t want to hurt my feelings. My Deaf friend took one look at me and signed “did you dye your eyebrows? They look weird. Too light” It wasn’t that he didn’t care that’d I’d be embarrassed, he just wanted to give me the heads up. If he noticed, others would too and he didn’t want me to go around looking off. Honestly, most Deaf people won’t be offended by you as long as you are trying hard. They might correct a word you signed wrong, or a faux pas you committed but it’s with your education of the Deaf Community in mind. Take it as a learning experience and a chance to grow
2) as a Hearing guy with a love for ASL/the Deaf community, I can definitely relate to not wanting to embarrass myself, but honestly that’s gonna be some of your best education: the community itself. Go to events! If you’re worried about your level of signing, just inform whomever you’re signing with your level/you’re a student/whatever! People aren’t mean! In my experience, they’re excited about people learning! That may not be universal, but honestly just take a chance. Go to events. Make friends live your life. Viva ASL!
3) be respectful to those you meet. Go in with an open mind and realization that you may face some hurtful opinions because you are hearing. I’ve learned most of sign language online and in the community. Go into it curious but not with the mindset of just wanting to learn it because its the new “fad.” It is a culture, a lifestyle and there are different social parameters to it, and you need to understand that.
10. How to communicate with d/Deaf/HOH?
Well, there are MANY different ways to communicate with someone who is d/Deaf/HoH. But the key point is… ask what the d/Deaf/HoH prefers in communication. Some lipread, use paper/pen, sign language, gestures. Here is a post talking about the Do’s/Don’ts!
11. What NOT to ask a Deaf/HoH Person
This isn’t a question, but these are common questions we get asked on a daily bases. thatdeafblackguy gotten an ask with his and others answers there.
12. How do Hearing Aids (HAs) work?
deafdiaries answered this question beautifully.
13. I’m confused about the different degrees of Hearing Loss. Can you explain it to me please?
This is an audiogram. This audiogram shows what one could/cannot hear. The yellow thing is called the speech banana meaning sounds that one ear can hear.
This shows the different degrees, pitches and loudness.
Mild hearing loss - 21 to 40 dB (decibels)
Moderate hearing loss - 41 to 55 dB
Moderately severe hearing loss - 56 to 70 dB
Severe hearing loss - 71 to 90 dB
Profound hearing loss - 91db+ meaning anything above 91 decibels
These are the different ranges.
An idea of how hearing loss could sound
14. Why is discussion about Cochlear Implant (CI) and Hearing Aids (HAs) to d/Deaf/HoH considered offensive? Like why is when hearing people mention it, it can be considered disrespectful?
It is considered hurtful/offensive because many Deaf/HoH people don’t wear HAs or have CIs. Some don’t benefit from either, some don’t want to wear them… some can’t have them because it costs a lot. Both of them are NOT cheap. VERY expensive. Here is a post talking about it.
15. Why is Switched at Birth (SAB) such a controversial thing within the Deaf Community or from Deaf/HoH Individuals?
SAB is a debatable topic within the community because it does have it pro/con. Pro:
- in the very beginning it did show Deaf Awareness, Deaf Culture and what Deaf/HOH struggle in daily life.
- Does have Deaf/HOH Actors playing Deaf/HOH Roles, for the most part.
- Does bring awareness towards hearing world about Deaf world/life/culture.
- Does encourage hearing to be more accessible towards d/Deaf/HoH.
Con:
- Halfway through Season 2 it just dropped with the Deaf Awareness/Culture/World.
- The Signing is not entirely accurate. Yes it is American Sign Language but it’s not in it’s true ASL word order. Deaf actors playing Deaf characters (Marlee Matlin - Melody, Sean Berdy - Emmett, Ryan Lane - Travis, Stephanie Nogueras) do try their best to make it true ASL word order while signing.
- Signing by hearing is SimCom’ed and more English-y
- When hearing Sign it’s a full-view good showing of them Signing
- When Deaf/HOH sign the view is more close up, harder to see their hands in signing, subtitles cover it.
SAB is trying their best to bring Deaf representation and acknowledgement. Honestly, though it’s not doing a good job. Yes in the beginning it was doing wonderfully. They showed how difficult it is for Deaf / HOH to interact with Hearing, the struggles in understanding – for a short while. But to make one thing clear, Lipreading is NOT accurate. It is NOT a superpower. Here is explaining why lipreading is so exhausting and what to do to accommodate to those who do lipread.
Also, sometimes what they portray as Deaf Awareness, may not be right. Example, when someone is facing away and they’re talking to a Deaf/HoH person… highly likely that Deaf/HoH person will NOT be able to understand you as they cannot read your lips or see your facial expressions/body language. Crowded rooms? Nightmare to understand anyone even with HAs/Cis.
If you want to know more about Deaf Culture, World, Life, History, the Language… don’t rely on a TV show for all information and stories. Every Deaf/HoH person has their own story and experience. Go find Sign Language classes (taught by Deaf/HoH), engage in the Deaf Community in your area, research online or read books, go to classes about Deaf Studies.
16. I have (Mild/Moderate/Moderately-severe/Severe/Profound) hearing loss and I don’t feel like I belong in the Deaf Community. I don’t feel like I am (HOH/deaf/Deaf) enough to be a part of it.
You have hearing loss? You have troubles understanding speech in noisy environments?
You’re a part of the d/Deaf/HoH Community. It doesn’t matter the degree, how you got the hearing loss, the frequency… if you are wanting to have someone who understands your daily struggles… you’re a part of the Deaf/HoH Community.
You want to learn Sign Language? You know Sign Language but you don’t feel like you ‘fit in’? You are already fit into the Community. You have hearing loss, you have people who GET IT and will be there to understand what you’re going through.
I suggest you read this post. This may just help you out.
17.I have (Mild/Moderate/Moderately-severe/Severe/Profound) Hearing loss. I don’t know if I identify as Deaf/HoH or deaf…?
You identify how YOU feel is right. If you have Mild hearing loss, know Sign language, will be involved and is involved in the Deaf Community… and you feel comfortable as Deaf? Awesome.
You have Profound hearing loss but feel best as identifying as HOH? Awesome!
We cannot tell you what to identify as. It’s YOUR choice and your own calling.
18. I am hearing but wanting to learn ASL (or any SL), is this culturally appropriate?
Here’s to a blunt response.
We are fine with Hearing learning ASL (or any Sign Language). To join in on the Deaf/HoH Community or learn about our Culture/World/Life.
We just don’t like when hearing use it to their advantage, meaning taking ASL classes to have secret conversations. To make Youtube videos and you’re an ASL 1 student (or whatever level of fluency) thinking you can ‘teach ASL’. Wrong! To make “ASL music videos” when it’s really just Learners doing Englishy signing. Those who DO Teach ASL or do music videos are Certified/Qualified/Well Experienced Interpreters, Deaf people or ASL (Deaf/HoH) Instructors. Some CODAs too. Or to “help those poor Deaf people” and speak on behalf of us.
We are fine with Hearing Learning Sign Language! We just don’t like it when they barge in thinking they rule the Deaf World. You don’t. You are here to learn, educate yourself and expand your knowledge.
19. I’m writing a story about d/Deaf/HOH Characters, could I have your feedback or can I ask you some questions?
Lovely deafwizards has done a wonderful post for this kind of stuff! carohoku wrote a post too!
