English In The Deaf Community Ch. 3

Deaf people struggle with English, just like hearing people struggle learning ASL. The reason being people who are in power and are decision-makers only judge all student communication in one language, English. Which in turn, only focuses on the development on English and not language development, focussing on both ASL and English, by ignoring the students need for ASL language development as well as English it doesnt help the student keep up their ASL skills.

When a child enters the school system, around the ages of 6 or 7 they are lacking stimulation whether it be auditory or visual. Naturally, what happens when this child enters school, she/he will want to be accepted by their peer group which would usually have better sense of signing in ASL than in English, which could be influence from parents or older students. The child is then faced with a dilemma. They have to learn ASL to be able to communicate with their peers but they have to know English to communicate with their teachers.

One way of sticking to Manual English Signs is finger spelling every word in a sentence and using speech as opposed to signing is referred to as the Rochester Method. B-o-y, d-o-g are spelled out. Although, not all Deaf communities in the world use the same alphabet, American and Swedish Languages (for example are very different).

Citation: (Shenk-Baker, Charlotte., & Cokely, Dennis. 1980, p. 63, 64 & 65)

Reflection #3

I think by teaching children rather than ASL is truly demeaning. It not only strips them of their culture but their identity and their ability to socialize with other Deaf children. I agree with the Bicultural/Bilingual Method. Teaching Children ASL as well as English is a good way to go about teaching Deaf children/people English. I always think, how is it possible to teach a Deaf person English but not also be sure to stimulate them in ASL? That makes it difficult for the Deaf person. From my Mothers experience, she learned Signed Exact English (SEE), but her actual Written English is not very good. She understands ASL to an extent. Sometimes she will be able to understand the concept, but is confused on how to answer. She cannot fully sign in ASL, rather finding herself switching back and forth between SEE and ASL sometimes every other word. Now, to me, I dont want other Deaf people, Deaf children to learn like that, it doesnt help them at all. The Bi-Bi Method definitely seems like a better way to go about teaching both languages and cultures without hindering the Deaf students. We now live in a world where we are more diverse and more open to different languages, maybe now will the time that Deaf people get the right education they deserve

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Deaf community
• English
• SEE
• ASL.