COMMON MYTHS ABOUT DEAFNESS
Myths about what it means to be Deaf persist everywhere. The facts behind these myths are clarified below. Check your level of awareness...
Myth: Deaf people cannot use the telephone.
Some hard-of-hearing people have enough residual hearing to talk on the phone. Deaf persons use a device call a TTY and the Washington State Relay System.
Myth: Deaf people are mute.
It is incorrect to assume this. Some may choose not to use their voices if they think they will be difficult to understand or have inappropriate pitch or volume. In any case, terms like "deaf and dumb" or "deaf-mute" are outdated and considered offensive today.
Myth: Unusual sounding speech means the person is mentally retarded.
Speech development depends greatly on one's ability to hear him or herself talk. For the deaf person, the foundation for learning speech which hearing people take for granted is not there. The situation has nothing to do with intelligence.
Information taken from:http://www.hsdc.org/News/Community/myths.htm
Myth: Deaf people can read lips.
Lip-reading is a skill that some deaf or hard-of-hearing people have; others do not. Even with the best lip-readers, it is important to remember that only about 25% of speech is visible on the lips. Some words look almost exactly the same - for instance, the words "paddle" and "battle."
Myth: Hearing aids completely correct hearing loss.
Hearing aids are assistive devices which improve hearing for some individuals. Hearing aids do not "correct" hearing. A hearing aid may enable a person to hear someone's voice, even though she or he may not be able to understand distinct words. Just because someone wears a hearing aid does not mean the person hears normally.
Myth: Deaf people are not very bright or educated because they have not learned to talk or do not use proper English grammar.
The primary language, or first language, of the Deaf Community is American Sign Language; English is a second language. Most deaf and hard-of-hearing people learn English usage and have speech training, but naturally enough they may find it easier to use their primary language most of the time.
Myth: Deaf people lead totally different lives from other people.
Deaf people are set apart by only one thing. As I. King Jordan, President of Gallaudet University has said, "Deaf people can do anything except hear."
Myth: ASL is English signed on the hands.
Search for Deaf Myths and discuss them with your classmates. Discuss what the myth is and why it is a myth.
The myth I found was:
ReplyDelete"All Deaf people use the same sign language"
As you know, ASL stands for American sign language, although we have learned that it is mostly made up of French Sign Language. There is also British Sign Language, New Zealand Sign Language, Australian Sign Language, South African Sign Language (Which use a two handed fingerspelling system) and many others!
Myth: Deaf families will always have deaf children.
ReplyDeleteFact: Only 10% of deaf children are born to Deaf parents. I'm not sure if we have talked about this in our class, but I think that this is an important point to know.
Myth: Deaf people can tolerate noise better than hearing people.
Fact: Being deaf doesn't always mean that their world is silent. Often deaf people can hear noise, especially high pitched sounds. THis can be extremely distracting because its hard to distiguish the meaning of the sound and where it is coming from.
Myth 1: Sign language is just mime and gestures
ReplyDeleteRead more in Languages
> A sign language is just like any spoken languages, there are words and unique expressions as well as sentence structure and grammar.
Myth: All deaf and hard of hearing people can communicate with sign language.
> This is the most common myth of all. Not all deaf and hard of hearing persons can communicate in sign language. Many who are born deaf depends on their parents to teach them sign language. Unfortunately if they are born to hearing parents, they are sometimes forced to live a life like a hearing person simply because their parents cannot understand why they must learn sign language. They are given hearing aids, they are sent to normal school where they may have difficulty in social groups and most of all, they are forced to lip read so that their parents don’t have to learn the sign language themselves.
Information taken from:
http://socyberty.com/languages/myths-about-deaf-or-hard-of-hearing-people/
Myth 1: Wow. That is so far from the truth. There is totally different structure to the language. You can't just gesture and assume everyone knows what that gesture means! There are words, phrases and gramme involved in the language, it is the same as any other language!
Myth 2: I guess I didn't always know that all deaf people didn't sign. I mean I knew that deaf people that grew up with hearing aids or cochlear implants more than likely didn't use ASL, but I had never thought about it too much. But again it would be a common myth to think that all deaf people can sign. But ASL is part of a culture and if a deaf person doesn't associate with the deaf culture whywould they embrace and use that language?
These are just two of the many myths I found. Why does everyone else think?
Myth: If a child learns sign language, they won't learn to speak.
ReplyDeleteFACT: Deaf children, in fact, any child who learns sign language has a better vocabulary at an earlier age.
I don't know what my source is because over the past two years, I have learned that. Children who learn to sign when they are little will not only speak English, but they will also surpass their friends. Learning two languages at a young age stimulates the brain, using more of the brain versus only learning one language.
What I think about myths.... they are just that: A MYTH! When it comes to things that a person does not know, they go by what they observe and draw conclusions from that. If what they see is that a hearing person is having a hard time communicating with a Deaf person, they assume it is the Deaf person's fault for not being able to communicate. They are oh-so wrong. It is the hearing person who can't fully communicate.
~L
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete(The first post deleted because I am having multiple computer issues, sorry)
ReplyDeleteMyth: Deaf people cannot pilot airplanes.
Fact: Deaf pilots are just another kind of "NORDO" (no-radio) pilot.
Only 8 per cent of American airspace below 18,000 feet requires communication with an air traffic controller, and this mostly around big-city airports. There is an International Deaf Pilots Association.
http://www.zak.co.il/d/deaf-info/old/restrictions
Abby - interesting about not all deaf people using some form of sign. I could not imagine a life without some form of communication! Do you think that families would still figure out some sort of a 'system' - maybe even a handful of gestures to indicate basic needs?
Abby- I saw that one too and thought it was very interesting. I think without being able to communicate in some type of way would be so overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteJulie- I think the family would try to come up with some sort of system to use but it would be very difficult for that person to communicate with anyone else who didn't learn that system of communication.
Myth: All deaf people can read so there is no barrier to communication
ReplyDeleteFact: The words and art of the spoken languages are second language to a deaf person. Being able to read requires the same amount of learning just like a hearing person, and as sign languages often bare slightly different sentence structures and grammar, a deaf and hard of hearing person often will find it hard to read and comprehend fully without extensive practice.
http://socyberty.com/languages/myths-about-deaf-or-hard-of-hearing-people/
A good quote I found from King Jordan, President of Gallaudet University, to clear up all myths regarding deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
"Deaf people can do anything except hear."
-Tyler-
Julie- wow, I didn't know that one. I guess I never thought about that. Tyler's quote definitely says it all. Nuff said
ReplyDelete~L
I think the biggest myth is that Deaf people want to be able to hear. Monica has busted this myth for us pretty well.
ReplyDelete--Jared
MYTH: Deaf people cannot appreciate the arts because they can't hear music, movies, etc.
ReplyDeleteFACT: Anyone who has ever had the privilege to see a performance by the National Theatre of the Deaf will realize the error in the above statement. Throughout history, deaf individuals have participated in and contributed to the performing arts. Beethoven is one example. Today there are deaf artists, dance troupes, and actors. Captioning of movies and other audiovisual media is helpful for deaf citizens, and this practice should be continued. As long as there is rhythm and visual image, deaf and hard of hearing will be valued performers and patrons of the arts.
Not to mention Oscar winner, Deaf actress Marlee Matlin! Clearly the myth is false.
Jared, well said! :)
ReplyDeleteMyth: Sign Language is bad for Deaf people because they will rely on it too much and it will make them unable to communicate with Hearing people.
ReplyDeleteFact: Study after study has shown that keeping Sign Language away from Deaf people does nothing except keep all language away from Deaf people, and it can have numerous negative effects on their ability to learn. Even Deaf adults who have never learned to speak still live in a world that is mostly Hearing, and have developed incredible skills for making themselves understood. On another note, Doctors are continually saying how good Sign Language is for Hearing babies, why would this not be true for Deaf babies as well?
http://ifmyhandscouldspeak.wordpress.com/common-myths-about-deaf-people-and-the-truth/
I thought this was a great statement. I definitely feel that people who use ASL are better communicators, not only with Deaf people, but with hearing people as well. I also think the side note is a very powerful comparison.
Becky
MYTH: Deafness is genetic. All people who are Deaf will pass Deafness onto their children.
ReplyDeleteFACT: There is a type of Deafness that is genetic, and some Deaf people do have Deaf children, but 90% of all Deaf people are born to Hearing parents and will also have Hearing children. There are many ways people can lose their hearing and vary from the oddest things like by just using a cotton swab in your ear or from conditions like meningitis and cytomegalovirus. Deafness is something usually accuired rather than born with. Scientific results prove this myth false
-Jeff
Abby-I like the second myth you have because I never thought of it like that. I came into this class and assumed that all deaf people would use sign language because otherwise i dont know how else they would have communicated. It just surprises me that they don't all use ASL.
ReplyDelete-Jeff
Myth: Deaf people can tolerate noise better than hearing people.
ReplyDeleteFact: Most deaf or hard of hearing people aren't completely deaf. Meaning they can hear some noise, especially those of a high pitch. This usually is very uncomfortable for the person experiencing the sound, because they can't distinguish what it is or what it means, leaving it to be just noise.
Julie- Your myth was so cool! I guess I never really thought about it. I always think of the process of becoming a pilot as being very particular. You know 20/20 vision, no color blindness etc.... I never thought about the hearing/deaf or hoh aspect of it.
Myth: Deaf people cannot drive cars. (found this on an ebay link... odd...)
ReplyDeleteDeaf people CAN drive cars. Statistics actually show that deaf people are better drivers because they are more aware of their surroundings when driving so they get in fewer accidents. They are not as focused with changing the music station or volume for example.
MYTH: People who are Deaf are "deaf and dumb."
ReplyDeleteFACT: The inability to hear affects neither native intelligence nor the physical ability to produce sounds. Deafness does not make people "dumb" in the sense of being either stupid or mute. Deaf people, understandably, find this stereotype particularly offensive.
I found the myth about the children who learn ASL don't speak english very interesting. My cousin was raised in a deaf home and learned sign at a very young age. He has one of the best vocabularies I have ever heard!
ReplyDelete-Jenna K.
Myth: Deaf people are mute.
ReplyDeleteIt is incorrect to assume this. Some may choose not to use their voices if they think they will be difficult to understand or have inappropriate pitch or volume. In any case, terms like "deaf and dumb" or "deaf-mute" are outdated and considered offensive today.
-Jenna K.
Wow, I should have done this earlier! You guys already covered most of what I’ve found!
ReplyDeleteMyth: Deaf people can read Braille.
Deaf people are not blind. They can still see to read and do not know Braille. (Haha Monica, this made me think of your airplane story!!)
http://reviews.ebay.com/Myths-about-Deaf-people_W0QQugidZ10000000003231876
Myth: Sign language is easy to learn.
Sign languages are not easy to learn – they take as long or more to learn as any foreign language.
Myth: Cochlear implants are a cure for deafness.
The cochlear implant is not a miracle fix and does not work for all deaf people, nor do all deaf people want one.
http://www.uic.edu/depts/oaa/disability_resources/faculty_resources/debunking_myths.html
I think the Braille one should be obvious to everyone, although it obviously is not! I think all of us in ASL know that it is not easy or simple to learn ASL; it’s just as difficult as learning other languages. It takes hard work and patience! I think that a lot of people think that cochlear implants “cure” deafness, and that they aren’t aware that it doesn’t always work. If it does work, it can be extremely painful and hard for the deaf person to adjust to and learn how to use the implant, and it doesn’t always restore hearing fully – it’s more of a tool to use than a “cure.” Deaf people don’t think they need to be “cured,” nor do they want to be!!
I love Lyndseys's myth about children learning to sign at a young age. I think that it is so interesting that children who learn sign language at a young age have a better vocabulary. I've always wondered why and now thanks to Lyndsey I kind of know. Anyways I just thought that was cool. :)
ReplyDeleteRegarding children who learn sign language at a young age. Just like any language, children who learn different languages in their early years of life can soak up the information much better than if tried to learn in later years...(such as we are doing). Just an idea...if children in their elementary years of school were introduced to and involved with ASL for just for a couple hours each week wouldn't you think that by the time they are done and out of school they would have the basic knowledge to communicate with a deaf person?
ReplyDeleteI really like the myth that Eve talked about. I would totally agree with the fact that they are better drivers because they don't have anything distracting them while driving. I'm always messing with the radio and other things in the car. The only thing that I would find distracting is the signing in the car while driving. But I guess it can be done.
ReplyDeleteI loved that Melissa drew awareness to the myth about the performing arts and deafness. I think that there is so much visually to take in with performing arts that you don't even need to hear to enjoy it! Also, for concerts, a lot of time the vibrations of the music can be felt.
ReplyDeleteTyler's comment about teaching ASL in elementary schools is also something I would like to see! As a future teacher, I would love to incorporate ASL into my classroom. However, a lot of teachers don't know enough to teach their students any signs past fingerspelling the alphabet and numbers 1-10. I feel like it should be required (or at least an option) especially for schools with Deaf students!
I look forward to the day when ASL is recognized by more school districts as a language option! Spanish is very popular, and rightly so - we see it as "necessary" because for many of our newest citizens, it is their first language...
ReplyDeleteHowever, ASL is the first language of many of our native-born Deaf citizens - so, why don't we see this as "necessary" as well?
As to the youngsters learning ASL ... I didn't look for studies, but it would seem to fit that young children who learn more than one language make more 'connections' in their developing young brains - opening up pathways for learning in other areas as well.
Since ASL is both a language and VISUAL, it would make different and additional connections than just verbal or written English, wouldn't it?
Myth: Cochlear implants are 100% effective and the deaf person will be able to hear things like hearing people.
ReplyDeleteLast semester in ASL we listened to a Youtube clip that simulated what things actually sound like with a CI.
Julie, that was an interesting myth. I never thought about that. I also agree with the others who would like for schools to provide ASL classes and put an emphasis on them. It would be a very useful skill for all people.
ReplyDeletemyth: ASL can be spoken and signed at the same time
ReplyDeletefact: ASL cannot be spoken and signed simultaneously – if you see this, it is not true ASL, but spoken English with signs
I really liked the myth that julie found about deaf people flying airplanes. Sometimes I wonder why people think some of these myths are true
WOW- Acfter reading these myths I feel so SMART! My goodness, who thinks up these things? I mean really, logical thinking would solve these problems. I just cannot believe that people believe this stuff!
ReplyDelete