Quote:
Originally Posted by flip
That was not what I was trying to say. My view is that deaf people will rate the importance of speech depedent on their background and preset situation. As an example, deaf people who don't know other deaf people propbably would rate speech as more important than a deaf person that live in a deaf community like Marthas Vineyard or Gallaudet. We also have deaf people that would rate speech and ASL/SEE/PSE whatever equally. I hope you don't mean that all deaf people should rate speech as important as you do?
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Before learning ASL, I used to rate speech number one but when I learned how inaccessible it is for many deaf people especially the young ones who are just developing their language foundation, my mind was quickly changed.
Since becoming involved in the Deaf culture, I realize how much more relaxed and fulfilling my conversations have become due to not having to working so hard to catch what other people are saying nor working hard to make sure my speech is clear. I wasnt used to it but right off the bat, I wanted more of the relaxed social environment so hence my usage of ASL increasing to about 90% to 95% of my daily life. I guess I am the kind of person who feels if hearing people dont have to be constantly stressed out with communication, why should I?