JennyPenny1014
New Member
- Joined
- May 22, 2011
- Messages
- 16
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Hi! My name is Jennifer and I am a high school senior.
I have taken two years of sign language and wished to continue learning not just the language, but the culture, so I took part in an independent study. Instead of just conducting regular research, I wanted to hear what actual people had to say about the subject.
So the question I have for anyone who wants to participate is:
How do you feel about cochlear implants? Do you feel that they will make sign language obsolete?
I’ve never had this conversation with anyone before, so I am open minded to everything you have to say. What I’ve gathered so far is that the community is split. I believe that cis will not destroy the beautiful culture. Not everyone is able to get a ci, and those that can are still Deaf, especially when the external piece has to be taken off. Not that I agree that it is right, but the world we live in is a hearing one. There are many advantages to getting a ci, and no matter what you decide, you are still Deaf. A piece of technology does not change who you are or your culture.
I also believe that many people aren’t educated on the opposing side’s arguments (both hearing and deaf). Hearing people jump at the chance to “fix” their child with a ci and end up never teaching the child about the Deaf community. That is not fair to the community as well as their child. It is nice to give your child the opportunity to hear if you can, but by not teaching them sign language and about the deaf community, you are depriving them a part of themselves.
On the other hand, I feel that many deaf people refuse to even consider the advantages of a ci. As I’ve stated before, it is a hearing world, whether it’s right or not. Most hearing people do not understand deaf culture, and are too ignorant to even try to learn. This being the case, it is easier to participate in the hearing community with a ci. And just because someone has a ci, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t Deaf anymore.
I am sorry in advanced if I have offended anyone. Please tell me if you disagree with anything I have said and explain to me why. I’d appreciate any input you have to offer.
P.S. no names will be used in my project, and I will ask you specifically if you are okay with me quoting you. Also, feel free to message me and we can have a one-on-one conversation.
Thank you all so much in advanced. I hope to hear from you soon.
Jennifer =]
I have taken two years of sign language and wished to continue learning not just the language, but the culture, so I took part in an independent study. Instead of just conducting regular research, I wanted to hear what actual people had to say about the subject.
So the question I have for anyone who wants to participate is:
How do you feel about cochlear implants? Do you feel that they will make sign language obsolete?
I’ve never had this conversation with anyone before, so I am open minded to everything you have to say. What I’ve gathered so far is that the community is split. I believe that cis will not destroy the beautiful culture. Not everyone is able to get a ci, and those that can are still Deaf, especially when the external piece has to be taken off. Not that I agree that it is right, but the world we live in is a hearing one. There are many advantages to getting a ci, and no matter what you decide, you are still Deaf. A piece of technology does not change who you are or your culture.
I also believe that many people aren’t educated on the opposing side’s arguments (both hearing and deaf). Hearing people jump at the chance to “fix” their child with a ci and end up never teaching the child about the Deaf community. That is not fair to the community as well as their child. It is nice to give your child the opportunity to hear if you can, but by not teaching them sign language and about the deaf community, you are depriving them a part of themselves.
On the other hand, I feel that many deaf people refuse to even consider the advantages of a ci. As I’ve stated before, it is a hearing world, whether it’s right or not. Most hearing people do not understand deaf culture, and are too ignorant to even try to learn. This being the case, it is easier to participate in the hearing community with a ci. And just because someone has a ci, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t Deaf anymore.
I am sorry in advanced if I have offended anyone. Please tell me if you disagree with anything I have said and explain to me why. I’d appreciate any input you have to offer.
P.S. no names will be used in my project, and I will ask you specifically if you are okay with me quoting you. Also, feel free to message me and we can have a one-on-one conversation.
Thank you all so much in advanced. I hope to hear from you soon.
Jennifer =]