BecLak
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jun 19, 2009
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There is a hot debate going on in our home at the moment. I am the only one deaf in our family. My husband and children are all hearing. My husband speaks several languages, so our family is in a muti-lingual environment.
When I informed my family that I preferred to go voice-off and use only visual communication (sign language, pen and paper, some home sign, texting on phone, phone memos, facebook and skype text, IM, etc).....
(Of course, considering my husband - in meetings as secretary and assistant to my husband it is still required for me to use speech and therefore will continue to do so when absolutely necessary until I can find a way to even phase the need of speech out as much as humanly possible; but I am referring to the home environment and casual family outings where I have the choice to go voice-off and would, of course, prefer to so I consider it fair to ask them all to accomodate me as such.)
Although my hearing family have always been understanding and supportive with notifying me when someone is talking to me, alerting me if someone was at the door or visiting, always accompanied me on important appointments so they could relay to me what was being said and discussed. They rarely leave me on my own, which is a courtesy I appreciate.
However, the response of my family members went something like this:
But you have been speaking all your life....why stop now?
Many people want the ability to speak but can't, consider yourself blessed that you can, why not?
But I miss having a proper conversation with you and hearing your voice.
Why waste your time learning and using sign language when you can speak?
You have managed fine up until now with speaking, why change?
It is so much easier just to speak.
But you are not 100% Deaf, so you don't need to use sign language.
However, before you state your opinions on my family's response, remember they are echoing a common mindset of the hearing - this debate is not just my family issue. It is a very real one for all of us who are Deaf.
Your thoughts please......
When I informed my family that I preferred to go voice-off and use only visual communication (sign language, pen and paper, some home sign, texting on phone, phone memos, facebook and skype text, IM, etc).....
(Of course, considering my husband - in meetings as secretary and assistant to my husband it is still required for me to use speech and therefore will continue to do so when absolutely necessary until I can find a way to even phase the need of speech out as much as humanly possible; but I am referring to the home environment and casual family outings where I have the choice to go voice-off and would, of course, prefer to so I consider it fair to ask them all to accomodate me as such.)
Although my hearing family have always been understanding and supportive with notifying me when someone is talking to me, alerting me if someone was at the door or visiting, always accompanied me on important appointments so they could relay to me what was being said and discussed. They rarely leave me on my own, which is a courtesy I appreciate.
However, the response of my family members went something like this:
But you have been speaking all your life....why stop now?
Many people want the ability to speak but can't, consider yourself blessed that you can, why not?
But I miss having a proper conversation with you and hearing your voice.
Why waste your time learning and using sign language when you can speak?
You have managed fine up until now with speaking, why change?
It is so much easier just to speak.
But you are not 100% Deaf, so you don't need to use sign language.
However, before you state your opinions on my family's response, remember they are echoing a common mindset of the hearing - this debate is not just my family issue. It is a very real one for all of us who are Deaf.
Your thoughts please......