The Student Room Group

Is there anyone here deaf?

Hey

I just learn ASL Sign language and finally getting my alphabets correct and know some vocabs along the way. The thing is i'm still sloooow. Do you think it's actually a good idea to start 'talking' to deaf people with such a surface level knowledge about sign language? I'm just afraid that they might be angry with me being so slow or offended (if there is one!!) with an unintended sign lol.

*owh i'm teaching my self Sign :smile: and i hope i've posted in the right place

Reply 1

Is there anyone hear deaf?
0_o

Reply 2

Haha, the irony in the mistake in the title made me giggle :tongue:

Reply 3

Is there anyone hear deaf?

Sorry, this is too funny!

I'm sure there are online resources and meeting groups for people in the same situation.

Reply 4

newman24x
Hey

I just learn ASL Sign language and finally getting my alphabets correct and know some vocabs along the way. The thing is i'm still sloooow. Do you think it's actually a good idea to start 'talking' to deaf people with such a surface level knowledge about sign language? I'm just afraid that they might be angry with me being so slow or offended (if there is one!!) with an unintended sign lol.

*owh i'm teaching my self Sign :smile: and i hope i've posted in the right place


If I were deaf I would actually be really happy that you had taken the time to learn sign language, and thus, a mistake wouldn't be a problem :smile:

Most deaf people probably feel alienated by the few number of people that can use sign language, an extra person, even if learning, would be most welcome I would assume.

edited to say that I would feel alienated by not being able to hear people, I obviously can't comment for other deaf people.

Reply 5

I was here to comment on the irony in the title, but I was too slow. :P

As for the question, I don't think they'd be offended or annoyed if you were slow or made a few mistakes... at least you're trying! And kudos for teaching yourself :smile:

Reply 6

Speak up

Reply 7

Lol at the title.

I'm not deaf, but I learned British Sign Language a few years ago, and I'd definitely recommend using it in real life as much as possible. Obviously, don't grab a random deaf person and force a conversation, but if you get the opportunity, take it. The more you use it, the better an understanding you have of it.

On the few occasions where I've had the chance to use it at work, even though it's just been the basics of numbers, 'please', 'thankyou' and 'sorry', the customers concerned seems quite happy that someone had made the effort, rather than just shoving a piece of paper and a pen at them and treating them like they're thick. I've seen that happen too many times.

Reply 8

LOL!! fixed it :tongue:

Reply 9

I'm not deaf but I think what you're doing is really good.

Reply 10

Pardon?

Reply 11

newman24x
Hey

I just learn ASL Sign language and finally getting my alphabets correct and know some vocabs along the way. The thing is i'm still sloooow. Do you think it's actually a good idea to start 'talking' to deaf people with such a surface level knowledge about sign language? I'm just afraid that they might be angry with me being so slow or offended (if there is one!!) with an unintended sign lol.

*owh i'm teaching my self Sign :smile: and i hope i've posted in the right place


No you shouldn't. By the sounds of it you don't know enough yet and deaf people do get offended if you use them to practice.

How would you feel if someone wanted to practice speaking english with you? Its exactly the same.

Also teaching yourself is the worst way to do it, you'l end up making mistakes with the hand shapes without even knowing. And you need to understand the structure before you can actually have a conversation which is difficult to learn by yourself.

Reply 12

Mr Snips
Speak up


Whats that thing in your sig? Are them black dots really eyes?

Reply 13

Riddy
Whats that thing in your sig? Are them black dots really eyes?

More eyes than you can handle, honey

:five:

Reply 14

I am deaf but I never sign. My advice would be to practice signing to an online article. You got the screen in front of you and can just sign along to it. It isn't difficult. I can sign very fast because of practice from a long time ago (primary school!) so it's a skill that'll stay with you for a very long time it's just a case of working at it. If you are slow it is because you do not intuitively know every letter and that can only be dealt with by a sufficient amount of experience.

Reply 15

RyanT
I am deaf but I never sign. My advice would be to practice signing to an online article. You got the screen in front of you and can just sign along to it. It isn't difficult. I can sign very fast because of practice from a long time ago (primary school!) so it's a skill that'll stay with you for a very long time it's just a case of working at it. If you are slow it is because you do not intuitively know every letter and that can only be dealt with by a sufficient amount of experience.


that's what i'm doing right now! i'm actually enjoying it and can't wait to be good at it. but i'm rather slow and as you said i don't intuitively know every letter (but getting there!) My only concern is the 'practice' part. Sure i can practice by myself but when it comes to signing with real deaf people i become nervous and forget the whole thing lol!