Ch 36

     This chapter talks and discusses the question, "What do you call a deaf person who doesn't speak?" In the old days people would say that, "Those who didn't speak were branded as 'deaf-mutes' or deaf-and-dumb'" (209). The author says that today we simply just call them, deaf, that's it. The previous chapters before has emphasized that most deaf children have speech training. All deaf people have the capability to speak, whether they do or not is their choice. Most deaf people decide not to use their voice because they have a hard time controlling it, because they can not hear their own voice.
     "Speech is a survival skill-useful in some situations, but optional. Many Deaf people lead full, productive, happy lives without it- and they deal with the Hearing world everyday" (2011). I am very glad I have started reading this book. It has opened my eyes to a lot of things and I have learned so much. I have gained so much respect for the Deaf community. I can't wait to continue the book in ASL II! 


Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 35

     This chapter discusses the question, "If you're deaf how come you can talk?" Just because you can't hear well or are deaf,  does not mean that you can't talk. In today's society everything including people are labeled and stereotyped. Even though we try our best to stay and stray away from these labels, they are still there. Some hearing people have bad speech, mumble, have a strong dialect, and so on. So in my opinion I don't think it's okay to throw all deaf people into one category. This quote explained it all to me. "You'd never know she was deaf, to hear her talk. He has good speech for a deaf person. She talks like a foreigner. He talks badly. You sound like an animal" (205). Deaf people have a wide and varies types of speech, just as hearing people do. How I can of related it was, not all hearing people who sign, sign the same exact way. Some peoples signing is slow, fast, sloppy, precise, and etc. Stereotyping really should not be.
    I did learn the different and unique types of category signs made on the cheek and throat. These categories consisted of; deaf, deaf-speech, hard of hearing, ex hearing, oral, HH-voice, and hearing in the head.  I had no idea there were so many categories. "People are not labels. We are more important than categories. Our prime concern is that there be communication" (207).


Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 34

      This chapter talks about deaf people and them choosing to use their voice. Most deaf people who do use their voice are very soft. They have never heard their own voice, so I can see where it would be difficult to talk to people. Deaf people are aware that most people can't understand them. They are also aware that their voices may sound unpleasant to the ears or harsh. "they're re embarrassed when they have to use them" (202).
     "Speech should never be forced on, or demanded of, deaf people. (Neither should signing be forced on hearing people!) It should be voluntary" (203). Forcing a deaf person to talk can make them feel very uncomfortable. I have almost completed ASL 1, and even though I know some ASL if I was forced to sign at my job it would feel uncomfortable, even though I have had a little training. Most Deaf  people have had little speech training (good and bad), but that does not mean they know a lot about talking or speech. After all, we are talking about foreign languages here.

This Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 33

      This is by far my favorite chapter in the book. I am wanting to pursue a career in speech-language pathology. This chapter opened my eyes a little more to the deaf community. Doctors who tell the parent that their child is deaf, audiologist who tell the parents what they need to do but have no sympathy, and speech pathologist who believe the deaf are just defective, all of these things I can see why the Deaf community would have a negative attitude toward these professions.
     Speech pathologist back in the day did use physical punishment to teach deaf children how to speak or pronounce words and sounds. That theory of teaching is awful, cruel, and I am happy that they passed a law against it. I will admit that one reason why I took AS; was because of the profession I am going into.  honestly had good intentions and I wanted to be able to communicate with my clients, but I think I had the wrong mindset about it all along until now. I did want to learn ASL, so that I could help communicate and correct deaf children and their speech. I wanted to help them learn English. I have a totally new mindset. Yes, I still want to help them pronounce sounds and give them a shot at learning speech, but that is no longer my primary goal. Deaf children are not defective, or broken, they are who they are and that is that. My vision impairment is uncorrectable. The way I see it forcing a deaf person to learn speech is like forcing me to read something out of my vision zone. It is ridiculous. Instead or trying to force or "correct" somebody, I would rather teach them how to compensate or deal with it so they can benefit. I like the quote below and I want to help fulfill it. "We're all for a better relationship between speech pathologist and their deaf clients. We would like the therapist/client relationship to be one of mutual respect and honesty. Not one of antagonism or deception" (199). 

Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 32

     This chapter talks about lip reading and speechreading. I was not aware that the two were different. Speechreading involves a person reading not only the lips, but the eyes, facial expressions, physical expressions, and etc. A common error made is that most people have it in their heads that deaf people should be able to read lips. "Only some 30% of all spoken sounds are visible on the lips. Many sounds, like "b", "p", and "m" are virtually impossible to distinguish by watching the mouth" (191). When I read that part of the book I automatically made the sounds with my mouth. I can see how reading lips is a talent, because most words or sounds can look the same. Homonyms are another thing that can make lip reading a task. The book used the example of blue and blew.
     One thing that I found a little disturbing was the fact that if a deaf person says they can't read lips, the hearing person walks away or shrugs. I find that to be highly disrespectful. That would be like a deaf person writing to a hearing person asking if they can sign. If the person answers no, that doesn't  allow the deaf person to just act angry and walk away. Establishing a common ground regardless of the situation is not  only  necessary, but good manners.

Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 31

      This chapter helps to guide someone who would like to gain information on how to help recognize children with hearing problems. " There's certainly no shortage of information- the prob-lem is deciding where to start exploring" (187). Contacting Gallaudet University would be a huge help and great source to start. The internet contains a lot of information. Books about the topic can be bought on sites such as Amazon.com. I myself am going into speech pathology, but on of the classes I am taking also focuses on audiology. In one of my books it talks about detecting early hearing problems. I find the topic fairly interesting and I think I myself might look into some of the sources given. 


Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 30

    This chapter talks and gives information about where somebody could go to get information about deafness. "The best place to start is your local public, school, or college library" (183). I myself have learned a lot by using the internet. If you do not have access to the internet I am sure you can gain access at the nearest local library. The internet is an amazing things these days. I sometimes randomly look up facts about deafness, or something is mentioned in the class or book and I want to better understand, or I just want to read an article about the deaf community. I'm, very careful when looking up things because there is a lot of false information. I always try my best to make sure the sources I read are reliable and trust worthy websites. The Laurent Clerc Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University is considered the best overall source center.

Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 29

     The fact that deaf schools are slowly becoming less and less makes me angry and concerned. The simple fact that some have a good reputation and others have a bad one, well the same can be said about both public and private school for hearing children. "Not residential schools for the deaf are stat-run; some operate with very little government funding" (175). First off, I think it's pathetic that the school for the deaf don't receive the money they need to provide the children with a good solid education. Here in America we help with all kinds of people who got themselves in trouble, but we barely help those who have disabilities. I myself am active in the Kentucky State Department of the Blind. As the years go by funding for the department keeps getting lower and lower and the same is happening for the deaf. If anything people with disabilities should be getting the most help, especially when it comes to education. It is children's future on the line, an education is needed to be successful!
     I completely understand that parents want their children to be normal and to fit in. Some public school have amazing programs for the deaf, and other not so much. I myself am not a parent, but when I do become one I want my child to be comfortable in the environment, comfortable with themselves, and have a great education. Being normal of fitting in is not the most important thing. After all, what is normal these days? Some parents (not all) through their kids into a public school because it works out best for them, not so much for their kid.

Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 28

      This chapter was very interesting for me. I enjoyed reading it and I learned a lot from it. It talked about the old school for the deaf and some of the new options of schools for the deaf.First off, most kids back then learned at home before even going to school. They studied the Bible and The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire. If you were a deaf child in a hearing family you were tutored if it was affordable. "When Hartford Asylum opened in 1817, deaf children and adults finally had access to a real educational" (169). The old school was very demanding, but it payed off. The days were long and breaks were short and few. The teacher focused on signing, finger spelling, and writing/reading English. They put a lot of emphasis on the reading and writing where as today only three percent of the time is dedicated to the two. There were no auditory lessons or speech therapy at this time. There was also no TV, slide shows, or any technology of the such. "We tend to see that as a life of deprivation. It is however, possible to see it as a life without distractions" (171). Education was a pleasure and something most if not all wanted to gain.
     The charter school option seems like a great idea. The whole philosophy and teaching methods seem legate. It kind of resembles a little bit of the early/old deaf school.

Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 27

     This chapter discusses closed captioning. In some ways closed captioning can/has helped some Deaf people understand English. Closed captioning is really beneficial to those Deaf people who know English. "Some deaf people prefer interpreter on TV" (165). For those people who are not fluent in English or have a hard time understanding it, I can see how an interpreter is a much better option.
    "There is a basic disagreement within the captioning industry itself; whether to display captions that are a simplified translation of audio script, or captions that are verbatim" (165). This disagreement was said not to be solved anytime soon. I myself am not deaf so I can't fully understand, but I did try to put myself in their shoes. If they did translate in the verbatim way, it would be more difficult if I did not understand English all that well. I feel like it may would be too overwhelming. It would be like me watching a German movie and trying to read the captioning in German, that is difficult. If the translation was simplified, I would think it would be easier to understand and I might would understand more of what is going on, but would feel like they are leaving some parts out which I would take offensively. I would like to ask a deaf person their perspective on the disagreement. It seems like it is a preference.  

Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 26

    This chapter focused on the question, "Why don't some Deaf people like to read?" First of all I kind of thought this was a strange question. As I continue reading this book I have realized that I have gained a lot of respect for the Deaf community and some of the theories and concepts that people have toward or about the Deaf community are a little bit ridiculous, after all they are people too. When I saw the title my first response was, "Not all hearing people like music."  People and their personalities along with likes and dislike vary. The Deaf community like most other communities and cultures are stereotyped.
     English and ASL are two completely different languages. "ASL is the native language of many Deaf citizens here, and has no traditional written form" (157). The way I saw myself comparing it was me trying to sit down and read a novel in Spanish. I had a couple of years of Spanish in high school and learned a little, but did not become fluent by no means. The same concept goes for Deaf people trying to read English. "The average literacy skills of deaf adults, according to that oft-cited and endlessly repeated pseudo statistic generally remain at a third to fifth grade level" (162). Most people here in America speak one language fluently. I honestly do not find it fair that we expect the Deaf to be able to know ASL and understand English. English is a spoken language and ASL is visual. The old fashioned teaching method where "it was not uncommon for therapist to strike young Deaf children" (160). If the child mispronounced the word they were punished, but they couldnt even hear! The whole concept was frustrating for me to read because I found the it was ridiculous. This chapter did help me to understand and I empathize with the deaf community. However, nothing is impossible. If a Deaf person wanted to master English they could. Just lie myself trying to learn ASL, nothing is impossible with hard work and determination.


Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 25

     This chapters talks about why deaf people have a hard time with English. I myself before taking this class asked the same question; however, since I have learned a little ASL I realize that the answer is obvious. English is primarily a spoken/hearing language, while Signing is a visual language. The same questions could asked, Why do people who speak English often have a hard time understanding ASL? Hearing children are surrounded by language from the time they are born. "They're surrounded by English; bombarded with it from all sides" (152). From the time a baby is one day old everyone talks to it. "You a good baby. Say I good. You're so cute." Before a child goes to school they can already without thinking make grammatical correct sentences because of the exposure they have had to the language. Most of the time deaf babies are nowhere near as exposed to their language of signing. "Since they cannot hear this 'language bombardment' they cannot benefit from it" (151).
     I did my observational work for my Communication Disorders class at an elementary school with a speech language pathologist. One of the classes she had she had three kids and a girl who was hard hearing, but she knew how to sign. All these kids were behind compared to the other kids. This was a public school  and the kids are surrounded by all hearing children which is a huge disadvantage for them. I honestly don't think it's fair, because you are hindering their education. They too should have an equal chance for education. The girl that knew how to sign was very fluent and she could communicate, but most people at that school did not know ASL, which was pointless for the girl. Even though that girl was ahead and knew her language it did not benefit anyone, which was really sad.

Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 24

     This chapter was a bit on an eye opener foe me. I feel like I understand the Deaf culture even better now. "Some Deaf people consider themselves guardians of Deaf culture, an embattled way of life, and are fiercely protective of ASL" (147). ASL, like most other languages are changing over time. New signs are being added or a different way to sign a certain word is being added. The Deaf community is very protective of their language, and after reading this chapter I don't blame them.One thing the Deaf community cannot stand is the fact that hearing people are learning ASL and taking their jobs away. Deaf people are limited already in the jibs they can and can't have. Hearing people who are learning ASL are taking away the Deaf cultures jobs. I'm sure everyone at some point in their lifetime has heard a white man make a comment about how the Mexicans are taking all of their jobs. This is how the Deaf feel about the hearing, and I don't blame them.
     Another thing that the Deaf are not a fan of is the fact that some of the hearing people learning to sign are learning it for the wrong reasons. "Deaf people rightfully resent the attitude 'I'm going to become fluent in Sign so I can help the Deaf, interpret for them, save them'" (149). I can't sympathize with the Deaf, but I can empathize. If I knew someone was trying to just make money off my disability without having my best interest I would be mad too. In a way I can sympathize. I have a vision problem. I sometimes have had note takers who only take the note taking job for the money. They are awful note takers, which means I have awful notes too. The same goes for interpreters in the Deaf community.  

Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 23

      Most deaf people (not all) who meet a hearing person who knows sign language ask the question, Where did you learn? It is a common question asked. Deaf people usually start asking questions such as " Do you have deaf parents? Deaf sisters or brothers? Deaf friends? Learned it in school? A community college? By tutoring? Naturally, they'll want to know who taught you-a Deaf teacher? A hearing one? What are their names? Your responses are of tremendous interest" (143). If I were to be asked all these questions, I personally would fill like they are interrogating me. Some deaf people may be, but most are not. Most deaf people are very curious. They also ask the question, Why did you want to learn ASL (or any sign language)?
     Not all people who learn sign language do it for the right reasons. Some people learn to sign so that they can "manipulate deaf people to satisfy their own craving for power (143). When i read that text I was shocked. I wondered why in the world could somebody be that cruel and power hungry. The same thing happens in other cultures too. People just crave power. I myself am not power hungry and I am so glad I have learned some sign language. Even if my major was not communication disorders I would want to take this class. (This class is not required for my major, I was just interested). My great mamaw was deaf and that is one of several reasons why I decided to take the class. 
      Most deaf people have your best interest. They ask so many questions so that they can help you and your singing. They want to make sure that your teacher is certified to teach the language. Also around the deaf community they know who the god and the bad teachers are. If you tell them who your teacher is they usually give you a response.

 Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 22

     This chapter talks about whether or not it is okay to invite yourself into an ASL conversation. If I wanted to have a private conversation with a friend or family member all I would have to do is whisper. For deaf people their conversations are all out in the open. " Anyone who wants to have a private talk in an ASL environment (such as Gallaudet) has to duck behind the shrubbery, use a jacket as a 'sign-shield' (holding the jacket out with one hand, signing with the other), or adopt a smaller discretely formed, disguised style of signing that snoopers will find harder to read-the equivalent of a whisper" (140). In a way I believe it is almost harder for people who sign ASL to have a private conversation. I would get annoyed really fast knowing I couldn't have a conversation without snoopers.
     It is appropriate to join an ASL conversation. When you join you must introduce yourself. Let the signers carry the conversation and as a third wheel you can take the opportunity to use this as practice. I myself have been a third wheel. At the deaf culture event I found myself just trying to follow along with the conversation to see how much I could understand. I surprisingly shocked myself on how much I actually understood. Real life practice is by far the best way to learn ASL
     Not all deaf people will be okay with you interrupting their conversation. The same thing can be compared to any language. I sometimes have conversations that people join and I am not bothered. There are also times I might be having a conversation with a friend and someone will jump in. In that case I usually avoid them, the same concept happens in ASL.

 Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 21

             Chapter 21 talks about hearing people signing to deaf people in public.  Depending on the deaf people some may enjoy a hearing person joining a conversation and may be flattered, but others may disregard them and do not like the idea. It is okay to maybe join a conversation if there is a long wait at a grocery store or maybe a bus stop, but if it’s at a bank or doctor (a setting more serious) it is best that you not join the conversation.  It is however good to join a conversation if you can clearly see that a deaf person needs help or there is a huge communication malfunction.

               I myself could see how it could be both flattering and annoying. If a Spanish speaking person came up to a friend and I and tried to join the conversation by speaking faulty English I could consider it annoying, or depending on my mood I  would take it as a compliment that they are so intrigued.

               “Nowadays, deaf people tend to be better educated and more self-confident” (137). In previous years deaf people have been dependent on hearing family member or fiends. Times have changed and deaf people are just as educated and sophisticated as any other person. 

Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 20

              When I came to WKU and found out that ASL was accepted as a foreign language I was so happy.  I have some friends that when I say I am taking ASL for my foreign language they give me a weird look. I know what they are thinking, “That’s not a language, or foreign.”  I won’t lie, I myself thought the same way. Before taking ASL I was not aware of the culture.  I am really glad that I took the class because I have learned so much. I honestly don’t think people mean any harm when they state or think that ASL is not foreign or a language, they are just ignorant about the topic.

               “Writing systems have been designed for ASL but the community of ASL users hasn’t yet accepted them yet, and maybe never will” (132). When I found out that ASL could be wrote down I thought it was fascinating. I am a little confussed as in to why they don’t want to write literature, but I am sure there are some valid points they have, In my opinion if Navajo can be accepted as foreign language ASL should be universally accepted as a foreign language. I am sure ASL is a lot more commonly used than Navajo.  

Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 19

            Chapter 19 talks about Total Communication (TC). I remembered this term to a small extent. When we dedicated a class period to discussing Deaf Culture I remember how we talked about how signing was banned and this term came up. TC is “a philosophy incorporating the appropriate aural, manual, and oral modes of communication with and among hearing-impaired persons” (127). I think the fact that at one time they banned signing I ridiculous. Not all people acquire the same needs. I myself am legally blind and I can in a way put myself in a hard hearing persons shoes. I am not blind, but I have nowhere near 20/20 vision. My needs are going to be different than a blind persons and a person with perfect vision. “TC philosophy, attention must be aid to individual needs of each deaf child” (129). I totally agree with that statement, but in reality that hardly ever happens.

               I also learned that TC could be referred to as “Simultaneous Communication”. I don’t think that I could sign and talk at the same time. I am kind of glad that I was not taught that way because I can see where it would get confusing. I also would rely on my ears instead of focusing on the signs. 

Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.

Ch 18

            Chapter 18 talks about ASL and signed English. There are many differences between the two. I learned that a sign-language continuum is “a diagram representing the entire population of sign-language users from the purest Signing-Exact-English approach to the purest ASL approach, and all possible blends or variations in-between” (123). In other words ASL is on one side of the spectrum while English is on the opposite side. Signed English is in-between but more towards English. In order to tell the difference between the two you must pay attention to the rhythm. Both have their own rhythm and different syntax. I think that I maybe could tell the difference. I always look for the topic, because in ASL it usually comes first (after time).

               “ASL, it should be emphasized is not synonymous with ‘sign language’” (124). Before learning ASL I categorized all sign language into one category. I was not aware that there were various types. When someone asks me what classes I am taking I always say ASL, I stopped saying sign language. I have realized that a lot of people are unaware that there are different types of sign language. 

Works Cited

Morre, S. Matthew, and Linda Levitan. For Hearing People Only. 3rd Ed. Rochester, New York: MSM Productions, Ltd.,2003.Print.