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.
The question of this chapter confused me. Why would a deaf person be called anything other than deaf whether that deaf person speaks of not? It doesn't change that they are deaf. But then again back in the olden days a lot didn't make sense and that was just a lack of education. It actually surprises me with all of the technology what people can still be to uneducated about a community that they can research.
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