People Who are Deaf are Very Quiet
Nancie A. Scheetz
Valdosta State University
One could not be so wrong about deaf people being very quiet. Deaf individuals are by far the quietest people, despite them being deaf. Although no spoken words are spoken out loud, American Sign Language is used to communicate every day. To an untrained eye of a hearing person, one’s first impression of a Deaf culture event would be that these deaf individuals are very quiet. These social events allow participants with the opportunity to share stories with each other, tell jokes, and engage in lively entertainments. There are many characteristics that goes with those of the deaf culture for communicating and being heard and yet still have fun. Things such as peals of laughter, strikes of excitement, and animated sounds are all characteristics of each individual to be able to communicate well with each other.
Deaf individuals can all be quite vocal and make loud noises. “It is not uncommon for one to pound on the table, shout out a name, or stomp the floor to get a bystander’s attention” (Scheetz, 2012). Deaf social events are worth trying out for a newcomer, because after one try, that person will come to a big realization. Deaf people are not quiet at all. These events will be a bit intimidating and scary because of all these sudden sounds, stomps, and or laughers. One will feel out of place where there is sudden pounding on tables and if there is music to accompany with these events, it can be very confusing. Music is played a level that enable participants to feel the vibrations on the floor. “The music, coupled with the typical sounds produces by Deaf individuals, provides the hearing participant with an auditory as well as visual experience” (Scheetz, 2012). One will come to realize that deaf individuals are very social people. They are more than happy to teach anyone of their culture and language, whether that person is a beginner signer or none signer. Their level of comfortability and patience at teaching, even slowing down with their signing to make sure it’s understood, makes one feel at ease and feel welcome. Eventually all the stomping, pounding, burst of laughers, and shouting becomes normal and not bothersome or annoying. After such an experience one will know for sure that deaf people are not very quiet at all.
As a result, deaf events can reveal some pivoting moments and truth about the deaf community There are many things that goes with those of the deaf culture for communicating and being heard. Also, some deaf people can actually speak, but choose not to. They identify and seem themselves and acknowledge their culture on a personal scale. That is why when someone who know their language and can communicate with them well, they will talk on and on. Taking and interest in learning their language and culture will change one’s life and perspective in how they see the world of the deaf. One shoe does that fit all, so remember to always be sensitive and respectful.
Scheetz, A. Scheetz. (2012). Deaf Education in The 21st Century Topics and Trends. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.