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Because deaf people cannot hear, they have special ways of communicating
For example, they can learn to understand what someone is saying by looking at
the mouth of the speaker. This is called lipreading. Also, speaking is very difficult
for the deaf, because they cannot hear their own voices. However, it is possible
with special training. According to many deaf people all around the world, the most
practical and popular way of communicating is with sign language.
In many ways, sign language is similar to spoken language. The words of sign
language are made with signs, which are formed with movements of the hands,
face, and body. As with words, each sign has a different meaning and can be
combined to form sentences. Signed languages also have their own grammar. The
alphabet of sign language is special hand signs that stand for letters; they make
spelling possible. The signs combine to form a rich language that can express the
same thoughts, feelings, and ideas as any spoken language. And just as people
from different countries speak different languages, most countries have their own
variety of sign language.
In addition to knowing sign language, it
is also helpful to know something about
how deaf people communicate. Since they
rely so much on actions, deaf people are
generally not very formal when they "talk,"
and may touch your arm or shoulder a
lot to make sure you know what they're
saying. It is not seen as rude in among deaf
people to lightly touch someone you do
not know to get their attention. It's also okay to wave your hands or hit the table or
floor. Also, lots of eye contact1 is necessary.
There are many ways to learn a few signs. Community colleges often teach
introductory classes. For self-learners, bookstores and libraries have books for
learning sign language. There are also instructional2 videos on the Internet, with
actors demonstrating signs and performing interesting stories and conversations
for you to see. With practice, you'll soon get the hang of this useful method of
communicating!
1 If you make eye contact with someone, you look into their eyes.
2 Something instructional is full of information, or for learning.
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