CHAPTER 2 - Sign Language

Reading Comprehension - Check Your Understanding

A. Complete the following summary using words from the passage.

Deaf people have special ways of communicating. While they can't hear, they also find it hard to speak because they cannot hear their (1) Some deaf people use (2) , where they watch the speaker's mouth. But the most widely-used method of communication is (3) They use hand signs to spell letters of the (4) , and use hand and body movements to form words and sentences. They even have their own (5) the same way people in different countries speak different languages. In addition to hand signs, communicating with deaf people involves a lot of touching and making (6) . You may also have to ·wave your hands or (7) the table or floor to get their attention. There are lots of ways to learn sign language·. You can go for (8) with trained teachers, read (9) about it, or watch (10) . All it takes is effort and practice!

B. Read the following sentences. Write true (T) or false (F) or not given (NG).

C. Discuss the following questions with a partner

1. Think of all the things you do in an average day. Which ones wouldn't you do if you were deaf?
   Answer

   hearing traffic before you see it, hearing clock alarms or other signals such as bells, buzzers, and noises from computer programs or games; being able to listen to the radio, the TV, and to music.

2. How would you design alarm clocks, doorbells, and telephones for dead people?
   Answer

   Designs could focus on senses other than hearing, for example, they could incorporate vibrations and flashing lights.

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!