I've been pursuing a minor in American Sign Language for the past few semesters now, and I can say it has definitely made a mark on me. Not only did I learn about the culture and the people, but I also got to get out of my comfort zone and see things from a new perspective. I've been taught other languages before, but I've never experienced such an immersion before. Whether or not you're interested in learning a signed language, interacting with the Deaf community is a great opportunity to meet new people and learn something about yourself.
Without further ado, here are three things I've learned from my time with the Deaf community:
1. They aren't so different, and yet they are.
It's hard to explain this concept, but those who go into this community from an outsider's perspective may understand what I mean. You interact with them and realize that you've kind of expected them to be very different from yourself. They're just like you and me, except they do a few things differently. You can have a conversation with a deaf person and talk about all the same things that you would with a hearing person. On the other hand, the community feels kind of new when you first encounter it. They are very close-knit and intimate with each other because there are usually only a few deaf people in a given area. They treat each other like family because they basically are that for each other. They talk about deaf bands and deaf actors and different deaf subjects that hearing people probably don't even know about. It's a complex experience.
2. They love to share and teach.
When you meet any group of new people, you're going to feel nervous that they won't accept you. You're afraid they'll look down on you for being an outsider, so you feel uncomfortable. You do not need to feel that way with the Deaf community. Many of them want hearing people to be involved and ask questions and get to know them. They know what it's like to feel like an outsider, so they don't want others to feel that way too. Of course, you may find someone who will be mean, but that's the case with any group. For the most part, though, they want to share their culture and their language, and they love it when hearing people try to understand them.
3. They're capable and determined people.
As hearing people, we tend to assume that not being able to hear is super detrimental and can ruin someone's life. We can't understand what it's like, and we feel sorry for people who don't have what we do. The thing is, they don't need to hear. They can do whatever they want. They may have to find another way of doing it, but they won't give up what they love just because it seems hard. The Deaf community has been through a lot, and there isn't much that can stop them. When you get to know the stories of different deaf people, you'll have a lot of respect for them and feel encouraged by their determination and courage.
It's been a great learning experience getting to branch out like this. I still get nervous when I'm about to go to an event where I know there will mostly be signing involved, but I know it's good for me. It hasn't been about learning the language - it's been about getting out of my comfort zone and meeting amazing people who I can learn something from.
I hope that you get a chance to meet someone from this amazing community and that you take advantage of that meeting to learn and grow. Good luck!
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