Yes. A deaf person can go deaf after learning English, or they can be taught English as a first language, often through lip reading, though this is not a very efficient way to use language.
The deaf contributed sign language and lip reading to the English languages. The first evidence of sign language actually dates back to texts written by Socrates in the 5th Century BC. But other than that, they live lives as we do and many were inventors and contributed to our well being. Deaf people I am aware of from history: Helen Keller, Alexander Graham Bell, Beethoven...
AnswerI would say most do. Living in an English speaking country the language is all around us - hard to miss it. In addition if a person became deaf later in life they would have already have acquired the English language. Moreover many deaf children are taught sign systems that follow English grammar. However your observation may stem, if you're not just narrow-minded, not from a lack of knowledge of the language but a preference for ASL which is a separate and unique sign language that has its own sentence structure.AnswerThe question is based on a faulty premise: that deaf people don't have any concept of English. Deaf people in America have a concept of English by necessity if nothing else. What the question may be referring to is the broken written English that is sometimes seen within the ASL Deaf community. If a signer's first language is ASL and English is a secondary language, they may inadvertently use ASL grammar with English writing, which can often make the message incomprehensible to a native English reader.In general, however, most educated Deaf/deaf people in the United States have excellent English skills. Many excel at lip reading and speaking, reducing their deaf accent, and are thus able to actually have full conversations with hearing people, in English, despite having little to no hearing.
Lorene Hogan James has written: 'The what? when? and how? of teaching language to deaf children' -- subject(s): Education, Deaf, Language arts (Elementary), English language, Language arts (Preschool)
Yes, a deaf person can interpret using sign language. Deaf individuals who are fluent in sign language can work as interpreters to facilitate communication between deaf and hearing individuals. They undergo formal training and certification to become proficient in interpreting.
IMPROVED: The post below is correct, but I MUST add that it has long been considered VERY INAPPROPRIATE to say deaf and dumb. Deaf is to not hear. Mute is to not speak. Deaf and dumb is considered extremely offensive. Also know that many deaf persons speak with their mouths just as hearing persons do.Sign language is the most common form of communication used. Basically, it is an additional language people learn so they can talk together in another way. Lip reading is also used, but it is better as an augmentation, rather than as a primary means of communication.
The name of the first school for the deaf in America was Connecticut Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons. (I know, its long.) Opened in April 15th, 1817. The Connecticut Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons was the name for short time, changed to American School for the Deaf.
Deaf bilingualism refers to the ability of deaf individuals to communicate fluently in both a sign language (such as American Sign Language) and a spoken/written language (such as English). This bilingualism fosters better cognitive development and cultural identity within the deaf community. It emphasizes the importance of both languages to facilitate effective communication and social interactions in diverse environments. Ultimately, deaf bilingualism enhances access to information and opportunities for deaf individuals.
Records exist of Thomas Braidwood an Edinburgh teacher, who founded 'Braidwood's Academy for the Deaf and Dumb' in 1760 which is recognised as the first school for the deaf in Britain. However, there are record going back to early 1500 showing signs being invented to communicate
Elizabeth A. Gochnour has written: 'The language of life' -- subject- s -: Deaf, Education, English language, Readers
Languages are not inherently good or bad, but there are different social perceptions of languages and variation. That said, I assume the question is referring to the debate about whether or not Deaf children should be exposed to sign language. Scientifically, it has been shown that children need full access to an accessible language to be able to develop cognitively and linguistically. The amount of spoken language that a Deaf child can access as an infant is not generally enough to allow full acquisition, leading to language delays and other problems. The first several years of life should be a time where a child is acquiring huge amounts of linguistic information, and if the family uses sign language, the child acquires language naturally and easily. Several studies have shown that the negative effects of delayed language exposure last into adulthood. Many people mistakenly believe that if a deaf child learns sign language, he or she will not learn English as well, but this is a myth. In fact, children benefit from bilingualism, and can learn English through various means, but a solid language foundation in sign language will help English skills, not hurt them. My point is that native first language exposure is crucial for language and cognitive development. Currently, Deaf students are behind hearing peers in academic skills. In countries where sign language is mandated for deaf babies (Sweden), deaf students perform on par with hearing students. So as far as Deaf children are concerned, sign language is a very good thing...
Some language programs for the deaf include American Sign Language (ASL), Signed Exact English (SEE), and Cued Speech. These programs use different methods of communication such as manual signs, gestures, and visual cues to support language development for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Each program has its own unique features and benefits for facilitating communication.
SL is a language like english, french, spanish, etc. It is simply spoken with the hands, face, and body rather than with words. This means that it is as popular as all other languages because every nation has some population of deaf persons who, undoubtedly, speak some version of SL.