Communication among deaf people is rich and varied, with a heavy visual component. In sign language, a simple facial expression can completely change the meaning of a word. Deaf people have many options when it comes to communication, whether it is in person, over the phone or even online. In today's world of technology and increasingly open minds, the communication possibilities for deaf people are endless.
History
Deaf Frenchman Laurent Clerc is largely responsible for bringing sign language to America. According to the Gallaudet University website, Clerc became deaf at the age of 1 after a fall from his high chair into the fireplace. He attended the National Institute of Young Deaf-Mutes in France, where he learned to communicate in sign language. Clerc became a teacher, and in 1816 he travelled to the United States with colleague Thomas Gallaudet. Clerc and Gallaudet established what is now known as the American School for the Deaf, teaching their pupils using sign language. In 1864, the nation's first university for the deaf was founded, now called Gallaudet University. Sign language is the primary method of communication at Gallaudet.
Significance
Clerc's French background had a significant impact on the development of American Sign Language. When he came to America, he and Gallaudet used French sign language to teach their students. The language adapted to include existing American signs and eventually grew into American Sign Language, or ASL. Gallaudet University states that two-thirds of modern ASL signs come from French origins. As a result, American deaf people are often able to communicate easily with French deaf people. Additionally, the grammar and syntax of ASL resembles French more than spoken English.
Types
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, ASL is said to be the fourth-most frequently used language in the United States. Despite this, ASL is not the primary method of communication for all deaf people. Some deaf people will prefer to lipread or speak, depending on their level of deafness and language background.
Misconceptions
Sign language is not universal. Just as there are different written and spoken languages around the globe, there are different sign languages. ASL is unique to America, just as deaf people in Australia might communicate using Auslan, or Australian Sign Language. Although there are sometimes similar signs between languages, it can be difficult for an American deaf person to understand a Russian deaf person. For example, the ASL alphabet uses one hand, but the British Sign Language alphabet uses two.
Features
Communication methods between deaf and hearing people are improving rapidly as technology develops. Where deaf people once had to rely on TTYs, or Teletypewriters, they now can call people using a video phone. With the advent of the Internet and programs such as Skype, it is easy for sign language users to communicate visually. There are also phone relay services available where an interpreter facilitates conversation between deaf and hearing people. In person, deaf people can either write things down when communicating with a hearing person or use a sign language interpreter, which is a much better option.
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