there was a moment when Cappie was talking to Spitter, he was helping him cope with the separation between him and his now-ex-girlfriend. He said "relationships either evolve...... or they go extinct... good luck adapting" wait, now I forget what he was talking about, but anyway. that is so true! because if you think about it, there are some friendships that you kinda had, and eventually lost, and then there are ones that last forever. Why? because they evolve. In a good way. In a flourishing way, that makes relationships stronger. ANy relationship, really.
Then they had another episode (or was it that episode?), they had flashbacks to the current seniors' freshman year. How they all met, and before their relationships went sour and got all complicated and confusing. And as the audience member, you kinda assumed there was really more history than you know about. And when you get to see it in a flashback, it makes you appreciate the "current relationship went sour" so much more! Does that make any sense. That's another reason why I love LOST!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
from schuman and capone's language development (2010;)
a... key feature of the self-teaching hypothesis is the lexicalization of the phonological recording (share, 1995). young readers initially begin the word recognition process with a basic knowledge of simple letter-sound correspondences that become associated with particular words (i.e., they are "lexicalized"). Children modify these simple one-to-one grapheme-morpheme correspondences by using constraints such as context, word position, and morphological endings (a grapheme is a written symbol [letter] that represents a phoneme [sound]). Share recognized that these initial decoding successes are much different than the decoding of the complex words that skilled readers eventually encounter. nevertheless, according to Share, these early, manageable encounters are enough to kick-start the self-teaching mechanism, which in turn refines itself in light of othorgraphic knowledge. Orthography refers to the way a word is stored visually in one's memory (Torgesen, 2004). The early lexicalization of sound-letter correspondences may best be considered a bootstrap or scaffold for developing the "complex, lexically constrained knowledge of spelling-sound relationships that characterize the expert reader" (share, 1995, p. 165).
THOUGHTS?
a... key feature of the self-teaching hypothesis is the lexicalization of the phonological recording (share, 1995). young readers initially begin the word recognition process with a basic knowledge of simple letter-sound correspondences that become associated with particular words (i.e., they are "lexicalized"). Children modify these simple one-to-one grapheme-morpheme correspondences by using constraints such as context, word position, and morphological endings (a grapheme is a written symbol [letter] that represents a phoneme [sound]). Share recognized that these initial decoding successes are much different than the decoding of the complex words that skilled readers eventually encounter. nevertheless, according to Share, these early, manageable encounters are enough to kick-start the self-teaching mechanism, which in turn refines itself in light of othorgraphic knowledge. Orthography refers to the way a word is stored visually in one's memory (Torgesen, 2004). The early lexicalization of sound-letter correspondences may best be considered a bootstrap or scaffold for developing the "complex, lexically constrained knowledge of spelling-sound relationships that characterize the expert reader" (share, 1995, p. 165).
THOUGHTS?
Monday, December 7, 2009
Communication is Key
In all honesty, I think that communication and language are of the most fascinating topics in the world. How do we exchange any information? How can you think/feel something and be able to express it; and just the same, how can I receive that message and understand how you think/feel. Freaks me out.
Last night, Kevin told me how happy he was that we were both interested in communication and language (as an aspiring editor). And I couldn't agree more. Clear communication is among the most important things in a relationship and in the world. We are making it our personal duties to assure, encourage, and disseminate efficient communication practices revealing nothing but mutual understanding.
Following Thanksgiving dinner, my cousin introduced me to Ludwig Wittgenstein. He says in his Tractatus:
Now I'm afraid you haven't really got hold of my main contention to which the whole business of logical propositions is only corollary. The main point is the theory of what can be expressed by propositions, i.e., by language (and, which comes to the same thing, what can be thought) and what cannot be expressed by propositions, but only shown; which I believe is the cardinal problem of philosophy.
How cool is that? Ok, so maybe not the most novel of ideas, but I think I like it, whoever said it first means nothing.
But somehow we do understand each other. And I realize now that my fascination with language and communication reveals itself in how I want to know the perspective of who I am talking with. I always ask questions... and how that person feels about whatever... and why... and his experiences... of course I try to shut my mouth if it gets too personal or invasive, but honestly, all of those things really help you understand a person and his perspective. Which ultimately lead you to better understand them in their communication in general.
I was talking with some roommates and friends this weekend. Of various hearing levels, we all have our own communication styles and preferences in various contexts and environments. In any event, I've noticed just how much miscommunication goes on in my house. Oh man it can be a riot. (and also NOT a riot!) It is curious, though, how there is less misunderstanding outside of our home than within. Thoughts?
Last night, Kevin told me how happy he was that we were both interested in communication and language (as an aspiring editor). And I couldn't agree more. Clear communication is among the most important things in a relationship and in the world. We are making it our personal duties to assure, encourage, and disseminate efficient communication practices revealing nothing but mutual understanding.
Following Thanksgiving dinner, my cousin introduced me to Ludwig Wittgenstein. He says in his Tractatus:
Now I'm afraid you haven't really got hold of my main contention to which the whole business of logical propositions is only corollary. The main point is the theory of what can be expressed by propositions, i.e., by language (and, which comes to the same thing, what can be thought) and what cannot be expressed by propositions, but only shown; which I believe is the cardinal problem of philosophy.
How cool is that? Ok, so maybe not the most novel of ideas, but I think I like it, whoever said it first means nothing.
But somehow we do understand each other. And I realize now that my fascination with language and communication reveals itself in how I want to know the perspective of who I am talking with. I always ask questions... and how that person feels about whatever... and why... and his experiences... of course I try to shut my mouth if it gets too personal or invasive, but honestly, all of those things really help you understand a person and his perspective. Which ultimately lead you to better understand them in their communication in general.
I was talking with some roommates and friends this weekend. Of various hearing levels, we all have our own communication styles and preferences in various contexts and environments. In any event, I've noticed just how much miscommunication goes on in my house. Oh man it can be a riot. (and also NOT a riot!) It is curious, though, how there is less misunderstanding outside of our home than within. Thoughts?
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Gestural System is Being Replaced
As an American Sign Language Learner (aka SL2), you cannnnotttt tell me that your signing has not influenced your communication in English- in the Hearing world. Sometimes, when ASL just seems more appropriate (natural?), it just comes out. At that bar where it seems like wherever you stand, you are next to a speaker... At the museum where you just can't bring yourself to break the silence... At the coffee shop where you see that cute guy you want to talk about... And it just seeps into life where no one has any ASL competence! Just seeps it's way right on through, so that if there is any misunderstanding, I somehow resort to ASL (or what I know of it). For example, there was an Ethiopian girl in the building (someone's daughter) who knows no English. Why was I trying to sign "I'll be right back"?? Beyond this, you will see your whole gestural system start to be replace as your ASL knowledge increases. I find myself signing to myself, the way other hearing people might speak to themselves. I find my self signing when I think, for some reason, it has meaning to others, when really, it only has meaning to myself (Deaf people will tell you that too, haha!)
Anyway, there was this funny short story that my professor told us...
A man is out to lunch and he is reading the menu.... the waiter approaches and asks for his order, "What can I get you for lunch?" and he says, "Oh, tuna" as he signs FISH. Insert ::weird look:: from all parties. Himself included. "How did that get there," I find myself thinking when that happens to me. It just slips right out.
Anyway, there was this funny short story that my professor told us...
A man is out to lunch and he is reading the menu.... the waiter approaches and asks for his order, "What can I get you for lunch?" and he says, "Oh, tuna" as he signs FISH. Insert ::weird look:: from all parties. Himself included. "How did that get there," I find myself thinking when that happens to me. It just slips right out.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
homework videos
Describing my experience at a "Deaf event" (ie homecoming football game! loads of old alumni representing their class! so cool)
Also, here is me describing a living room. I don't like it. But fuck it, just submit it already!
Also, here is me describing a living room. I don't like it. But fuck it, just submit it already!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Ignorance is NOT bliss
Part of my future career goals is to bridge the gap between the hearing world and the deaf world. And inherent in this rift (as in ANY rift) is communication. Duh. But another issue underlying this is ignorance. As I have said before, I cannot blame most people for their ignorance of deafness, hearing loss, Deaf culture, etc. No one told them about it. No one sat them down and chatted about the challenges people with a hearing loss have to face DAILY when interacting with the hearing world. Nor about how effortless communication is with sign language (maybe). And I can understand that. Why would they have had that talk?
BUT if you are someone who works with the public, someone who is constantly going to be interacting with all kinds of people, you really should be more AWARE of these differences and their implications. Here is a short anecdote:
A hard-of-hearing friend of mine (for those ignorants out there, this is a self-identifying term for someone how has SOME degree of hearing loss (HL), typically less loss than more, who likely relies more on speech than signing (if any), who definitely relies on auditory reception, blabhalh. ask for more details)- this friend of mine was pulled over for speeding one day. Now in this situation, there are a few anticipatory strategies a person with some HL can apply. There is a finite number of comments this officer is going to say to you. And if you pay attention, you can figure out what is going on. Something like "License and registration, please" is likely to come up. Also, "Do you know why I pulled you over?" Responding appropriately to these questions may intentionally or unintentionally trick the officer into thinking you can hear normally.
My friend had a moment where he did not understand the officer's speech (which is done easily- a mustache, an accent, a car drives by...). He explained he is hard-of-hearing, and he asked him to repeat himself. Apparently the cop thought he was being a smart ass, accusing him of even lying on his license, which reads "hearing impaired." What the fuck?? Who the fuck is he? Because my friend speaks well and efficiently and appropriately employs communication strategies, he accidentally convinces people he is of normal hearing. The thing is that he isn't. There is a fine line, true, between normal hearing and mild loss, but at the same time, there is a difference. And for him, communication can be exhausting and a struggle, depending on the speakers, of course. Or it can be effortless and smooth.
No fucking help to that ignorant cop. He doesn't know what he is talking about. And he isn't making anyone's life easier. Nor is he protecting the liberties and justice of this land by being a dumbass.
BUT if you are someone who works with the public, someone who is constantly going to be interacting with all kinds of people, you really should be more AWARE of these differences and their implications. Here is a short anecdote:
A hard-of-hearing friend of mine (for those ignorants out there, this is a self-identifying term for someone how has SOME degree of hearing loss (HL), typically less loss than more, who likely relies more on speech than signing (if any), who definitely relies on auditory reception, blabhalh. ask for more details)- this friend of mine was pulled over for speeding one day. Now in this situation, there are a few anticipatory strategies a person with some HL can apply. There is a finite number of comments this officer is going to say to you. And if you pay attention, you can figure out what is going on. Something like "License and registration, please" is likely to come up. Also, "Do you know why I pulled you over?" Responding appropriately to these questions may intentionally or unintentionally trick the officer into thinking you can hear normally.
My friend had a moment where he did not understand the officer's speech (which is done easily- a mustache, an accent, a car drives by...). He explained he is hard-of-hearing, and he asked him to repeat himself. Apparently the cop thought he was being a smart ass, accusing him of even lying on his license, which reads "hearing impaired." What the fuck?? Who the fuck is he? Because my friend speaks well and efficiently and appropriately employs communication strategies, he accidentally convinces people he is of normal hearing. The thing is that he isn't. There is a fine line, true, between normal hearing and mild loss, but at the same time, there is a difference. And for him, communication can be exhausting and a struggle, depending on the speakers, of course. Or it can be effortless and smooth.
No fucking help to that ignorant cop. He doesn't know what he is talking about. And he isn't making anyone's life easier. Nor is he protecting the liberties and justice of this land by being a dumbass.
The Story of Simon
A friend of mine at Gallaudet (hearing) recently received a care package from her family back home in NY. Love and good wishes were packed into cards and sealed with a kiss. Specifically, her grandmother sent a card with something special inside. She explained that she found something on her usual pew in church one Sunday. It made her think of her granddaughter at Gally and knew it was meant for her. It's a small flipbook some kid made-- pictures pasted on index cards, telling "The Story of Simon, the Deaf and Dumb Man," complete with pictures on every page. [Kevin later explained to my ignorant self that this is what is referred to as a tract.] [Also please note, in this context, "dumb" means cannot speak.] --
"[Sad-face] Simon was deaf and dumb. He could not hear or speak. He was very sad. [picture birds chirping around him, insert ::shrug::] Simon's friends asked Jesus to make Simon well and happy again. [cue smiling Jesus]. Jesus touched Simon's ears and tongue. Suddenly Simon could hear the birds and he said to Jesus 'Thank you for being so kind and making me well again.' [picture birds again and happy Simon.] They had a big party and Simon told all the people about his friend Jesus who had made him better. [cue dancing]"
Thoughts?
Simon admittedly was unhappy. I'm gonna go ahead and assume Simon had extremely difficulty communicating (though he did have friends?). Maybe not. Maybe it was purely a hearing thing, not a communication thing. Maybe he took advantage of communication strategies, like writing down his order for the farmer on paper. In any event, there was no sign language. However, he got his daily needs met without spoken language/access to environmental noises (minimal auditory reception). For some reason, it wasn't working for him. And I respect that. He asked to hear because that is what he thought would be in his best interest.
I do NOT respect this as an example of how Jesus is the most miraculous man to walk the land or the most skilled savior. In today's contexts, this is teaching our children an ignorant, outdated perspective of deafness. And the number one complaint I have is that "deaf and dumb" has been stepped on and dumped in the trash decades ago. Stop saying that. This is 2009. Wake up.
Though grandma had good intentions, I'm not sure if she really understand what is going on in Gallaudet's Hearing and Speech Center. And I don't blame her, of course. She was probably given some similar lesson about Jesus and deafness when she was young, too.
"[Sad-face] Simon was deaf and dumb. He could not hear or speak. He was very sad. [picture birds chirping around him, insert ::shrug::] Simon's friends asked Jesus to make Simon well and happy again. [cue smiling Jesus]. Jesus touched Simon's ears and tongue. Suddenly Simon could hear the birds and he said to Jesus 'Thank you for being so kind and making me well again.' [picture birds again and happy Simon.] They had a big party and Simon told all the people about his friend Jesus who had made him better. [cue dancing]"
Thoughts?
Simon admittedly was unhappy. I'm gonna go ahead and assume Simon had extremely difficulty communicating (though he did have friends?). Maybe not. Maybe it was purely a hearing thing, not a communication thing. Maybe he took advantage of communication strategies, like writing down his order for the farmer on paper. In any event, there was no sign language. However, he got his daily needs met without spoken language/access to environmental noises (minimal auditory reception). For some reason, it wasn't working for him. And I respect that. He asked to hear because that is what he thought would be in his best interest.
I do NOT respect this as an example of how Jesus is the most miraculous man to walk the land or the most skilled savior. In today's contexts, this is teaching our children an ignorant, outdated perspective of deafness. And the number one complaint I have is that "deaf and dumb" has been stepped on and dumped in the trash decades ago. Stop saying that. This is 2009. Wake up.
Though grandma had good intentions, I'm not sure if she really understand what is going on in Gallaudet's Hearing and Speech Center. And I don't blame her, of course. She was probably given some similar lesson about Jesus and deafness when she was young, too.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
my headphones rock.
these headphones are so awesome. when i wear them, it really blocks out every other sound. It's like as if ear plugs played music. at whatever volume you wanted. without disturbing others (usually), and without others disturbing you. ya know when people talk over your music you are listening to. with these headphones, i can hear all the music i want, and it doesnt interfere with my communication, either. i just tell the kids in my program that i cant hear what they are saying, and we will start signing instead. that way we can still chat, and i can still hear my music. how's that a "middle of the road" perspective for you!
I am eating the most erotic chocolate.
these headphones are so awesome. when i wear them, it really blocks out every other sound. It's like as if ear plugs played music. at whatever volume you wanted. without disturbing others (usually), and without others disturbing you. ya know when people talk over your music you are listening to. with these headphones, i can hear all the music i want, and it doesnt interfere with my communication, either. i just tell the kids in my program that i cant hear what they are saying, and we will start signing instead. that way we can still chat, and i can still hear my music. how's that a "middle of the road" perspective for you!
I am eating the most erotic chocolate.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Enjoy
Why is it so popular for hearing kids to interpret music? I'm not sure, but this kid beats 'em all. He is my role model.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ewitteborg
PLEASE see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbGFwtHMvto&feature=fvw
(even if you don't know a BIT of sign- it's for your own good)
http://www.youtube.com/user/ewitteborg
PLEASE see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbGFwtHMvto&feature=fvw
(even if you don't know a BIT of sign- it's for your own good)
Monday, October 5, 2009
From my ASL class
Describe BRIEFLY your life story (using LATER-ON and WRONG as a conjunctive)
Describe BRIEFLY you experience at and reaction to a Deaf event
see rathskeller.com
Describe BRIEFLY you experience at and reaction to a Deaf event
see rathskeller.com
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Phonemes = speech sounds
Apparently it is easier for Deaf people to accurately recite the alphabet than to recite phonemes in isolation.
ie- they can say "ay bee see dee..." but it might be more difficult to elicit the sound an /m/ "mmmmm"
ie- they can say "ay bee see dee..." but it might be more difficult to elicit the sound an /m/ "mmmmm"
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Science is everywhere
I know what you are thinking (Srav), Saturday AND Sunday? Seriously? This girl is on a roll!!!
I just wanted to comment about how I am writing fieldnotes in my grad program. Cool, right? Kinda. It's cool only because I have an idea of what I need to do already. Granted they aren't called fieldnotes, but they are essentially the same concept.
We know that if you consider yourself to be working in a "science," then that implies the scientific method. It's everywhere, guys! First we will interview with the client, get an idea of their history, why they are seeking our services, blahblah. Make some early hypotheses. (FAST FORWARD through diagnostic evaluation) If therapy is appropriate, we set goals/objectives we would like to accomplish through therapy. We meet with them, observe, take notes on those observations (fieldnotes = SOAP notes), and based on those observations (of everything from mood to performance data) we will plan for the next session. More fieldnotes, more practice, more performance assessment, more planning....
Thus the scientific method. Though, the progress is based on the performance on standardized tests (kinda... at least the diagnostic is). Which is lame. But as I was telling Katie, who is also quite opposed to these things, we will graduate and re-philosophize our field and become the best we can be and the best there ever was! Kids will love us because we are so different from the common SLP.
I just wanted to comment about how I am writing fieldnotes in my grad program. Cool, right? Kinda. It's cool only because I have an idea of what I need to do already. Granted they aren't called fieldnotes, but they are essentially the same concept.
We know that if you consider yourself to be working in a "science," then that implies the scientific method. It's everywhere, guys! First we will interview with the client, get an idea of their history, why they are seeking our services, blahblah. Make some early hypotheses. (FAST FORWARD through diagnostic evaluation) If therapy is appropriate, we set goals/objectives we would like to accomplish through therapy. We meet with them, observe, take notes on those observations (fieldnotes = SOAP notes), and based on those observations (of everything from mood to performance data) we will plan for the next session. More fieldnotes, more practice, more performance assessment, more planning....
Thus the scientific method. Though, the progress is based on the performance on standardized tests (kinda... at least the diagnostic is). Which is lame. But as I was telling Katie, who is also quite opposed to these things, we will graduate and re-philosophize our field and become the best we can be and the best there ever was! Kids will love us because we are so different from the common SLP.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Sanchez
One example case study my professor created to inspire conversation in my Clinical Procedures class was about Emily Sanchez. She is a Deaf girl who came to the clinic for aural habilitation and was really benefiting from her hearing aid. Her speechreading was fantastic inside the speech center, but she was dealing with a conflict outside of the speech and language center. She did not want to wear her hearing aid because of what her deaf friends might think.
The classes resolved the issue with: she can take the HA off with her deaf friends because she doesn't need to hear.
Honestly this is such a simplistic answer! I'm sure she can think of this answer herself. So there must be more to it than that, right? Or else she wouldn't come to the clinic with that question if there was an easy answer. The truth is that there will be situations where she might want to hear and sign. Perhaps in a mix of hearing and deaf friends. Or if they go to a restaurant or somewhere else in public and need to interact with the Hearing world. Maybe she wants to be able to access both worlds at the same time?
Why does she feel ashamed to wear her HA? They think that she is ashamed of her deafness? Of her culture? Next thing ya know, she'll be refusing sign language and closing her eyes when they try to communicate with her. My only suggestion to her is that she needs to sit down with her "friends" who might look at her differently with a HA in. Talk about why she wears it and why she doesn't want to. Deaf radicals who think that assistive listening technology is turning people into cyborgs need to get their head out of the ground and look around at the world. If it works for some people, let them be! Live and let live??? If it's not for you, fine! No one is pushing anything on you. She is still just as Deaf as she was yesterday. She can just hear a little bit more now. Chill out.
The classes resolved the issue with: she can take the HA off with her deaf friends because she doesn't need to hear.
Honestly this is such a simplistic answer! I'm sure she can think of this answer herself. So there must be more to it than that, right? Or else she wouldn't come to the clinic with that question if there was an easy answer. The truth is that there will be situations where she might want to hear and sign. Perhaps in a mix of hearing and deaf friends. Or if they go to a restaurant or somewhere else in public and need to interact with the Hearing world. Maybe she wants to be able to access both worlds at the same time?
Why does she feel ashamed to wear her HA? They think that she is ashamed of her deafness? Of her culture? Next thing ya know, she'll be refusing sign language and closing her eyes when they try to communicate with her. My only suggestion to her is that she needs to sit down with her "friends" who might look at her differently with a HA in. Talk about why she wears it and why she doesn't want to. Deaf radicals who think that assistive listening technology is turning people into cyborgs need to get their head out of the ground and look around at the world. If it works for some people, let them be! Live and let live??? If it's not for you, fine! No one is pushing anything on you. She is still just as Deaf as she was yesterday. She can just hear a little bit more now. Chill out.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Hearing Culture
What the fuck? What does that mean? Did I just make that shit up?
One of the presenters at orientation (Dirksen Bauman - gorgeous) informed us that when he was born, he could hear. He repeated it. When he was born, he could hear. He said, it wasn't until he was 21 years old, that he became Hearing. [please note: Hearing is capitalized to emphasize the Hearing culture, not the sense of hearing] He asked the audience what that meant. Of course it is because at 21 was when he first became aware of what that was. That there was such a thing as Deaf culture and there was such a thing as to be Hearing. He first met a Deaf person when he was 21 years old.
It makes sense. Often times, you don't notice something until something comes along. (says the Devil in the South Park Movie: Without evil, there would be no good, so it must be good to be evil sometimes!- is the only thing that comes to mind.) Anyway, at 21 he realized that there was this thing/identity/culture called hearing. You are Hearing, and I am Deaf. Get it?
It is interesting to see hearing people when they first learn about this term. They will be explaining something and realize they need a term for someone who is NOT deaf. They look to their peers, who give the sign/term "Hearing" (please note- the sign for "Hearing" is different than the sign for "to hear" -- interesting!). It's funny to see their reactions to their first exposure to that label (I'm assuming it is created by the Deaf community, but who knows).
Another interesting, somewhat related tidbit:
A friend of mine was talking about her experience with a hearing friend. (I am not a stickler for capitalizing Hearing/Deaf.... I think it depends on my mood. And/or if I want to emphasize that label/identity/culture...) She is deaf, and she speaks very well. She will wear a hearing aid or two and is quite a skilled lipreader. She says that sometimes he forgets that she is deaf, that she can't hear, at all. They were discussing enrolling him in an ASL class; that sometimes, it would be easier if he had a basic understanding of sign langauge/culture/identity. In any event, while communication hasn't been an issue, communication itself has been brought to light. That means that there are times when he is just so used to talking with her that he honestly doesn't realize she can't hear. And that assumption can definitely lead to other assumptions and expectations that wouldn't arise if there were a constant reminder that that person can't hear (ie if she did NOT speak). Therefore, he might be missing out on understanding that there is whole other side to who she is as a person. It can go unnoticed when you are in a mainstream hearing culture that some people can be very much integrated into it, but fail to have that one sense that everyone else has, that the culture is defined as having. (in a way). Weird, right?
I am not sure if this is the smartest way to end it. Maybe I'll edit this post more later.
One of the presenters at orientation (Dirksen Bauman - gorgeous) informed us that when he was born, he could hear. He repeated it. When he was born, he could hear. He said, it wasn't until he was 21 years old, that he became Hearing. [please note: Hearing is capitalized to emphasize the Hearing culture, not the sense of hearing] He asked the audience what that meant. Of course it is because at 21 was when he first became aware of what that was. That there was such a thing as Deaf culture and there was such a thing as to be Hearing. He first met a Deaf person when he was 21 years old.
It makes sense. Often times, you don't notice something until something comes along. (says the Devil in the South Park Movie: Without evil, there would be no good, so it must be good to be evil sometimes!- is the only thing that comes to mind.) Anyway, at 21 he realized that there was this thing/identity/culture called hearing. You are Hearing, and I am Deaf. Get it?
It is interesting to see hearing people when they first learn about this term. They will be explaining something and realize they need a term for someone who is NOT deaf. They look to their peers, who give the sign/term "Hearing" (please note- the sign for "Hearing" is different than the sign for "to hear" -- interesting!). It's funny to see their reactions to their first exposure to that label (I'm assuming it is created by the Deaf community, but who knows).
Another interesting, somewhat related tidbit:
A friend of mine was talking about her experience with a hearing friend. (I am not a stickler for capitalizing Hearing/Deaf.... I think it depends on my mood. And/or if I want to emphasize that label/identity/culture...) She is deaf, and she speaks very well. She will wear a hearing aid or two and is quite a skilled lipreader. She says that sometimes he forgets that she is deaf, that she can't hear, at all. They were discussing enrolling him in an ASL class; that sometimes, it would be easier if he had a basic understanding of sign langauge/culture/identity. In any event, while communication hasn't been an issue, communication itself has been brought to light. That means that there are times when he is just so used to talking with her that he honestly doesn't realize she can't hear. And that assumption can definitely lead to other assumptions and expectations that wouldn't arise if there were a constant reminder that that person can't hear (ie if she did NOT speak). Therefore, he might be missing out on understanding that there is whole other side to who she is as a person. It can go unnoticed when you are in a mainstream hearing culture that some people can be very much integrated into it, but fail to have that one sense that everyone else has, that the culture is defined as having. (in a way). Weird, right?
I am not sure if this is the smartest way to end it. Maybe I'll edit this post more later.
Friday, September 4, 2009
tell as inform
When you are learning sign language, you might ask a Deaf person "How can I sign, 'She told me...' or 'I told you...'?" Typically they will tell you a directional/referential sign that points to your mouth. I know I use that phrase all the time. "I told her already." "She told me she'd be late." In reality, though. When hearing people say "told," they typically mean to focus on the fact that they received or sent some kind of message -- some information was exchanged. I think the better sign to use in this context is the sing to "inform" instead. You won't see many deaf people sign "she told me" in this context, but rather "she informed me" -- it kinda depicts information from the brain to a person.
It's a little surprising (though it shouldn't be) to think about all of the vocal/auditory nuances in our spoken language. She told me. I heard about it. That sounds cool. Of course these all make sense and are used correctly to mean what they say, but at the same time, it emphasizes the vocal and auditory means, so of course it doesn't translate well. Instead, maybe we should try to interpret the meaning of what you are trying to say, rather than the directly translate the words.
ps- things I need to remember to write about
-audism/phonocentrism/cognitive diversity
-window v. door (ben bahan?)
-burrito (bb?)
-proxemics - triangle building blocks (bb?)
-reading the envi/sounds/sensory reach
It's a little surprising (though it shouldn't be) to think about all of the vocal/auditory nuances in our spoken language. She told me. I heard about it. That sounds cool. Of course these all make sense and are used correctly to mean what they say, but at the same time, it emphasizes the vocal and auditory means, so of course it doesn't translate well. Instead, maybe we should try to interpret the meaning of what you are trying to say, rather than the directly translate the words.
ps- things I need to remember to write about
-audism/phonocentrism/cognitive diversity
-window v. door (ben bahan?)
-burrito (bb?)
-proxemics - triangle building blocks (bb?)
-reading the envi/sounds/sensory reach
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Speech Reading > Lip Reading
So we're off. School has begun, textbooks are in the mail, commuting is a bitch. I still plan on writing about orientation, and I realize that every day that passes is a day away from a good memory. We'll see how long it takes me.
Today I want to write about speech reading. This was my first time being exposed to that phrase- in Clinical Procedures for Communication Disorders (with a strong emphasis on aural rehabilitation). For those of you who don't know, lip reading is a common (do I really know that?) method among deaf individuals to gather what they can regarding what you are saying to them. They will "read" your lips, trying to decipher the words you are saying. I've been told that only about 30% of the spoken American English can be seen (i.e. "m", "p", and the shape of vowels- to some extent). If you want to try it for yourself, mute your television (without captions!) and do your best to focus on the lips of the characters. How much of what they are saying do you think you would be able to understand? If you want to give yourself some help, try to just have the volume EXTREMELY low -- to simulate SOME residual hearing. You got anything?
There are people in this world who do wonders and can actually make out a LOT of what people are saying just by reading their lips. How do they do it?! (practice is some part of it, but there is more...)
So in class the phrase speech reading comes up, and of course this is different than lip reading. Speech reading will take in lip reading, true, but also much more than that. Other visual elements include facial expression, gestures, body language; cognitive elements like linguistic competence in the target language and situational cues; and of course any residual hearing. With that extra information, you can see how it might make more sense that the angry driver that passed you screamed "Fuck you!" and not "Vacuum!" And in the same sense, that your mom wants you to clean your room, not insult you...
So all this is well and good, but I have a few issues with this. First of all, what makes that "speech" reading any more than "lip" reading? I suppose you could argue that speech includes body language and situational clues, but really? Also, if deaf people only looked at lips, there is no way they would understand what the fuck was going on. OF COURSE they use all of these clues to help understand the world around them -- they're not dumb, that's an outdated idea :-) .
In any event, I thought I would enlighted those who are unaware of all the shit that deaf people take in when they are lip reading... or speech reading. Or whatever the difference is. To me, they are the same concept. Arguing semantics seems to be an inescapable future. Kill me.
Today I want to write about speech reading. This was my first time being exposed to that phrase- in Clinical Procedures for Communication Disorders (with a strong emphasis on aural rehabilitation). For those of you who don't know, lip reading is a common (do I really know that?) method among deaf individuals to gather what they can regarding what you are saying to them. They will "read" your lips, trying to decipher the words you are saying. I've been told that only about 30% of the spoken American English can be seen (i.e. "m", "p", and the shape of vowels- to some extent). If you want to try it for yourself, mute your television (without captions!) and do your best to focus on the lips of the characters. How much of what they are saying do you think you would be able to understand? If you want to give yourself some help, try to just have the volume EXTREMELY low -- to simulate SOME residual hearing. You got anything?
There are people in this world who do wonders and can actually make out a LOT of what people are saying just by reading their lips. How do they do it?! (practice is some part of it, but there is more...)
So in class the phrase speech reading comes up, and of course this is different than lip reading. Speech reading will take in lip reading, true, but also much more than that. Other visual elements include facial expression, gestures, body language; cognitive elements like linguistic competence in the target language and situational cues; and of course any residual hearing. With that extra information, you can see how it might make more sense that the angry driver that passed you screamed "Fuck you!" and not "Vacuum!" And in the same sense, that your mom wants you to clean your room, not insult you...
So all this is well and good, but I have a few issues with this. First of all, what makes that "speech" reading any more than "lip" reading? I suppose you could argue that speech includes body language and situational clues, but really? Also, if deaf people only looked at lips, there is no way they would understand what the fuck was going on. OF COURSE they use all of these clues to help understand the world around them -- they're not dumb, that's an outdated idea :-) .
In any event, I thought I would enlighted those who are unaware of all the shit that deaf people take in when they are lip reading... or speech reading. Or whatever the difference is. To me, they are the same concept. Arguing semantics seems to be an inescapable future. Kill me.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Deaf Mixer
Here come some few posts about my new situation here in the DC metro area! I have some notes about the interesting stuff from Graduate Student Orientation last week- we were given a bunch of presentations geared towards ignorant and then not-so-ignorant audiences. But first, some fun happened here last night, and I would love to share!
I am now living in MD with two Deafies and another Hearing girl. (If Deaf is a culture and should therefore be capitalized, then why not Hearing? ...when referred to as such) This weekend we have a full house with two boyfriends visiting from home. On top of that, one of my roommates' buddy from Gallaudet came for dinner along with three others. The food was fantastic! In any event, 4 Hearing kids (2 with ASL knowledge) + 6 Deaf kids = good time. And Kevin proved ever so impressive when he tried his best to communicate with his hands as best he could.
I'm gonna say that the home court advantage definitely helped me open up. Within the first hour of chatting, I learned that the professor I will be working with was actually someone's speech therapist! What a small world. Smaller than the Jewish world, I bet. ;-) Everyone was nice, though it proved to be pretty awkward at first. You could see us falling into our deaf and hearing cliques quickly. Eventually (with help from the brews and foosball) there was some intermingling. We attempted a round of Apples to Apples (with my poor interpreting), but that fell apart before long.
Something that stood out between the two hearing statuses in the room- our relation to the television. It was on most of the time- low volume with closed captions on. It seemed that two of the hearing kids were consistently distracted by it, while the signers didn't really think twice about its presence. It was brought up, and it seems to be a trend that hearing people are just easily distracted by a TV on in the background, while the signers are aware of it, but do not need to look at it if they aren't interested. The hearing sense is so weird. We talked a lot this week at orientation about the sense and what it means to hearing people- how it impacts our lives and culture, even in ways that we are unaware of. It's a powerful sense, I say. And it's almost passive. (I say "almost" because there is definitely a distinction between hearing and listening). You don't need to point your ears at anything or need to be too close to anything to hear it. Sound just finds it's way into your outer, middle, and inner ear and right to your brain. So weird. And awesome.
Hopefully I will be at loads of social deaf events, and my signing and awareness will only increase. The kids offered good advice to keep in touch with the Deaf community around here, and I will do my best to network on campus and find more buddies to increase my competency and coolness 8-).
I am now living in MD with two Deafies and another Hearing girl. (If Deaf is a culture and should therefore be capitalized, then why not Hearing? ...when referred to as such) This weekend we have a full house with two boyfriends visiting from home. On top of that, one of my roommates' buddy from Gallaudet came for dinner along with three others. The food was fantastic! In any event, 4 Hearing kids (2 with ASL knowledge) + 6 Deaf kids = good time. And Kevin proved ever so impressive when he tried his best to communicate with his hands as best he could.
I'm gonna say that the home court advantage definitely helped me open up. Within the first hour of chatting, I learned that the professor I will be working with was actually someone's speech therapist! What a small world. Smaller than the Jewish world, I bet. ;-) Everyone was nice, though it proved to be pretty awkward at first. You could see us falling into our deaf and hearing cliques quickly. Eventually (with help from the brews and foosball) there was some intermingling. We attempted a round of Apples to Apples (with my poor interpreting), but that fell apart before long.
Something that stood out between the two hearing statuses in the room- our relation to the television. It was on most of the time- low volume with closed captions on. It seemed that two of the hearing kids were consistently distracted by it, while the signers didn't really think twice about its presence. It was brought up, and it seems to be a trend that hearing people are just easily distracted by a TV on in the background, while the signers are aware of it, but do not need to look at it if they aren't interested. The hearing sense is so weird. We talked a lot this week at orientation about the sense and what it means to hearing people- how it impacts our lives and culture, even in ways that we are unaware of. It's a powerful sense, I say. And it's almost passive. (I say "almost" because there is definitely a distinction between hearing and listening). You don't need to point your ears at anything or need to be too close to anything to hear it. Sound just finds it's way into your outer, middle, and inner ear and right to your brain. So weird. And awesome.
Hopefully I will be at loads of social deaf events, and my signing and awareness will only increase. The kids offered good advice to keep in touch with the Deaf community around here, and I will do my best to network on campus and find more buddies to increase my competency and coolness 8-).
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Receptionist Tip of the Day:
“Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!”
...if you could only see my face...
- Ann Frank
...if you could only see my face...
Saturday, May 2, 2009
It takes two
So I got hired for Vector Marketing for 15 hours a week for $8 an hour (see also workforstudents). They are the company that sells the sweet cutlery products of Cutco. In ANY event, I am still looking for more work (possibly the Springfield Township Library!), but in my first week working for Vector, I have learned a bit about American Business.
I got a packet- like a script I should say when I call unsuspecting people to work for us. In addition, I got tips to create a sense of urgency (more than "call us in the next ten minutes", but similar). Apparently, and I believe it, if you feel like this is a limited offer, in need of "act now!", you will be more likely to come in for an interview. And if they are signed up for an interview the day that I call them, they are more likely to SHOW UP to the interview... hence my need to create urgency. In any event, my reflections started when I read the words on our "Fundamentals" sheet: Believing that creating urgency is normal, not manipulative.
Which brings me to "what is manipulative." I'm thinking, though this is probably too simplistic, deliberately acting in some specific way with the intention of creating a specific desired reaction from an audience. How does that sound? Dictionary.com says "1. to manage or influence skillfully, esp. in an unfair manner: to manipulate people's feelings." I guess it is the "unfair" in there that makes it very different.
So regardless of how manipulative or not creating urgency is, I think it is incredible how people's actions (reactions), behaviors, decisions, moods, etc., are really just in response to other people's word choice (actions, behaviors, decisions, moods, etc.). I mean, think about this. One day this week, we have two kids calling people who had been accepted to work for Vector, but for some reason missed the training session(s). Basically they are trying to get these people to sign up for training again. We are tallying the numbers these two callers are rescheduling. By the end of the day, one had 22 and the other around 10.
Now, granted, these numbers need to be taken with a grain of salt (how did that expression start?) because this is only one day's worth of data for you, but consider this: there is no real reason why one caller's numbers should have been double the other callers'. They are essentially calling from the same pool of people who missed their training. Therefore, the difference comes from their approach. Maybe one is more calm, maybe one is more enticing, maybe one is more personable, maybe one is more creepy, maybe one is more urgent... and the list can go on. In any event, the people who are rescheduling with one caller are reacting differently than those rescheduling with the other caller for some other reason than because they want the job. Otherwise, why wouldn't their numbers be more similar (unless it is just perchance that one called a lot more people who were "currently seeking employment," as we say in the biz).
So I'm gonna start thinking about how many actions, decisions, behaviors... I do every day that are merely reactions from my environment. How many decisions do I make daily that are my own? How many can I say I decided on because that is how I truly felt and that is what I truly want. And not because someone else influenced me with their calmness, enticements, impressionability, etc...
I think you should do the same.
And I think you will be surprised to learn that the answer is not many. If I learned anything from studying anthropology, I learned that we as individuals are pretty meaningless. It takes at least two, my friend, it is true. Almost everything we do is because of someone else. Think about that.
I got a packet- like a script I should say when I call unsuspecting people to work for us. In addition, I got tips to create a sense of urgency (more than "call us in the next ten minutes", but similar). Apparently, and I believe it, if you feel like this is a limited offer, in need of "act now!", you will be more likely to come in for an interview. And if they are signed up for an interview the day that I call them, they are more likely to SHOW UP to the interview... hence my need to create urgency. In any event, my reflections started when I read the words on our "Fundamentals" sheet: Believing that creating urgency is normal, not manipulative.
Which brings me to "what is manipulative." I'm thinking, though this is probably too simplistic, deliberately acting in some specific way with the intention of creating a specific desired reaction from an audience. How does that sound? Dictionary.com says "1. to manage or influence skillfully, esp. in an unfair manner: to manipulate people's feelings." I guess it is the "unfair" in there that makes it very different.
So regardless of how manipulative or not creating urgency is, I think it is incredible how people's actions (reactions), behaviors, decisions, moods, etc., are really just in response to other people's word choice (actions, behaviors, decisions, moods, etc.). I mean, think about this. One day this week, we have two kids calling people who had been accepted to work for Vector, but for some reason missed the training session(s). Basically they are trying to get these people to sign up for training again. We are tallying the numbers these two callers are rescheduling. By the end of the day, one had 22 and the other around 10.
Now, granted, these numbers need to be taken with a grain of salt (how did that expression start?) because this is only one day's worth of data for you, but consider this: there is no real reason why one caller's numbers should have been double the other callers'. They are essentially calling from the same pool of people who missed their training. Therefore, the difference comes from their approach. Maybe one is more calm, maybe one is more enticing, maybe one is more personable, maybe one is more creepy, maybe one is more urgent... and the list can go on. In any event, the people who are rescheduling with one caller are reacting differently than those rescheduling with the other caller for some other reason than because they want the job. Otherwise, why wouldn't their numbers be more similar (unless it is just perchance that one called a lot more people who were "currently seeking employment," as we say in the biz).
So I'm gonna start thinking about how many actions, decisions, behaviors... I do every day that are merely reactions from my environment. How many decisions do I make daily that are my own? How many can I say I decided on because that is how I truly felt and that is what I truly want. And not because someone else influenced me with their calmness, enticements, impressionability, etc...
I think you should do the same.
And I think you will be surprised to learn that the answer is not many. If I learned anything from studying anthropology, I learned that we as individuals are pretty meaningless. It takes at least two, my friend, it is true. Almost everything we do is because of someone else. Think about that.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Months later...
So it seems I have been motivated to turn this into a working blog again. Though with a higher ratio of text to videos...
These days don't include much- I am waiting to hear from Gallaudet about my acceptance or rejection (EEP!). I am going there for an interview this Friday, actually. FUCKIN NERVOUS AS HELL! We'll see how that goes.
These days I am trying to read about ASL and SLP and have been observing some SLPs in action. I should be doing more with my time, though. I have become lazy and unmotivated and am starting to feel guilty (except on weekends).
Today's plan: finish up skimming Great Deaf Americans before I return it to the library (along with Clueless and The Wedding Singer), watch some more Weeds, sew a patch onto my jeans, start Sophie's World, uh... Kevin might be coming over later, though it is still snowing, so who knows if trains are running right. If not tonight, I will see him in the AM.
I might start volunteering a day a week at the Abramson Center in North Wales... close and it's SOMETHING to do. Though when Andrew volunteered there in high school, he didn't particularly enjoy it.. nor did he feel a certain "I did some good here" feeling... we'll see.
These days don't include much- I am waiting to hear from Gallaudet about my acceptance or rejection (EEP!). I am going there for an interview this Friday, actually. FUCKIN NERVOUS AS HELL! We'll see how that goes.
These days I am trying to read about ASL and SLP and have been observing some SLPs in action. I should be doing more with my time, though. I have become lazy and unmotivated and am starting to feel guilty (except on weekends).
Today's plan: finish up skimming Great Deaf Americans before I return it to the library (along with Clueless and The Wedding Singer), watch some more Weeds, sew a patch onto my jeans, start Sophie's World, uh... Kevin might be coming over later, though it is still snowing, so who knows if trains are running right. If not tonight, I will see him in the AM.
I might start volunteering a day a week at the Abramson Center in North Wales... close and it's SOMETHING to do. Though when Andrew volunteered there in high school, he didn't particularly enjoy it.. nor did he feel a certain "I did some good here" feeling... we'll see.
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