Ann.Parsons@f204.n260.z1.fidonet.org (Ann Parsons) (11/05/90)
Index Number: 11523
Hi James,
I liked your message about teaching a visual language. I think it makes sense.
I never thought about it, but you are right. The phonetic basis for language
doesn't help a deaf person at all. But, unfortunately, oral language is how
most people communicate. Can you translate sign to written language if the
deaf child doesn't understand that the letters stand for oral speech. How is
it done any way?
I will be teaching a little boy who is deaf and partially sighted. I will be
his Vision teacher. I don't know what kind of language skills they are
teaching him. But I will let you know how I make out.
See you on-line.
Ann P.
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Internet: Ann.Parsons@f204.n260.z1.fidonet.orgJames.Womack@f14.n300.z1.fidonet.org (James Womack) (11/06/90)
Index Number: 11555
Translating ASL to written language can be done. However, one must
be aware that when a deaf person looks at the written word, they
are not really reading ASL. ASL embodies more than just mere words
or even mere signs. It includes body language, spatial position,
facial expressions and such subtle things as speed and strength of
hand motion and head motion as well. You can't put those things on
paper in written form. It is rather like not being able to
accurately translate certain concepts in one spoken language to
another because the words do not exist to accurately portray an
idea. So while you can representate ASL in a rudimentary sense on
paper, you never will be able to tramslate it with precise
accuracy.
I'd like to response more to the other things you mentioned, but
must stop right now. Let's continue later.
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