'WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE DEAF?'

People have asked me.
Deaf? Oh hmm, how do i explain that? Simple: I can't hear.
No, wait, it is much more than that. It is similar to a goldfish in a bowl. Always observing  things going on. People talking at all times. It is like a man on his own island, Among foreigners.
Isolation is no stranger to me.
Relative say Hi and Bye
But I sit for 5 hours among them
Taking great pleasure at amusing babies, or being amused by TV.
Reading books, resting, helping out with food.

Natural curiosity perks up upon seeing great laughter carring anger. Inquring only to meet with a 'Never mind' or 'Oh, its not important'. Getting a summarized statement of the whole day.

I'm supposed to smile to show my happiness. Little do they know how truly miserable i am.
People are in control of language usage, i am at loss and really uncomfortable! Always feeling like an outsider among the hearing people, even though it was not their intention. Always assuming that i am part of them by my presence, not understanding the importance of communication. Facing the choice between Deaf event weekend or family reunion. Facing the choice between the family commiment and Deaf friends.
I must have the choices constantly. Wonder why I choose Deaf friends? I get such great pleasure at the Deaf association, whereas i anxiously look at the clock every few minutes at the family reunion. With Deaf people, i feel so normal, our communication flows back and forth.

Catch up with little trivals, our daily life, our frustration in the bigger world, seeking the mutual understanding.

Contented smiles and laughter are musical - so musical to me.
So attuned to each other's feelings. True happiness is so important. I feel more at home with Deaf of various color, religion, short or tall than i do among my own hearing relatives. And you wonder why?
Our language is common.
We understand each other.
Being at loss of control of the environment that communication is important. People panic and retreat to avoid Deaf people like the plague.
But Deaf people are still human beings, with dreams, desires and needs to belong, just like everyone else.

BY DIANNE KINNEE (SWITRAS)

kind reguards!

Mastansl Educational