Deaf stuff: November 2005 Archives

A controversial figure, Chomsky equates sign languages with spoken languages in this article on The spontaneous invention of language. I know about the story of Nicaraguan Sign Language to which he refers, but I'm not familiar with the other case in which he says three deaf siblings of non-deaf/anti-sign parents, by age 3 or 4, had "developed a language. When it was investigated, it was found that it had the properties of normal language for children their age."

It would be very cool to know what he means by "normal properties".

thanks Annmarie!

"Ben is living with three other young men within comparable age range who are also autistic and mentally retarded in a single family house."

Against many odds, Ben is doing great. :-)

While it's never been extremely popular, as far as I know, among the Deaf to be enamoured of gorillas learning sign language, wouldn't it turn the tables a bit if it became widespread knowledge that all language evolved from gestures?

There certainly is a different kind of (intrasubjective) phenomenological experience when one signs instead of speaking, but according to The Salk Institute argue there isn't much difference: "The capacity of brain systems to subserve language, regardless of modality, is a striking example of neuronal plasticity."

I was asked about good books to read on the deaf community, and also about the range of sexual orientations… the context was something along the lines of Takaki’s A Different Mirror, which I continue to find an amazing tool for undergraduates who simply do not know these significant components of ethnic US history. A couple of new books out on the Deaf-World look great. I purchased a brand new one by Paddy Ladd on Deafhood (centered in Great Britain but generalizable in significant ways), and eyed a couple others: People of the Eye (specifically about the Deaf community in New Zealand), A Journey into the Deaf-World (mostly US-based?), and an introductory level textbook, Deaf-World.

I’ve not followed the literature in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered studies so can’t really offer a recommendation for something contemporary that provides a broad survey of sexual identities … if anyone has suggestions, please share! This site of online resources came up near the top of a basic google search. ;-)

This could be downright creepy, but hopefully it won't ever be used to any ill purpose. Every now and then, Sam gets so tired he just can't hold himself upright in his chair anymore. It's a bit disconcerting to walk in and find him slumped over. :-( He's ok (if uncomfortable), but doesn't have the muscles to pull himself back up by himself. I've fiddled around with a couple of the safety harnesses they use for lifting him and it does the trick - I think without too much discomfort. At least, with less than being doubled-up. The nursing home staff won't (can't, I guess) do it unless Sam signs an official form giving them permission.