Deaf people and hearing people have many strong opinions about sign language. Some contend that deaf people should learn to read lips instead of signing. They argue that deaf people who only sign are isolated and cut off from the rest of society. Many people disagree, claiming that ASL is simply their natural language. Educators debate whether American deaf people should use ASL or one of the other varieties of signed English.
Whether you're deaf or hearing, learning sign language can be an enriching experience. It can help you make new friends. If you're hearing, perhaps you'll want to become an interpreter for the Deaf. You can help them understand talks or deal with medical or legal situations.
Maybe you could become a teacher of the Deaf yourself. If you ever have a deaf child, you will be able to use sign language as a tool of communication.
Don't worry that sign language is too hard to learn. It really can be as easy as ABC.
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A sign of the times 時代特徵
- It's a sign of the times that more people are working from home.
a short sign
- Her diamond ring is a sure sign that she's engaged.
Language Lab
contend v. 聲稱 主張
to argue or state (something) in a strong and definite way
- Around 2500 to 3000 years ago, people contended that the Earth was flat.
contend v.
to compete with someone or for something
- Athletes from around the world traveled to Tokyo this last summer to contend for gold medals in their various sports.
contend with [phrasal verb] 應付
contend with (something) : to deal with (something difficult or unpleasant)
- Every summer it seems farmers have to contend with too much or too little rain.
isolate v.
to put or keep (someone or something) in a place or situation that is separate from others
- Two of the skiers were isolated from their group by an unexpected snowstorm in the mountains.
- To prevent the spread of Covid, people were isolated for two weeks if they had been exposed to someone who had it or had traveled abroad.
- It is very easy for immigrants to feel isolated.
enrich v. 使豐富 使充實
to improve the quality of (something) : to make (something) better
- Rob feels his mind was enriched when he went to college because he was exposed to information he had never heard before.
- Milk is often enriched with vitamin D to make sure people get enough of this vitamin.
- Financial advisors attract new clients with the promise of enriching their financial status.
interpreter n.
a person who translates the words that someone is speaking into a different language
- Sonia is a Russian interpreter at the United Nations in New York.
- When Marigold first moved to Spain, she communicated through an interpreter.
interpret v.
to explain the meaning of (something)
- Leah's refusal to work overtime was interpreted as a lack of commitment to her job, but in reality, she had a young child at home to care for.