The Importance of Languages

            Have you noticed today, many deaf clubs in different regions through out the U.S. are becoming smaller and smaller? Do you notice how more deaf youth are using sidekicks, blackberry, AOL online etc…. to communicate to one another instead of meeting face to face?

I know in my state, Michigan, programs for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students have been reduced or cut due to cuts in federal and state funding, therefore more youth are simply staying at home and chatting online to one another instead of interacting.

Let us not forget the high percentages of unemployment within the Deaf community, therefore less and less Deaf people are getting involved in the community and taking on leadership roles.

It is sad that becoming common knowledge that:
-The average Deaf high school graduate still cannot read newspaper.
- Many Deaf students are graduating from high school at 3rd/4th grade reading and writing level.

The lack of participation in leadership roles in the Deaf community, the high percentage of illiteracy, the growing numbers in unemployment are due to us:
The deaf community not fully understanding and appreciating the value of first native language, ASL and second other languages, whether it is English, Spanish, Japanese, and so forth.

When we don’t understand our own language, it causes us not to appreciate it or cherish it. Lack of knowledge of our own language makes it even more difficult to learn other languages such as, English.

Not only do we all have the opportunity to learn about other cultures, we instill the values of tolerance and respect in our children through the appreciation and understanding ASL.

Those who accept and embrace bilingualism or multilingualism are better able to provide the younger generations the tools and knowledge for them to excel not only at home, but beyond their national borders. This has allowed them to reach for the dreams and succeed in areas their parents and others before them may not have otherwise.

We should raise the expectations of Deaf schools/programs in the nation and required that Deaf students not only master their native language, ASL, and their second language, English, but also encourage knowledge in Spanish, Japanese, French, etc.

Perhaps then, more of our youth will meet in person to learn more about one another? Maybe then, they will have more appreciation for the clubs and associations such as NBDA and NAD that have been established for their benefit? Maybe they will become more determined to take over Deaf organizations and association to preserve our culture and out language.

We must all aspire to continue to make the Deaf community strong and competitive, by nurturing and providing to the younger Deaf generations. The tools to success: ASL and English. Not one or the other, BOTH.

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