UWS Blog #1: Can you Read My Lips?

Are you in the right spot? This is for UWS students only!
This week's blog is from a former student of mine. He is a fantastic guy, and a great advocate for the Deaf community. Thanks Jared!

Alright ASL sisters and brothers, we are in our second week of ASL. Overwhelmed still? Try and relax. But before you get down on Friday, and look forward to the weekend, we need to discuss a key misconception of Deafness and Deaf Culture.

Watch this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUntx0pe_qI

Now watch this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GaKaGwch0U

I'm sure most of you caught the Rebecca Black references, and yes, this video is funny and ridiculous, but it's also arguably a valid look at how inaccurate lip-reading can be, and usually is. Watch the lips, hear the words. Do you think it fits and works, or is this just a way to further the amount of hatred towards "Friday"? That's one point to discuss.

Read this article.

http://www.hearingaidknow.com/2009/01/18/are-people-comfortable-with-lip-reading/


This is an argument for the merits of lip-reading. What are your thoughts on this?


So, do you think lipreading is an effective method of communication for Deaf people? Be honest people. There is no right or wrong answer at this point. You have been barely exposed to Deaf Culture and its tumultuous history, so your knowledge is expected to be based on being a hearing person. When I was where you were, I remember how I felt about lip-reading. I certainly feel different now.


A few rules for this blog - be respectful of everyone. We are all entitled to our own opinions and we all come from different backgrounds. Throughout the course, you will learn a lot about Deafness and Deaf Culture, and a whole lot more.


Remember - Please make your posts have some length - come with something to say, not just "I liked the video" or "I agree with so and so". These discussions will be valuable if you give us something to talk about. I will also be adding things and trying to steer discussion if necessary.

ADDITION - Do you think it is fair for hearing people to expect Deaf people to be able to read lips in daily life? Understand when watching the video that the words being lip-read match up perfectly to what you see, but is nowhere close to the lyrics of the song.

"Only 30 percent of all spoken sounds are visible on the lips. (No wonder lip-reading is a challenge!)"
http://www.deafunderstanding.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=11