Silence English

English is the mother of language. It is spoken worldwide. In most countries, this language is compulsory to be learnt by their students as a second language. In Malaysia, the government encourages the people especially students to master English so that they can communicate with people all over the world. Sometimes, English can be written but cannot be spoken. Do you know how this happen?

                The deaf and mutes communicate using sign language. Their language is unique and has no sound. The gesture and sign language help them to communicate with each other. Are they good in English? It is the common question puzzle on everyone’s mind. In my experience of visiting the deaf and mute school, I have the golden opportunity to ask one of the teachers there. I was informed that she has been teaching English to the deaf for 20 years. Have it ever cross your mind how they are able to understand English?

                The deaf is one who has deficiency in hearing while the mute cannot give out even a word. This means that they still have the ability to think and be smart. Thus, with a proper learning process, it can be possible that they will be good in English and even better than an able person. In certain cases, they have a brighter chance to be successful person in the future. In this perspective, they can broaden their general knowledge through book-reading, internet surfing and newspaper. Yet, they also can share their brilliant ideas with everyone all over the world by writing in the blogs or books. Thus, this helps them to be independent and earn a living.

 No matter who we are, learning English would be beneficial to all. Even the deaf and mutes learn English. But if they come out with thousand thoughts, the world simply ignores them. A famous quote from Rev Jesse L. Jackson (American Civil Rights Activist, Minister) goes “The problem is not that the (deaf) students do not hear. The problem is that the hearing world does not listen.”- The world should open their minds and avoid the discrimination of the disabled people. The deaf and mutes have their own right to speak out.

 To survive in this globalization era, it is not an excuse for those disabled to not to be good in English. English is for everyone. They should have wills to change people perspectives about them. In order to gain others respect, it is convenient for them to change their attitudes and start first step in acquiring English.

However, there are some parents who refuse to send their special children to school. Why they need to learn English? Parents’ mindset has to be changed. It is their mistake to assume that they are spending their money for nothing. They should be aware that by doing so they are just a step from destroying their child’s future. Parents should believe their children’s ability as everyone has his or her own potential.

Therefore, the world should give some space and opportunity for the deaf to change. In many years to come, it is imperative to do so!

P/s:Please open your eyes and mind