Banjo and Cheri -
I do agree, as I did not learn ASL until I was 28 years ago, and I'm often asked if I learned it much earlier. I did hang around with deaf people, yet I did not feel the need to learn ASL until I was ready to do so.
For that, I have no regrets learning it much later in life, as I was and am able to function in society, both hearing and deaf, doing whatever is needed to get my opinion across.
I do understand the need for some to learn ASL early in life, as they were in different circumstances, but for me, it was not an option. I was not able to socialize well with deaf people until I was in my late teens, and even then, I still will not work or go to school with other deaf people. I do live with a deaf partner, and I socialize well with deaf people - I just have my preferences, as I'm sure others do.
I do agree, as I did not learn ASL until I was 28 years ago, and I'm often asked if I learned it much earlier. I did hang around with deaf people, yet I did not feel the need to learn ASL until I was ready to do so.
For that, I have no regrets learning it much later in life, as I was and am able to function in society, both hearing and deaf, doing whatever is needed to get my opinion across.
I do understand the need for some to learn ASL early in life, as they were in different circumstances, but for me, it was not an option. I was not able to socialize well with deaf people until I was in my late teens, and even then, I still will not work or go to school with other deaf people. I do live with a deaf partner, and I socialize well with deaf people - I just have my preferences, as I'm sure others do.