They felt the same way about hearing aids. Most still rely on written languages. Who gave them the idea that learning English as a second language is not as effective as learning English as their first language (beside, gestures and pointing are their first language anyhow). Anyway, with CI, I guess we don't have to worry about English being first or second language. They can sign all they want and don't have to worry about their kid losing the spoken language (afterall, hearing babies learned both method ~baby sign~ and it didn't affect them at all) . BUT if they feel it would cause problems, then I just feel it is the same cycle all over again... that they are doing the same thing they did with deaf kids with hearing aids back in the 60', 70's, 80' etc. I just goes to show that verbal only method is NOT a good idea even for kids with CI.
Anyway, I know the oral method is a lot of work so it is definitely not a sign of laziness (other than the parents have no interests in learning ASL) .... But That's the very reason why we need ASL. It's exhausting and not fun at all. It kinda make you feel withdrawn.
I am just shock how many parents, including my own parents, are not concern about their child's emotional well being to the point they won't sign with their children so they can just talk about anything and everything without being interrupted with "What" and "huh" in their flow of conversation. They seem to be more concern about education and career opportunity and getting a order from a store or restaurant.
I used to sit in a restaurant and watched people have conversations. and I wonder how they do it? What do they talk about? Why can I do that in restaurants?
