deaf people

[turkey154]

before i write this i am not very tactful and i do not want to offend anyone in any way, i just want to learn something that has been bugging me for ages...

well, when i read like i'm reading this now, i can hear myself saying it in my head. but what about a deaf person. if they were born deaf and they have never heard anything ever before what do they think when they read? do they hear themselves saying it back?

this has been bugging me for aaaages, if you could give a good answer, or if you are deaf and could tell me it would honestly really help because i want to know..thankyou

[rugeleyboy]

i think this is a good question and i shoyuldnt think anyone would take offence!

however, i think someone posted the same question the other day.........or was that about blind folk?

[rugeleyboy]

"should'nt"

[Ethel]

People born deaf can't 'hear' words in their heads, as you rightly say.

However, words will form a running picture in their mind that they can see - like watching a film with no sound but subtitles.

[Ward-Minter]

I believe there is a similar question in the memoirs of Beethoven. I know he wasn't born deaf, but later in life recalled the notes and scales with a series of pictures in his head.

Similar to association theory in memory.

I don't know if this helps but consider his 9th Choral symphony was composed when he was mutton jeff, it must have been pretty good.

P.S Who was "Mutton Jeff"?

[rugeleyboy]

he was a shepard that never heard the train!!

[noxlumos]

Tried to call my son who is deaf as I realised that I don't really know either, but he's out:(

The one thing I do know is that when he's reading something he makes little humming noises to himself, sort of rhythmically with the words if that helps. I'll ask him tomorrow.