UNDERSTANDING DEAF CULTURE
Malaysian Perspectives
Publisher: Majudiri Y Foundation for the Deaf, 150 pages
(ISBN: 983-43305-0-2)
JUST as all the races in our country have their own culture, so too does the deaf community. Deaf culture is not merely about the things that members of the hearing-impaired community do today but also the way things were done in the past, and the sorts of obstacles they have had to overcome, particularly in educating the Malaysian hearing community.
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This book highlights how deaf people in Malaysia do many things that the rest of us take for granted on a daily basis. This includes hearing the doorbell, communicating on the phone, watching TV and even getting the attention of a hall full of people.
The illustrations and first-person accounts from the deaf and people involved with the deaf community give readers a better insight into the world of the deaf.
It is an honest look at the deaf community in Malaysia and not a sugarcoated view. This book tells it as it is.
One of the stories I found intriguing was that of a young deaf man who frankly stated that he preferred dating a hearing woman rather than a deaf woman. His reasons were that the hearing woman was more encouraging of his work ambitions and when there were disagreements they talked it out.
In comparison, the deaf woman he dated asked him why he bothered working so hard and when there were disagreements, other deaf people became involved.
Another interesting item that readers will learn is that Sign Language is not universal. There are many different versions of Sign Language and they’re endemic to that country or region.
So, even if you learn Sign Language in Malaysia, do not assume that you will be able to communicate easily with the deaf from anywhere in the world. Some signs may mean one thing in our country but they may be an obscenity in another country.
I found this book educational and refreshingly honest. It not only taught me how the deaf “hear” their alarm clocks, it also traces the history of the deaf in Malaysia, in particular in education, and highlights current achievements of the deaf in sports, arts and education.
The book also debunks some myths that the hearing might have about the deaf. There’s also a list of deaf schools and deaf organisations.
Don’t forget to check out the tips for communicating with the deaf. I found the do’s and don’ts very practical for daily interaction with the deaf.
This book is a laudable attempt by Majudiri Y Foundation for the Deaf to educate the hearing community in the hope that the hearing will better understand the deaf and be more sensitive when interacting with them.
I would highly recommend this book for all those who have a deaf member in the family or a deaf relative, friend or colleague. Even if you don’t know any deaf people, you should read it because it will help you understand the deaf community better and open your eyes to a lot of things that are distinct to the deaf.
Kudos to the Deaf Foundation on publishing this book.
-Deaf Festival Day-I still remembered about this festival happened at DBKL, Kuala Lumpur.. More than 300 deaf people also came to DBKL for 3 days.. Ying Wei, Ms.Wong CW and I came to DBKL for visit my old friends and doing survey about the mobile phone during Opening Day (Deaf Festival). It is very excited and enjoyable in Deaf Festival! Ying Wei bought new key chain and T-Shirt.. She like to make new friend with deaf people~! :D I also meet my best friends, Kimberly, Foo Ruishan, Woon Koan and others.. I enjoyed to meet them but do not chat with them because I am busy doing my survey.. It is enough for me see them again ^ ^ Luckily, Kimberly helped me to find deaf friends who interest to do my survey! ^ ^
Ying Wei and Ms.Wong enjoy to watch the funny stories about deaf life in the trailer TV show.. Mr.Khong, head of Interface Design also came to visit Deaf Festival too.. We really enjoyed there! Thanks to YMCA KL, friends of LUCCT and my best friends for helped us! Ying Wei said deaf people are very friendly~ :D and like to chat with her..While she showed sign language to my deaf friends, they shocked and like to know her so much! :D We are very happy and still remember our memories~ :) I hope that deaf festival will coming soon in next 2 or 3 years! but I think that it is better for the deaf festival can happen on every year..heheh ^ ^
If you interest to buy new book titled "UNDERSTANDING DEAF CULTURE" , can come to Majudiri Y Foundation for the Deaf..
Majudiri Y Foundation for the Deaf in Kuala Lumpur
95, Jalan Padang Belia, 0ff Jalan Tun Sambanthan,
50470 Kuala Lumpur
http://www.ymcakl.com/PMY/index.htm
or
The officical site http://www.mfd.org.my/
6-13A, Menara KLH, Bandar Puchong Jaya,
47100 Puchong
Epekak http://www.epekak.net.my/
email : info@epekak.net.my
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