For many years, no one could communicate with people who had been born without hearing. These deaf people were not able to use a spoken language.
But, beginning in the 1700s, the deaf were taught a special language. Using the language, they could share thoughts and ideas with others. The language they used was a language without sound. It was a sign language.
How did this sign language work? The deaf were taught to make certain movements using their hands, faces and bodies. Their movements stood for things and ideas. A man might move his forefinger across his lips. This meant, “You are not telling the truth.” He might tap his chin with three fingers. This meant, “my uncle.” The deaf were also taught to use a finger alphabet. They used their fingers to make the letters of the alphabet. In this way, they spelled out words. Some deaf people could spell out words at a speed of 130 words per minute.
Sign language and finger spelling are not used as much as they once were. Today the deaf are taught to understand others by watching their lips. They are also taught how to speak.
The story does not say so, but it makes you think that_______.
A.the deaf must have special teachers |
B.there is still no way to communicate with the deaf |
C.deaf people make signs to make a living |
D.deaf people are not as clever as normal people |
On the whole the story is about______.
A.how the deaf communicate | B.leaning to spell |
C.teaching the deaf to speak | D.writing sign language |
How did sign language help the deaf?
A.It helped them to learn to read. |
B.It helped them communicate with other people. |
C.The deaf could understand Indian sign language. |
D.The deaf could move their thumbs across their lips |
Which of these sentences do you think is right?
A.Deaf people draw signs. |
B.Deaf people read with their fingers. |
C.Many deaf people now can speak. |
D.Deaf people teach themselves a sign language. |