Discussion » Questions » Language » If we think in the language we speak in, how do people who are deaf from birth form thoughts?

If we think in the language we speak in, how do people who are deaf from birth form thoughts?

Do they think in sign language?

Posted - December 11, 2018

Responses


  • 6023
    Good question.
    I found this link, which answers the question.

    https://forum.duolingo.com/comment/24853575
      December 11, 2018 8:41 AM MST
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  • 7939
    Woah. That just exploded my mind a little. 
      December 11, 2018 8:49 AM MST
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  • 8209
    Thank you! I've always wondered about that, now I know. 
      December 11, 2018 10:21 AM MST
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  • 1305

    Very interesting Walt, I wonder if their minds are quieter as a result?

      December 11, 2018 5:40 PM MST
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  • 10611
    HOw do you know that one "thinks" in the language they speak?  Language is how we communicate to other people.  One doesn't have to know a "language" to think.  Our minds use things we understand to think.  What if a person spoke 12 different languages?  Which one would they think in?  What if a person never learned how to speak?   Would They be unable to think until they learned a language?  What if a deaf person never learned how to use sign language?  

    A person who is born blind "guesses" as to what the world looks like.  They do this by using their other senses.  They may never know what a blue sky looks like, but they can describe what it looks like to them.  (Note: color is subjective.  Not all people see the exact same color in the same way.  Meaning what you see as blue may not be what another sees as blue.)
    Likewise a deaf person "guesses" as to what sounds sound like by using their other senses.  BUt in their minds they think with what they know.  If they can see, perhaps they think in pictures or colors or shapes.  If they once were able to hear, they may think in sounds.  If a person was both deaf and blind (from birth) they still think, but not in the same manner as a hearing and seeing person might.
      December 11, 2018 10:15 AM MST
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  • 22891
    not sure but thats a good question
      December 11, 2018 3:21 PM MST
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  • 5835
    It is normal to think without talking to yourself. A speed reader does not even speak what he is reading. Your average reader does, and that is why they are only average. If you just look at two words instead of one you can double your reading speed and since you can't talk that way you soon develop the ability to read much faster than you can talk. That is why so many vloggers have started publishing transcripts of their video presentations: people got bored waiting for the video to get to the point. They can read much faster than the fellow talks.
      December 11, 2018 4:39 PM MST
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  • 1305
    Great question, I'm gathering it must be how a baby knows it wants feed or drink but has no language to form thoughts, however Walter's post answered this for us.
      December 11, 2018 5:41 PM MST
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  • 68
    Thanks Walt....You and me both JA...brain frag all over round here...!!!
      December 11, 2018 6:18 PM MST
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  • 34171
    Likely depends on their learning style. 
      December 11, 2018 7:23 PM MST
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