Page 37 - Words

Culture Lai Cheuk Nam, Edwin 2F (2016-2017)

Book reviewer: Lai Cheuk Nam, Edwin 2F (2016-2017)
Title: Sign Language and Hand Talk
Author: Lacy Finn Borgo
Category: Language

I learnt that sign language is taught to deaf people when they are very
young. Deaf people need to learn it to communicate with other people.
There were some famous sign language users such as Heather Whitestone
McCallum. Some of the signs used were very interesting such as the letter
“A” that looks like an apple, the letter “B” that looks like a table, and the
letter “C” that looks like an open mouth. Those letters were indeed totally
new and interesting to try out. Not only do deaf people use sign language
to communicate with people, but also there are some animals that can
understand hand signs. For example, dogs can read hand signs for ‘sit
down’, ‘roll over’ and ‘lie down’. In addition, Koko, a famous gorilla, has
been taught to use sign language. She has learnt more than 1000 signs. She
can tell her trainer when she is hungry, thirsty or happy. That’s an amazing
fact to know.

My favourite sign language user is Heather Whitestone McCallum.
She was born on 24th February, 1973 in Dothan, Alabama. She is a former
beauty queen who was the first deaf Miss America title holder. She lost
most of her hearing at the age of 18 months after having a serious ear
infection. She was really inspired by Helen Keller, who became her role
model. In spite of many challenges, she overcame them all with her strong

With Pride, We Stride 37