"Silent Dinners," an Interesting Experience in Deaf Culture

When we think of a foreign language, ASL (American Sign Language), is probably not one that readily comes to mind. But if you are looking for a totally new experience in language learning, then I suggest you explore this fascinating opportunity. Learning about the differences between "Hearing Culture" and "Deaf Culture" is the first and probably most important step in appreciating the subtle, communicative differences between ASL and other languages such as English or Spanish.

I have only taken the first course in the series offered here at UCBA, but being precocious, impatient, and fortunate enough to have friends in an advanced ASL program at Southern State Community College (SSCC), I have been able to attend three of their "silent dinner" events. These events, which are orchestrated by SSCC ASL instructor Kathey Carroll, involve the class of eight students meeting and dining at different area restaurants using only sign (no speaking or writing) and occasionally pointing out items on the menu to order.

The first time I found the experience to be one far different than I was used to. The wait staff didn't know sign language, and because everyone was quiet, they somehow inferred that we were all deaf and so throughout the entire meal no one spoke to us. Several people, including myself, got the wrong thing or something not prepared correctly. This was more or less the same story at all three restaurants.

Something that I noticed was that at all three restaurants the staff seated our party away from other people and were always quiet and inattentive. I have worked and/or dined in dozens of different restaurant concepts and I feel I have a reasonable - at least from a hearing perspective - understanding and expectation of service so it was interesting to see this experience from a new vantage point. 

Although I learned first-hand what it feels like to be treated differently by people who don't speak your language, there is satisfaction in discovering a new way to express yourself as well as making new friends and learning more about a language and a culture than you ever believed possible.