Hacker News Reader

Comment by websites420 | Hacker News Reader

Written English is quite different from ASL. For a person who was born deaf and learned to sign from the start, text chat would not be easier.

This is an acknowledgment that sign is a distinct language and, the same way that Apple Stores are localized in different countries, this localizes the Apple Store experience for DHH folks

View on HN

In addition to what you just said, it's significantly faster to sign than it is to type/text, not to mention the nuances of face-to-face communication that can get lost in a text-based world!

That’s interesting. Since I type far quicker than I can speak, I would have definitely expected typing to be quicker than signing.

You might be unaware that it's not spelling out individual words letter by letter. It's closer to a "pictographic" language (likely there's a better term, please correct me) where a sign will stand for a concept, and also have a flexible interpretation depending on the context, including the signs you use preceding/following it.

Its depth is quite fascinating -- ASL truly is its own language, not just "English with your fingers". (Though I should add I don't know it myself, this is just based on discussion with an interpreter friend.)

That makes sense! It's not a topic I'm familiar with, but seems like it would be interesting to delve into.

> I type far quicker than I can speak

Are you sure about that? People hold (enthusiastic) conversations at 160 WPM, and the the fastest typists in the world average around 180 WPM.

Maybe? I based my conclusion on the experiences of sitting in a room together with other people, but being able to converse with them quicker via instant message on our laptops.

Now that I think more about it, maybe the raw speed is not quicker, but the quantity of ideas conveyed per unit of time is higher due to being able to scroll back and forth in text for the listener, as opposed to wasting time clarifying mumblings or repeating what one said. Especially in a group setting where you do not have to take turns speaking.

Do you really? Average conversational WPM is 150, from a quick search. I don't believe many people can type "far quicker" than that; most people likely can't even hit half that.

Im in the ~90s, but as I wrote in other comment, it feels like I can convey information quicker via text.

This is because you are translating your words to fit the medium. It’s a reduction. This is exactly what DHH folks have to do, except it’s to practically a different language.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com