Cochlear implants endangering deaf culture and language

[Dave Sayers]

  On the BBC's 'iPM' programme yesterday there was an interesting 
interview with a deaf man about his experiences after receiving a 
cochlear implant, and how it has dramatically improved his hearing. He 
relates how some of his friends see the widespread use of these implants 
as a threat to deaf culture and language - concerns that resonate 
clearly with endangered spoken languages. It was an interesting 
comparison to draw. The link below takes you to 14mins 54secs in (where 
they start discussing this), but you could rewind if you wanted more 
background. (Note: the voiceover cutting in is an actor relating the 
deaf man's speech, for clarity over the radio.)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00tk7rz/iPM_04_09_2010/?t=14m54s

I think BBC online radio is accessible worldwide, but it may only work 
in the UK.

Dave


--
Dr. Dave Sayers
Honorary Research Fellow
School of the Environment and Society
Swansea University
dave.sayers at cantab.net
http://swansea.academia.edu/DaveSayers