The thankfulness of being able to speak languages, the happiness when people understand what I say, the difficulty of conveying thoughts and intentions through words and sentences (the difficulty of communication), the frustration when people do not understand well what I say (misunderstandings and contradicting each other), and the disappointment of not being able to come up with the right vocabularies to express my thoughts.

Sign language is also one language. Why don’t you learn sign languages and communicate with the Deaf? The Deaf are used to situations where other people do not understand them. If hearing people suddently talk to the Deaf, the Deaf try to comunicate with them in various ways. Even when hearing people realize that the person they talk to is deaf, you can still communicate with them. I hope you will actively communicate with the Deaf.

Many people have trouble with developmental dyslexia, and studies report that as many as three people in a class of 40 students have the disorder. In Japan, the disorder is not well known, and is difficult to be understood by other people because it is hard to recognize it by appearance. Because those who have developmental dyslexia have difficulties with reading and writing, people may misunderstand that they are “lazy” or “joking around” and label them as “useless”. I am sure there are people around you who are struggling because of the disorder. There is a reason for this inability, and I would be happy if that is understood.

Even if you lose your larynx (vocal cords) due to laryngeal or esophageal cancer, you can regain your voice through esophageal vocalization. Esophageal vocalization is not easy to acquire, but nowadays you can also use devices such as electric laryngeal (EL), shunts and communicate easily. In addition, young researchers are developing a new communication tool such as Syrinx, and they are working hard to commercialize it. Even if you are diagnosed with a laryngectomy and lose your voice, do not be discouraged. Find a way to live happily and excitedly!

You don’t necessarily have to be a good signer to enjoy communication with the Deaf. Even if you have a disability and your fingers don’t bend well, you can communicate if you can understand the general content of the conversation.

I have never been that aware of sign language or Japanese before. But when I think about “what is Japanese for?” and “what is sign language for?”, I “discovered” that “the greatest and best weapon to be oneself” is both sign language and Japanese. The boldness of languages can be seen in a person’s character, so I had to think of a symphony of languages from father to children.

For me, language is a way of connecting with my family (and loved ones). I am even more aware of the importance of languages because of my experience of not using sign language. When I was a child, I was troubled by the fact that I was “different” from my parents, and I worried that we would never be able to understand each other. But I was wrong. If we have a “common language,” we can understand each other. For us, the common language was sign language. I am sure it differs from person to person, but if there is someone you wish to understand, I would like you to think about your common language that bridges the gap. If we can find it, and if we do not let go of it, we will be able to understand each other someday.

At first I was worried that I would not be able to speak again. It is still impossible to convey the “details” in daily life as when I was able to speak with words. I don’t need to tell everything, but I’m happy if I can convey the essence of what I want to say. After I became ill, I started writing daily records in a notebook so that I would be able to tell how I was feeling at that time. This year, I have written in 50 notebooks.

One of the biggest differences bewteen human and other creatures is that we use language to convey our feeling and our thoughts precisely. I take that this was one of the causes that mankind became developed and are flourishing. Among humans as well, language can be a symbol of belonging to a ethnic group. A language, which is shared by members belonging to the same ethnic, cultural, or regional group, indicates how strong the bonds are among the members. Language is just like a bridge connecting past generations and next generations and, so that this bridge does not fall down, we should conserve it with care.

Since each person who is “deaf” has a different language environment, I hope that the “Language History” will be an opportunity for people to learn about the diversity of languages actually used in Japan and to become interested in them. When it comes to post-lingual deafness, I hope that people will not have a negative image of it as a “hardship”, and the positive message of “post-lingual deafness has opened up the world of languages” could be conveyed.

The Ryukyuan languages are rarely heard in daily life anymore. However, there are many older people who understand them and miss them. When I was a child, I heard mostly Shuri and Naha conversations of people born in the Meiji era. Looking back on it now, I realize that it was spoken in a relaxed manner, with a blend of respect and friendliness. When people say that language is a part of culture, it is because language, together with facial expressions, gestures, atmosphere, and the tempo of speech, creates a relationship between people. I think that culture without words, such as music and dance, can be positioned as an extension of such culture.

Writing poems helped me
To release what I had and be back to be myself

I hope those who come across with my poems Like I did,
Eventually find their ways back to be their happy selves

I hope my “thank you” to you
Triggers another happiness growing for you

A “difficult to hear” disability is one that is not apparent from the outside. As someone who can partially hear and to some extent speak, I experienced difficulty in communicating my struggles despite speaking the same Japanese. I realized that even when speaking Japanese, it is important to find a “common language” to easily communicate. I realized that language was created by the majority, so it is impossible to explain the problems of minorities. I would like to find my own unique language that can be heard, even though it is hard to hear.

Languages are used for expressing oneself, relating to others, and confirming how we share or not share ideas, and what makes languages most interesting is the differences that they have. It would be terrific if we can head toward a future society with vivid languages, where the differences and unique characteristics of each language are all accepted and taken for granted!

When I was in school, is was commonplace to use “oral communication”. I was living in a dormitory since elementary school and grew up at ease, communicating with my friends outside of the classroom through the dorm mother, who was able to understand sign language. After I started working, I submitted “Education through Sign Language” in the Alumni Association Bulletin and received quite a bit of criticism. Those were the times I was living through. The only way to express myself is through sign language. It is the language I feel most comfortable using. To be denied it is to deny me. Looking back, I deeply think that it is the same for everyone.遠山 和保さん
TOYAMA Kazuyasu