Imagine you are studying abroad in France where many people do not speak much (if any) English. You know enough French to order
a cafe au lait at the local bakery but that’s pretty much the extent of your knowledge. A friend of yours speaks English as a second language and has invited you to a small gathering. Since they know you don’t speak much French, you assume most people there will probably speak enough English to be able to communicate with you. However, when you arrive, you realize that nobody speaks English! How would you feel? Would you be upset that your friend brought you to a party where no one spoke your language or would you be excited to learn more French by being immersed in a situation with French-speaking peers your own age? Do you think that Deaf people feel the same way in mainstream English-speaking culture?
