Summary: I Speak Sign Language | Class 6 English Alive PDF Download

Introduction

The poem talks about a person who communicates using sign language instead of spoken words. It describes how they perceive the world and interact with others through gestures rather than sounds.

Stanza 1

My world may seem quiet for miles around 

Your verbal speech is no use to me 

But I have a language of my own, you see.

Explanation: In this stanza, the speaker is setting the stage for the themes of silence and communication that will run throughout the poem. They convey that although their environment is silent, due to their inability to hear, this does not hinder their communication. The mention of "not hearing a single sound" and the world seeming "quiet for miles around" illustrates the pervasive silence in their life. Importantly, the speaker addresses the insufficiency of spoken words in their experience but counters this by affirming their possession of a distinct language. This language, revealed later as sign language, represents an alternative but equally valid form of communication. The tone conveys both a sense of independence and a gentle corrective to any assumption that verbal speech is the only means of interaction.

Stanza 2

 I won't even blink at your rumbling belly! 

You may look twice at what I call speech 

But for me it keeps your world within reach.

Explanation: Here, the speaker delves into practical aspects of how they interact with the world, specifically through the use of subtitles when watching television. This adaptation highlights their resourcefulness and how technology assists in bridging communication gaps. The humorous mention of not reacting to a "rumbling belly" subtly points out their disconnect from auditory cues that others might take for granted. The stanza then shifts to how others perceive their communication method. Although sign language might seem unusual or curious to those unfamiliar with it, for the speaker, it is a vital tool that keeps them connected to the wider world. This stanza reinforces the theme of connection despite differences in sensory experiences.

Stanza 3

To those who can hear, it looks like fun ' n ' games 

But it's so much more for all its speakers

 We have words for everything, from buses to beakers.

Explanation: The third stanza is a declaration of the speaker's communication method: Sign Language. The emphasis on there being "no other names" for it underlines its uniqueness and importance. The speaker acknowledges the perception of others who view sign language as merely entertaining or trivial ("fun 'n' games"). However, they quickly dispel this notion by emphasizing the depth and breadth of sign language, which encompasses a full lexicon capable of describing everything from common objects to abstract concepts. This stanza is crucial in advocating for the recognition of sign language as a complete and sophisticated language system, highlighting its functionality and richness.

Stanza 4

 Sign Language fixed a volume switch that started out broken 

We even have a dictionary

 Filled with pictures though it may be.

Explanation:  This stanza broadens the discussion to the philosophical and functional aspects of communication. The speaker metaphorically describes sign language as repairing a "broken volume switch," which poetically represents the speaker's initial inability to communicate through auditory means. The introduction of a "dictionary filled with pictures" serves as a concrete example of how sign language is structured and learned, much like any other language. This visual aspect of sign language underscores its accessibility and adaptability, serving as a robust tool for communication, not confined to the spoken word.

Stanza 5

My world may seem silent and lonely to you

 But thanks to my language, that's not at all true 

My language started small, but soon it grew

 I speak Sign Language, can I teach it to you?

Explanation: In the concluding stanza, the speaker addresses potential misconceptions held by others about the nature of their silent world. They counter any assumption of loneliness or isolation by emphasizing the community and connection fostered through sign language. The progression of their language from something small to a comprehensive system of expression mirrors the journey of personal and communal growth. The final lines open an invitation to the reader, extending a hand of learning and sharing, which symbolizes the inclusive and inviting nature of sign language. This offer to teach reinforces the theme of unity and understanding through shared language.

Theme and Message

The theme of the poem revolves around the importance and effectiveness of sign language as a means of communication for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. It highlights the richness and versatility of sign language, emphasizing that communication is not limited to spoken words. The message encourages understanding and acceptance of different forms of communication and offers an invitation to learn sign language as a way to bridge the gap between the hearing and the deaf communities.

List of Difficult Words with Meaning:

Gestures - movements made with hands or body to express something

Subtitles - text displayed on screen to translate spoken words in a different language

Rumbling - a continuous, deep sound

Dictionary - a book containing words and their meanings

Lonely - feeling sad because one is alone

Versatility - ability to adapt to different situations or tasks