Romulus 2018

deaf person didn’t understand you earlier.
Don’t exclude them, please make some effort. I
certainly know it takes a bit of effort for hearing
people and it’s not easy, but they should kindly
remember that it’s also not easy for deaf people
either, because they live in a hearing world. They
face the struggle every single day of their lives.
Imagine you being in their position, unable to
hear and then to find out that no one bothers
to make a bit of effort to include you, how does
that make you feel? It’s not easy, right? Maybe
learn some British Sign Language, such as
finger spells (alphabets) and some basic signs.
It’s free and available on YouTube. It will make
any deaf BSL user’s day!
Do you have an example of how you think being
able to hear can be a border (barrier?)?
Having hearing has some disadvantage, as
people are unable to turn it off at will, especially
on plane or train when babies or children are
wailing. Hearing loud snore doesn’t aid peaceful
sleep; luckily we deaf people don’t have this
problem! Deaf people can easily buy cheap
houses near very busy airport or train stations
and still have the best sleep ever. We can also
communicate with each other at distance, even
across different platforms, however this can also
apply to the lucky hearing people who learned
sign language.
Do you think being able to hear can limit certain
aspects of life?
Hearing people who don’t learn BSL, they miss
out the hilarious deaf humour which is out of
the world. Storytelling in BSL is so much fun
and visual, it adds another dimension to the
story. Sign language enhances body language
and face expression, it’s much easier to convey
emotions, feelings and tone when you use sign
language. I have a hearing friend who is a fully
qualified BSL interpreter, he told me that he
much prefers sign language to spoken English
language, because it is far more expressive and
visually beautiful and very engaging.
Did you ever experience a situation in which the
border between hearing and deaf people was not
a problem, but more like a point of connecting and
learning?
I think this only happens when I meet other
hearing people who are taking BSL lessons,
whether it is level 1 or 2, it doesn’t matter, it
still create such instant connection. I always
appreciate that they are learning the sign
language, it would make my day. Likewise,
when I go to shop, and buy things, and suddenly
staff will sign “thank you”, I would feel so joyous
and grateful, even if it is the only sign they know.
It is like that the hearing world and deaf world
suddenly colliding at most random place, and
for briefest time, the barrier is lifted.
You mentioned that you have a partner earlier. Is
he deaf or hearing? Does he speak BSL?
My partner’s name is Miguel, and he is hearing.
He has been learning sign language from me
and BSL online course. He will be taking
BSL level 1 course this year in September; he
intends to learn till he reaches level 6, which
is highest level in BSL qualification. He also
wants to learn Bangla (Bangladesh’s language)
as it was my first language and it will help when
he visits Bangladesh. We aim to have a total
communication, English, BSL and Bangla,
which will only strengthen our communication
ability, which is extremely important in
maintaining healthy and loving relationship.
Last but not least, what is your most favourite
sign, and why?
My favourite sign is BULLSHIT, as the sign is
so obvious and hilarious. But I am not so sure
if it is allowed to be put in this magazine? Haha.
Lorenzo Petralia, ‘ON THE SAME SIDE’
Rebekah Vince, ‘FRONTLINE LOVE’
‘ Your heart, it knows no borders’ (Housefires)
I put up a front, draw the line,
This frontier an affront to your being ‒
And yet you wait on the threshold of peace,
That edgy hope of boundless love ‒
With eyes wide open and arms outstretched,
Calling me home.
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