Why might someone who became deaf later in life be less likely to identify with the Deaf community?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

They initially developed their language skills in a spoken language rather than a signed language.

They initially developed their language skills in a spoken language rather than a signed language.

The Deaf community is hesitant to accept someone who either wasn't born deaf or became deaf at an early age.

The Deaf community is hesitant to accept someone who either wasn't born deaf or became deaf at an early age.

They feel the hearing world will "disown" them for identifying with another culture.

They feel the hearing world will "disown" them for identifying with another culture.

They are frustrated with having to learn a new language.

They are frustrated with having to learn a new language.

Answer 1

The most fitting response is:

They initially developed their language skills in a spoken language rather than a signed language.

This option highlights the idea that individuals who become deaf later in life typically have established their primary mode of communication in a spoken language, which can create a barrier to fully integrating into the Deaf community, where sign language is the primary means of communication. This linguistic foundation can influence their identity and connection to Deaf culture.