Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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learning facial expression (self.Blind)
submitted by pucimon
Hi everyone, first of all excuse my english because it's not my first language. Second of all, I wanna ask if u think that blind people need to learn about facial expression, and if yes, what's the best way to learn about that ? I'm pretty aware that some people with VI had some trouble to communicate, because they can't really show the right expression, also in some cases they need to keep a straight face because they don't want to offend anybody. I trully appreciate any opinion and information that you guys can give me. Thank you !
8i8oio 4 points 3y ago
Hmm. I’ve never thought of that before. My best friend who is totally blind, is also pretty stoic - so he doesn’t have facial expressions, besides laughter. He went blind about 9 years ago, so he certainly learned facial expressions before that and just chooses not to express himself that way. No one has a problem with it.
I have two cousins born blind, zero sight, and they get little smirks and smiles and laugh all normally. I’m not aware of anyone teaching them this, but we described movies pretty well, so maybe they picked up on it.
I don’t think it matters. We (the blind) still have tone, and people can adjust to our individual mannerisms and personality without too much trouble. (Some people are expressive, some aren’t - and their brains already handle that). But if it’s really important to you, by all means practice with a friend or family member. Just know that you don’t have to.
Note: I’m sorry I used so many big words. I acknowledge that English isn’t your first language, but I couldn’t think of easier words for such a big question. Hugs!
I have two cousins born blind, zero sight, and they get little smirks and smiles and laugh all normally. I’m not aware of anyone teaching them this, but we described movies pretty well, so maybe they picked up on it.
I don’t think it matters. We (the blind) still have tone, and people can adjust to our individual mannerisms and personality without too much trouble. (Some people are expressive, some aren’t - and their brains already handle that). But if it’s really important to you, by all means practice with a friend or family member. Just know that you don’t have to.
Note: I’m sorry I used so many big words. I acknowledge that English isn’t your first language, but I couldn’t think of easier words for such a big question. Hugs!
razzretina 2 points 3y ago
All humans know what expressions to make naturally so you should be fine. There are a lot of little things that not even sighted people know how to explain but you don't really need to know them. Just pay attention to what's going on so you won't laugh when someone is being serious, and make sure to point your face at whoever is talking and you'll be fine. :)
CloudyBeep 1 points 3y ago
Your first sentence is incorrect. Facial expressions are not innate. This is why many blind people have trouble adopting the correct facial expression for a particular situation.
razzretina 4 points 3y ago
I mean, I've never met anyone who doesn't know how to smile. That's what I'm talking about. Basic human expressions are hard wired into all of us. Unless there's something in the brain causing difficulties with emotion regulation, people will generally smile and frown as appropriate. This is true of the blind and sighted both. Not sure how many years of child development you've studied, but I've been at it long enough to have a degree, so I'm not just randomly saying stuff here.
CloudyBeep 2 points 3y ago
I tried to find some research—any research—to prove me right, but I couldn't find any, so I'm happy you've enlightened me, and I—with a sheepish smile on my face—stand corrected.
razzretina 1 points 3y ago
I hope I didn't come off as being too grumpy in that reply. :) There's a lot of research out there when it comes to babies and development. I always found it pretty interesting. I have noticed that there does seem to be a unique feature to the smile of blind people, myself included: it's a really big smile, the kind that often shows off the gums and teeth and crinkles up the whole face. I think it's just easier to feel a big expression like that, but I've always found it interesting.
CloudsOfMagellan 2 points 3y ago
I'm pretty sure impulsive expressions are but forcing them us another issue
For example I can smile fine if I find something funny but not when having a photo taken
All human cultures have the same basic expressions
For example I can smile fine if I find something funny but not when having a photo taken
All human cultures have the same basic expressions
quanin 2 points 3y ago
I disagree. I certainly wasn't shown, and I've never had sight. Now, that doesn't necessarily mean I get it 100% correct all the time, but in 36 years no one's said anything, so I mean I can't be doing too badly.
CloudyBeep 1 points 3y ago
I said "many", not "most" or "all".
Hellsacomin94 -1 points 3y ago
Give it up girlfriend.
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