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Elle. You would think so, about concept. It seems to be something aboutcwhich there is considerable argument
I was reading an interview last night with a woman, who had some difficulties with words that I didn't underatnd (the result of brain damage), who taught a profoundly deaf and language-less man of 27 to sign. The interesting thing was, he had no concept of a word, none of sound or communication. If she signed anything, he signed the same thing back, for weeks. But she had an idea about how he might "get" communication and eventually he did. She said his lightbulb moment - when he understood that a sign was a symbol - was truly amazing.
He then acquired language (sign), nay-saying those who said it was impossible after the age of 3 or 4. But, understandably, he did and does not want to discuss his dark time.

Good Morning Rosalind,

After a good night's sleep, I still reckon that if the brain is not totally dead - but only partially damaged thus attacking speech and hearing - then there must be some thought. That person still has other senses such as vision, smell and touch. He/she can still feel hot or cold even though he may not know why. But I am sure that in time, he/she will come to realize that if too hot in the sun, he/she will move to the shade.

We may name this instinct, as we do for animals, yet we know that animals (dogs, cats being the ones we observe the most) do dream, and isn't dream a kind of thought of a sleepy brain?

Good morning, Rusty!
A lovely day here! Much cooler and fresher! I like it.
I am only just back from the park.
So I and my chores have yet to meet up!
I shall delay that further, whilst I have a coffee and do my crossword......then I will pitch in!
It is no wonder that I was unable to reconcile in my head all the landmarks of Ride London......I had no idea that there were so many different races.
Races one and three on the list that Jazzgirl vey kindly provided are the ones that cover St James' Park and more immediate London landmarks.
Yes, I think Brendan's faith (recently reiterated at the London Anniversary Games this w/e) in Seb has been justified.
I don't have a Times this morning (back to John's screen prints) - anything of particular note to report about the Russian situation?
Apparently WADA has strongly criticised the IOC for failing to ban the entire Russian team.


Jazzgirl, thank you for the link for Ride London.
The various routes are very interesting and helpful.
I had no idea that there were so many different races - no wonder I was confused!

Hello, Elle!
Great day here!
I did not know there were different races, too.
Not just WADA has criticised the IOC.
Everyone and their dog has joined in.
I would like to hear what Seb has to say about it.
It is plain the IOC is not fit for purpose.
Justin Gatlin runs but a Russian can't?
Come on!
It will be later today that I read the Times.
I read my local paper first.
I'll let you know if there are any apt comments in it.
PS
Emily says "hello!"

Hello Pigale and Rosalind,
I don't think that being born deaf/mute /blind etc lessens the intelligence of the brain?
or put another way, that brain damage is responsible for some one being born deaf/ mute etc
The person in question may not know how to communicate but once that is overcome, then is there any reason to presume that the brain is partially dead/ impaired?
I don't think that I can agree with you there, Pigale.
We need a medical opinion on this ubject?
Is there any one out there who can offer medical facts?
Maybe Chris, if you are reading this, you could ask your wife?

Hi Elle,

As I understood, Ros is referring to a person who from birth has never heard, spoken or learnt any form of sign language - but does this mean that this person does not think?
Well, I think that in fact you and I both agree in answering 'yes, this person still has brain activity and therefore can think' - only we have gone about in different ways. Difficult to express what I feel!

Hi, Rusty!
(and hello to Emily, too!)
Crossword finished, and some emails dispatched, so no further excuse not to go and do some "work"!
I have learnt a new word this morning - that a "merganser" is a duck!
And yesterday I learned that a "chippy" is not only a carpenter and a fish shop, but also a touchy and defensive person!
I was quite stuck with the parsing of the Everyman clue, until I thought to check the dictionary!
To confuse matters further, my ill-famed Chambers also gave "chippy" as "a flirtatious or promiscuous woman"!
I shall have to think twice before I accuse anyone of being "chippy"!!
Right, chores are calling.....

Pigale and elle

As far as I can tell, congenital deafness has a variety of causes. Some children have a cochlear implant and can then hear. If taught to sign, then the person thinks and dreams in sign (American Sign Language is much richer than English). I think it truly appaling that there was (and maybe still is) a movement in America saying signing is wrong and not even allowing deaf children to see their parent's mouths as they speak.
I hadn't realised profound deafness from birth is considered even more of a handicap than being born blind.
I believe even medics don't agree on the question of thinking without language.
Thank you both for your comments.

Hello, Elle,
I am surprised that merganser is new to you.
Around here it is "chipper" for a fish and chip shop.
There is an excellent one not too far from me.
There are several articles in The Times, condemning the IOC.
Also comments from Hoy, Adlington, etc.
The Aussies have refused to move into their quarters in the Olympic village because the toilets are blocked, there are bare wires dangling from walls etc.
Just a tip, they say. Not unexpected!
Jo Konta has beaten Venus W to win a tournament in USA.
I am off for a dander!

Hi, Rusty!
I hope you enjoyed your walk - where did you go?
Whew! I feel as though I have run a marathon!
(I didn't dare stop or I knew I would give up)
One of the jobs on my list was to reorganise my wardrobe, donating to charity items I no longer needed.
This was no easy task because I am not tall enough to reach the higher hanging rail without climbing up a step!
It was a bit like doing fitness exercises! Up, down, up, down......!
I am pleased for Jo Konta winning the Stanford Classic.
She is the first British woman to win this title since Sue Barker in 1977, and will join Heather Watson on the WTA tour.
Any further feedback about the IOC?
I should have bought a paper!
Off now to take the dog for a quick walk....shan't go very far afield.
I've done enough exercising!