My West Ham mate

[Silent Blade]

This Saturday I will be parking my car at my mate’s house this Saturday and then travel with him to East London by tube. He is a Hammers season ticket holder for many years. I went with him to watch West Ham getting beaten 6-0 at Oldham in the 1990 League Cup semi! He has been my room mate twice (in 1994 and 2018) staying in a hotel when we played in international deaf chess tournaments. He is knowledgable about football. Spoke to him on Facetime last Sunday discussing how we feel about our respective teams this season so far.

He says apart from playing against Man City, they have been playing well in home games. He is disappointed with Fabianski’s injury as the reserve keeper is dodgy in dealing with corners (despite making good saves at Everton last week). Right back Fredericks is excellent at going forwards but average in defending. The two centre backs have been very good especially Diop who is quick and strong. He is hoping that Aaron Creswell will be back from injury as the reserve left back struggled at Everton.

Lanzini is hit and miss and so is Felipe Anderson (always impressed me on MOTD) , Yarmelinko is excellent with the ball, left footed but always plays on the right. Rice excellent at breaking up attacks and making good passes. My mate is a huge fan of Mark Noble but he was disappointed with him last Saturday. Fornals not making an impression. Haller is a good signing as he is good at holding the ball up as the lone striker (they usually play the 4-1-4-1 formation)

 

[Snake]

He has been my room mate twice (in 1994 and 2018) staying in a hotel when we played in international deaf chess tournaments.

Please don't get me wrong I'm not mocking a disability, but what difference does being deaf or not make to playing chess? Surely you don't have to be able to hear to play chess. So why separate it out?

 

[BushBlade]

On paper they should beat us. I’m not convinced they’ll outwork and outfight us though. It’s easy to get up for a home match against, say, Man U but they were poor against Everton away. If they play like that, we’ll beat them.

 

[Silent Blade]

Please don't get me wrong I'm not mocking a disability, but what difference does being deaf or not make to playing chess? Surely you don't have to be able to hear to play chess. So why separate it out?

It is a social thing. I have played chess for hearing clubs (AGD at Chesterfield from 1982 to early 1990s, also in summer 1998 I attended Chesterfield Chess club every week as I needed training for going to play in a tournament at Lucerne in August). The players at the club are decent people but when it comes to conversations it isn't the same as when I am playing for Sheffield Deaf where for me, the conversations and drinking together , it is a lot more flowing as we understand each other easily. I have played cricket for Taverners (in Chesterfield) and for Dronfield Contact also for my work but I have always preferred playing for Sheffield Deaf and it was the same when I was playing football. Luckily for me from 1979 to 1997, both Sheffield Deaf football (although I stopped playing regularly in mid 1980s) and cricket (I stopped in 1997) played in local leagues but the number of available players decrease when the club is knocked out of the British Deaf Cup and we usually struggle to have enough players for the rest of the season in the Friendlies League football matches, and it was the same in the Norton and Sheffield cricket leagues. When I was the football secretary for Sheffield Deaf I would write letters to Maltby MW and Farsley Celtic asking for permission for Brian Green and Steve Hardwick (RIP) to play for Sheffield Deaf in Bristish Deaf Cup matches as both Brian and Steve love playing in Deaf Cups or at a deaf tournament in Europe. It is the same with chess the Sheffield Deaf players are more interested in playing in European deaf team tournaments or at invitation tournaments than playing in the Sheffield League because we think socializing with the opponents after matches are a lot better for us. You may have been at pubs where there is a group of deaf people socializing together in one area?

 

[I'll tell me dad.]

What a nice post. Great stuff, but..
You do realise you are supposed to accuse anyone who doesn't play deaf chess of being a Pig and tell them to FOTH right?

 

[Grecian2000]

I have played cricket for Taverners (in Chesterfield) and for Dronfield Contact also for my work but I have always preferred playing for Sheffield Deaf

Bet there was some exciting running between the wickets.
What's signing like for "Yes, er No, oh fuck it"?

 

[Greasy Chap Butty]

It is a social thing. I have played chess for hearing clubs (AGD at Chesterfield from 1982 to early 1990s, also in summer 1998 I attended Chesterfield Chess club every week as I needed training for going to play in a tournament at Lucerne in August). The players at the club are decent people but when it comes to conversations it isn't the same as when I am playing for Sheffield Deaf where for me, the conversations and drinking together , it is a lot more flowing as we understand each other easily. I have played cricket for Taverners (in Chesterfield) and for Dronfield Contact also for my work but I have always preferred playing for Sheffield Deaf and it was the same when I was playing football. Luckily for me from 1979 to 1997, both Sheffield Deaf football (although I stopped playing regularly in mid 1980s) and cricket (I stopped in 1997) played in local leagues but the number of available players decrease when the club is knocked out of the British Deaf Cup and we usually struggle to have enough players for the rest of the season in the Friendlies League football matches, and it was the same in the Norton and Sheffield cricket leagues. When I was the football secretary for Sheffield Deaf I would write letters to Maltby MW and Farsley Celtic asking for permission for Brian Green and Steve Hardwick (RIP) to play for Sheffield Deaf in Bristish Deaf Cup matches as both Brian and Steve love playing in Deaf Cups or at a deaf tournament in Europe. It is the same with chess the Sheffield Deaf players are more interested in playing in European deaf team tournaments or at invitation tournaments than playing in the Sheffield League because we think socializing with the opponents after matches are a lot better for us. You may have been at pubs where there is a group of deaf people socializing together in one area?

Interesting to find out about all that.
How much of sign language is 'international' and how much 'home language' based? Can you converse with a Spanish non-english speaker in sign language for instance? Or are they completely different? Sorry if it's a stupid question, just interested.

 

[CarlMcBlade]

Everybody in the first round of games will probably underestimate us. But you can be sure they’ll all be ready for us in the return fixtures. We need to accumulate as many points before Crimbo as possible and I think we can really get something at West Ham.

 

[Silent Blade]

Interesting to find out about all that.
How much of sign language is 'international' and how much 'home language' based? Can you converse with a Spanish non-english speaker in sign language for instance? Or are they completely different? Sorry if it's a stupid question, just interested.

I am quite fluent at "international" sign because of the experience of playing sports in different countries since 1980, it was hard at first but picked up a lot over the years. Russians, Spanish and Italians are quite easy to understand as many are experts in ISL. Not many from Switzerland are fluent.

 

[GrayBlade]

This Saturday I will be parking my car at my mate’s house this Saturday and then travel with him to East London by tube. He is a Hammers season ticket holder for many years. I went with him to watch West Ham getting beaten 6-0 at Oldham in the 1990 League Cup semi! He has been my room mate twice (in 1994 and 2018) staying in a hotel when we played in international deaf chess tournaments. He is knowledgable about football. Spoke to him on Facetime last Sunday discussing how we feel about our respective teams this season so far.

He says apart from playing against Man City, they have been playing well in home games. He is disappointed with Fabianski’s injury as the reserve keeper is dodgy in dealing with corners (despite making good saves at Everton last week). Right back Fredericks is excellent at going forwards but average in defending. The two centre backs have been very good especially Diop who is quick and strong. He is hoping that Aaron Creswell will be back from injury as the reserve left back struggled at Everton.

Lanzini is hit and miss and so is Felipe Anderson (always impressed me on MOTD) , Yarmelinko is excellent with the ball, left footed but always plays on the right. Rice excellent at breaking up attacks and making good passes. My mate is a huge fan of Mark Noble but he was disappointed with him last Saturday. Fornals not making an impression. Haller is a good signing as he is good at holding the ball up as the lone striker (they usually play the 4-1-4-1 formation)

As tha’ passed this onto Wilder SB?

 

[Greasy Chap Butty]

I am quite fluent at "international" sign because of the experience of playing sports in different countries since 1980, it was hard at first but picked up a lot over the years. Russians, Spanish and Italians are quite easy to understand as many are experts in ISL. Not many from Switzerland are fluent.

ah ok. Do you 'speak' ISL in england with other deaf people, or would you do one set of signing here, and just do ISL with overseas friends?

 

[CopenhagenBlade]

I am quite fluent at "international" sign because of the experience of playing sports in different countries since 1980, it was hard at first but picked up a lot over the years. Russians, Spanish and Italians are quite easy to understand as many are experts in ISL. Not many from Switzerland are fluent.

Funny that in spoken languages the Swiss are fluent in about 4 languages but in sign they are hopeless

 

[Snake]

It is a social thing. I have played chess for hearing clubs (AGD at Chesterfield from 1982 to early 1990s, also in summer 1998 I attended Chesterfield Chess club every week as I needed training for going to play in a tournament at Lucerne in August). The players at the club are decent people but when it comes to conversations it isn't the same as when I am playing for Sheffield Deaf where for me, the conversations and drinking together , it is a lot more flowing as we understand each other easily. I have played cricket for Taverners (in Chesterfield) and for Dronfield Contact also for my work but I have always preferred playing for Sheffield Deaf and it was the same when I was playing football. Luckily for me from 1979 to 1997, both Sheffield Deaf football (although I stopped playing regularly in mid 1980s) and cricket (I stopped in 1997) played in local leagues but the number of available players decrease when the club is knocked out of the British Deaf Cup and we usually struggle to have enough players for the rest of the season in the Friendlies League football matches, and it was the same in the Norton and Sheffield cricket leagues. When I was the football secretary for Sheffield Deaf I would write letters to Maltby MW and Farsley Celtic asking for permission for Brian Green and Steve Hardwick (RIP) to play for Sheffield Deaf in Bristish Deaf Cup matches as both Brian and Steve love playing in Deaf Cups or at a deaf tournament in Europe. It is the same with chess the Sheffield Deaf players are more interested in playing in European deaf team tournaments or at invitation tournaments than playing in the Sheffield League because we think socializing with the opponents after matches are a lot better for us. You may have been at pubs where there is a group of deaf people socializing together in one area?

Ah I get it! Good stuff mate

 

[Silent Blade]

ah ok. Do you 'speak' ISL in england with other deaf people, or would you do one set of signing here, and just do ISL with overseas friends?

Either BSL (British Sign Language), SSE (Signs Supporting English)or oral depending on who I talk to. ISL is when you go abroad or if there is an international event in Britain.

 

[Silent Blade]

Funny that in spoken languages the Swiss are fluent in about 4 languages but in sign they are hopeless

I was told that Education in Switzerland schools were strictly oral and that sign language were strongly discouraged. Not sure about now. When I see players from Switzerland they dont seem to mix much with other countries and struggle to follow what is said in technical meetings.

 

[RossoDeltic]

Bet there was some exciting running between the wickets.
What's signing like for "Yes, er No, oh fuck it"?

We have a profoundly deaf lad play for us in Lincs League. He is rapidly getting himself a bit of a reputation, coupled with the fact he has Cerebral Palsy. He came to our Club after hearing about how my lad was looked after (dyspraxic and high functioning autism).
If you invest in the lads they can really make an impact in the Leagues.

 

[Greasy Chap Butty]

Either BSL (British Sign Language), SSE (Signs Supporting English)or oral depending on who I talk to. ISL is when you go abroad or if there is an international event in Britain.

Thanks. I've just started reading about it on the internet too, but prefer to get it from somebody who actually knows.
There seems some strange ways about. It says there is Catalan sign language, which is 75% different from Spanish, but Spanish sign and portugese sign are very similar. Germans seems really behind, and it was frowned on in the past, and only came into law in 2002 to have a right to speak in sign in court etc.
It seems a lot more complex language than I ever imagined, a sthey are talking about different verb structures, similar to different verb structures between English / french / German. That's down to ignorance on my part, and also fascinating that things so complicated can be signed and 'listened' by the the other person.
Any way, sorry for the most off-topic diversion possible! Thanks.

 

[Bearlie]

Nice one silent Blade

 

[Silent Blade]

Thanks. I've just started reading about it on the internet too, but prefer to get it from somebody who actually knows.
There seems some strange ways about. It says there is Catalan sign language, which is 75% different from Spanish, but Spanish sign and portugese sign are very similar. Germans seems really behind, and it was frowned on in the past, and only came into law in 2002 to have a right to speak in sign in court etc.
It seems a lot more complex language than I ever imagined, a sthey are talking about different verb structures, similar to different verb structures between English / french / German. That's down to ignorance on my part, and also fascinating that things so complicated can be signed and 'listened' by the the other person.
Any way, sorry for the most off-topic diversion possible! Thanks.

I dont know ASL (American Sign Language) so I find it easier to understand a Russian deaf person than an American deaf person. ASL is originated from Ireland Sign Language as many Irish emigrated to America in the 1800s. I think there are about 6 differences between American and Ireland fingerspelling (F,G, H, K, P and Q)

 

[RossoDeltic]

I dont know ASL (American Sign Language) so I find it easier to understand a Russian deaf person than an American deaf person. ASL is originated from Ireland Sign Language as many Irish emigrated to America in the 1800s. I think there are about 6 differences between American and Ireland fingerspelling (F,G, H, K, P and Q)

Our Club runs signing lessons/sessions so that the players can communicate with our deaf player.
Quite a few of us have got the Arsenal = 4th off to a tee. He is an Arsenal fan, so it has been a good week

 

[Silent Blade]

Our Club runs signing lessons/sessions so that the players can communicate with our deaf player.
Quite a few of us have got the Arsenal = 4th off to a tee. He is an Arsenal fan, so it has been a good week

The sign for Arsenal is the left hand on left breast. The fist is clenched apart from the index finger which points towards the right making it look like a gunner.

 

[Snowman]

I dont know ASL (American Sign Language) so I find it easier to understand a Russian deaf person than an American deaf person. ASL is originated from Ireland Sign Language as many Irish emigrated to America in the 1800s. I think there are about 6 differences between American and Ireland fingerspelling (F,G, H, K, P and Q)

Kinell SB, you wouldn't have thought that was so complicated to sort out, but when you really think about how every language developed it must be a nightmare. Ever had to communicate with a Hungarian?

 

[RossoDeltic]

The sign for Arsenal is the left hand on left breast. The fist is clenched apart from the index finger which points towards the right making it look like a gunner.

It certainly is. We usually just do the number 4 due to their propensity to finish 4th!
It is fascinating to watch him bat with the lads. Very clear signals for yes and no. It is also interesting watching him work with his Terriers teammate who keeps for us when they plan how to get batsmen out, line, length, keeper standing up.

 

[Greasy Chap Butty]

Years back, I was sat on the bus, and there was two deaf guys further down. It was fascinating to see them chatting away to each other in sign language. Funny thing was, when one got off and was on the footpath, they could just carry on talking through the bus window!

 

[RossoDeltic]

Just a thought, did you know Alan Phelan who was a great bowler. Not sure if he was deaf when he played. He was also a Blade, season ticket holder.

 

[Silent Blade]

Kinell SB, you wouldn't have thought that was so complicated to sort out, but when you really think about how every language developed it must be a nightmare. Ever had to communicate with a Hungarian?

I know a lot of Hungarians and one of them is in my FB friends list. Have known him since he was 16 when I went to Vezprem in 1990. Very good chess player who is fond of drinking. Minutes after the 2-2 draw at Chelsea he sent a message to me "Sheffield "

 

[Silent Blade]

Just a thought, did you know Alan Phelan who was a great bowler. Not sure if he was deaf when he played. He was also a Blade, season ticket holder.

No, how old?

 

[RossoDeltic]

He played in South Riding and was Chairman for many years. I first played against him in about 1986 when I was 15. Not sure how old he was when he packed in. He played for someone like Eckington or the team that became Outakumpo

 

[Snowman]

I know a lot of Hungarians and one of them is in my FB friends list. Have known him since he was 16 when I went to Vezprem in 1990. Very good chess player who is fond of drinking. Minutes after the 2-2 draw at Chelsea he sent a message to me "Sheffield "

They all seem fond of drinking, but what language do you converse in because I have had around 7 years of Hungarian clients who I have had to understand or acquire translation services for and it's the most difficult language I have ever encountered. Even Turkish has a Germanic root.

 

[Silent Blade]

He played in South Riding and was Chairman for many years. I first played against him in about 1986 when I was 15. Not sure how old he was when he packed in. He played for someone like Eckington or the team that became Outakumpo

I played for Yorkshire deaf in the 1980s but dont recall Alan Phelan.