If you were born deaf, what language would you think in?
Sign language?
most completely deaf people think in sign language. Similar to how an “inner voice” of a hearing person is experienced in one’s own voice, a completely deaf person sees or, more aptly, feels themselves signing in their head as they “talk” in their heads.
If you were born deaf and have never been exposed to any spoken or signed language, it's difficult to say exactly what language you would think in. Language plays a crucial role in shaping our thoughts and internal processes, so without language input, your thought processes would likely be different from those of individuals who are exposed to spoken or signed languages.
However, it's important to note that language is not the only means of thought. Even without a formal language, you would still have the ability to think and have thoughts that are based on visual, spatial, and sensory experiences. For example, you might think in images, feelings, or abstract concepts.
Furthermore, if you are born deaf and are immersed in a community that uses sign language, such as American Sign Language (ASL), you would likely think in terms of ASL. Sign languages are fully developed languages with their own grammatical rules and syntax. They utilize visual-spatial information, hand movements, and facial expressions to convey meaning. So, if you were exposed to a sign language, it would become your primary means of communication, both internally and externally.
It's important to remember that our thoughts are shaped by our experiences and the languages we use to communicate. So, depending on the circumstances, the language you think in could vary.