Deaf Culture for Dummies

[miss ririchiyo]

[miss ririchiyo]

Introductory to Deaf Culture
Not every person with any amount of hearing loss always identifies with the Deaf community. The term “Deaf” (with a capital D) refers to individuals who share a common culture based on their use of sign language, their values and views as Deaf individuals, their rules for behavior, etc. The term “deaf” (with a lowercase d) refers simply to a lack of ability to hear. [1] In my opinion, you won't hear about this too much, since it isn't too much of a concern, but it is good to know.

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a culture as the beliefs, customs, etc. of a particular society, group, place, or time. Because of their unique experiences growing up Deaf in a hearing world, Deaf people worldwide share many of the same beliefs, customs, and norms of behavior. [1]

A good thing to remember is that not everyone in the Deaf Culture is always deaf. There are a lot of people whom are hard of hearing as well, suffering from a broad range of hearing loss whether it be minor, mild, or severe loss. The stereotype that Deaf Culture only includes those who are "totally deaf" is incorrect, as even those with minor hearing loss can consider themselves apart of it.

Many (if not most) Deaf do not regard their deafness as a physical handicap. Instead, it is simply the way they are and is a distinction that they live with comfortably. [1]

Many Deaf people who have accepted this distinctive, if given the opportunity to become hearing, would refuse. Deafness is their way of life, and an important part of who they are. Deaf children born to Deaf parents are also highly valued by their family; they are not regarded as handicapped or a source of embarrassment. [1]

Deaf schools are also an important part of their culture. It is at these schools that the traditions of Deaf culture and sign language are passed on to the next generation. The language of the Deaf is of central importance in the culture. It is through sign language that Deaf people are able to communicate with the world. [1]

Terms such as hearing impaired, deaf-mute, deaf and dumb, and hearing deficient may be
used by the media and society to refer to deaf individuals. Within the Deaf community, these
terms are seen as offensive since they imply that the deaf individual is “broken” or “inferior.”
A generic and more widely accepted phrase is “deaf and hard of hearing” which refers to
all people with hearing loss. The term “deaf” may also be used in an all-inclusive manner, to
include people who may identify as Deaf, deaf, deafblind, deafdisabled, hard of hearing, latedeafened,
and hearing impaired. [2]
Note: This really varies with the person, so be sure to ask beforehand what they prefer to be referred as! I, personally, prefer the terms 'partially deaf','hard of hearing', or 'hearing impaired' when describing my hearing loss.