This is an incomplete list of facts about Deaf culture. A complete article on Deaf culture would take up numerous pages (or a few college classes). If you want to learn more about Deaf culture, see the links at the end. This article focuses on the interesting facts about Deaf people and what I’ve learned from my Deaf friends.
“Big D” Deaf and “little d”deaf
When you see writing about deaf topics, there is a difference between “D” deaf and “d” deaf. D” Deaf means someone who is involved in Deaf culture, accepts their deafness and uses sign language to communicate. “d” deaf means someone who is hard of hearing, or maybe even deaf but does not accept themselves as Deaf or involved in the Deaf community.
Deaf people are proud of being deaf. “Deaf people can do anything hearing people can do, except hear.”
There is a type of Deafness that is genetic, and some Deaf people do have Deaf children, however 90% of all Deaf people were born to hearing parents and will also have hearing children. 1
Ways to get a Deaf person’s attention
Because they can’t hear, they tend to be more sensitive to vibrations around them. One might stomp on the floor to get their attention, turn the lights on and off or wave. If you must approach a Deaf person who is focusing on something, such as work or on the computer, very gently tap them on the shoulder or arm. No one likes to be smacked on the back when you’re deep in thought.
Deaf people have more advantages
Deaf people often have more advantages over people who can hear. Their eyes function better than a hearing person’s ears. They are known as better drivers because they are not distracted with loud music. Deaf people utilize their mirrors more often because they are naturally more aware of their surroundings.
Deaf people can talk to someone else from across the room without shouting. I once had a conversation with a Deaf person from across the room with hundreds of people and no one heard a word we said; however, you have to be careful at what you say. You never know if someone else in the room knows sign language and is watching the conversation.
Kids of Deaf parents are brought up bi-lingual.
Being polite or being rude?
Because sign language is a very visual language, honesty is key when communicating. It’s not considered rude when a Deaf person describes someone. They might say someone is tall, fat or have big curly hair.
Deaf people hug when they say hello.
Since Deaf people cannot hear, instead of clapping like hearing people do, they raise their hands above their heads and shake their hands. In a room full of people, this applause is very visual.
Deaf people love being in company with people. They are usually the first to show up at a party and the last to leave. Jokingly, Deaf people start saying good bye when they arrive at a party because it takes them that long to leave.
Because Deaf people are visual, they tend to like bright rooms or always have lights on.
Deaf kids hate Dr. Seuss books. Most often there are no signs for the crazy play-on words that Seuss uses and the stories don’t make sense to them.
A totally Deaf person would love to be near a jet while taking off. The super loud sounds makes vibrations that a Deaf person can enjoy, whereas a hearing person would be in pain over the loud sounds.
It is rude to stare at people who are using sign language, even if you don’t know what they are saying.
It is rude to scream at a Deaf person. They can’t hear you, so why would you scream at them?
It’s okay to write down what you want to say. I’ve had plenty of conversations where it was all written down before I had the chance to learn more sign language.
Accommodations for Deaf people
Deaf people use closed captioning on TV to enjoy a show or movie. When someone rings their doorbell or the phone rings, a lamp would be set up to flash. When a Deaf person wants to set the alarm to wake up early in the morning, their alarm clock would be connected to a lamp to wake them up by light or a vibrator would be connected to the bed to gently shake them awake. Sometimes, a person would use both.
And yes, Deaf people can use the telephone. They use a device called TTY (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf). It’s like a typewriter that connects to the phone line. The keyboard sends signals over the phone line and the person on the other side receives the words the Deaf person types. With new technology, communicating with Deaf people is easier. Cell phones, texting, Smart Phones and web cams are all wonderful devices to enhance communication. Deaf people can use instant communication just like anyone else.
Deaf culture is fascinating and a wonderful experience. If you ever get a chance to meet a Deaf person, don’t be afraid to try to communicate. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to create “small talk”. If you have a face and a body, you can communicate!
Source: Associates Degree in Sign Language Interpreting/Transliterating at Columbus State Community College and personal experience.
1http://www.ddwedmonton.com/myths.html
