Deaf Culture

by: Amanda Topper

In our society, many people do have some knowledge of the deaf and hard of hearing culture; however, what people do not know is how effectively deaf and hard of hearing students or people change our society.

It would help to understand American Sign Language (ASL). American Sign Language is the language of a national community of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in the U.S. Signing seems to awaken great interest in people, who have little or no experience with it. "The term 'sign language' has traditionally been used as a generic term for different varieties of signing communication," said K.S., a college student.

Exactly who uses ASL? It is safe to say that there are large numbers of ASL users in the U.S., probably more than other countries. ASL is being learned as a second language by thousands of students every year. In the future, there is likely that more second language user of ASL than there are first language users in the U.S. In our current society, American Sign Language is the third most widely used language in the United States.

"At UE, most of my hearing friends learn sign language for me. My closest friends here at UE know enough sign language to be able to have conversations with me. Other friends know a few signs, but still have to write back and forth sometimes. When someone does not know sign language, I just write down whatever I want to say or type it on my pager," said K.S, "I am just fine with being deaf, although, sometimes I wish I could communicate with hearing people more."

There are individuals who hear who use ASL and interact a great deal within Deaf communities. These hard-of- hearing and hearing users of ASL are a part of the Deaf communities, and they participate in their social and cultural life.

Many languages have roots or influences from other language. This is true of American Sign Language. It has existed in the U.S. since as early as the late 1700's. The country was colonized by various European cultures. In Europe at the time, there existed several sign languages, including the French and British Sign Language.

In 1817, a strong French Deaf influence was introduced in the U.S. through the establishment of a school for Deaf children by an American, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, and a Deaf Frenchman, Laurent Clerc. As a result of the language changing over time, ASL become a language. Later, Gallaudet University was founded in Washington D.C. as the only liberal arts college in the world for deaf people.

All of the communities and their local cultures contribute to what we think of as a Deaf culture in the U.S. It is the culture of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people from which ASL is produced and which has sealed and passed on its language from generations to generations for hundred of years.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing people have formed ways to define and express themselves through their rituals, tales, performances, and everyday social encounters. "Being deaf can be a struggle sometimes. I challenged myself playing the snare drum in the marching band in High school. I did a few things to show people that deaf people can do anything. Some people treated me differently just because I couldn't hear, like they were trying to be too nice or ignore me," said Kendra, graduated deaf senior at Bosse High School. The richness of their sign language affords them possibilities in the future, and technologies , such as telephone and other devices will asset them.

Over the centuries, many deaf and hard of hearing have fought against discrimination due to their disability. In the nineteenth century, there were many famous, deaf individuals who were artists, writers, and other outside thinkers. Each individual was successful, because they spoke the truth and sent a message to all in the hearing culture.

"ASL is not a universal language. American Sign Language users cannot understand Japanese, French, or British Sign Language users, unless they have learned these languages," said Ms. McKinney, teacher of the deaf at Bosse High School.

In our current society, Deaf and hard of hearing individual have had to make some compromises with the hearing culture. Still, they are limited in particular things, such as sport, jobs, and communications. Many hearing people do not realize how Deaf culture is limited in communication. In American Sign Language, there is a limit. The language does not have a sign for every word in English or any other language. When there is an odd or unrecognizable word, fifty-percent of the time the word would be spelled out. To be honest, many Deaf and hard of hearing do not like to do that, because it slows them down when communicating with someone.

"ASL binds the American Deaf Culture, but that is only part of the story. While language is important to the maintenance of the culture, it is the culture that is responsible for the life of the language" (Gallaudet University).

"I believe that everyone should know that deaf people are not any different from hearing people. They can do whatever they want to. Being deaf made me a stronger with person. I had a lot of challenges and I became stronger every challenge I faced. I try to be a role model to other deaf people who need someone to look up to. I try to show them that they can get a good education, do whatever they want to, etc.," said Kendra S, a graduated deaf senior at Bosse High School.

How do students learn or communicate at school with a hearing student?

Deaf students sit in class just like any regular student. Each student would have either an interpreter or a resource teacher. An interpreter would follow the student to their classroom and sign everything the teacher or any of the student's friends said. Yes, the interpreter does get very tired easily from signing all day for a week.

"I had many friends in high school, but not as many as I do now in college. When I was in High School, most of my friends were already in college. It's kind of hard to make friends in high school, because most of the people acted like they were afraid of me. I'm not sure how to describe it, but they just didn't want to try to communicate with me. All they would do is say 'hi' in the halls," said Kendra S.

A resource teacher provides a period where he or she would help the disability student with questions that they didn't understand in class. It is also good to have extended time to catch up what the student missed in class.

What does it feel like being deaf or hard of hearing in this community?

Try going to school or anywhere with plugs in your ears for one whole day without any complaining. It is difficult to say what it feels like, unless you have tried it.

When students become friends with deaf or hard of hearing students, it can be difficult to communicate at first, but after some time, they will be able to understand each other.

HINT: A true friend is someone who is willing to take time to understand your language.

What problems do the deaf and hard of hearing face in school?

Many disabled face many problems as they enter levels at school. When disability students walk into a classroom, sometimes they are scared to identify themselves to hearing students and even teachers. He or she may fear that hearing students will treat them differently or look down upon them.

"The most difficult thing is being only one of eight of the deaf students in Bosse High School out of 900 students and struggling to fit in," said Ms. McKinney, teacher of the deaf at Bosse High School.

It is difficult for disability students to be themselves due to pressure by their classmates and teachers. They tend to hide themselves and release their problem, such as drawing or writing in journals.

Sometimes, students would are teased or embarrassed in the class. "Communication is the problem because only a few hearing students know sign language," said Ms. McKinney, teacher of the deaf at Bosse High School. These are difficult challenges that all deaf and hard of hearing students have to face. They tend to have a hard time to building a strong self-esteem or finding courage to strive for what is best for them.

Students, who fail to be confident in their strength, may blame teachers or their parents for not meeting their needs. Over time, many schools are doing better in handling these situations.

As students get older with time, they will be changed by their classmates, teachers, or even people in the community. They will become a stronger person, and will be to do anything in their power to help other deaf and hard of hearing students in the future.

Sources:

Gallaudet University. Washington, DC. From World Wide Web: http://www.gallaudet.edu/x266.xml