Deaf Culture

Culture is defined as the beliefs, customs, practices, and social behavior of a particular nation or people. Therefore every nation has its own culture. However, within that nation a number of subcultures may exist. This seems to be true in the case of the Deaf.

The Deaf possess characteristics that are unique to them. It seems that within the broader culture of any nation the Deaf have a subculture of their own. Their language, mode of socialization and art set them within a hearing society.

The primary mode of communication for most deaf people is sign language. This is a manual language where the hands are used to communicate. In hearing society not many people pay attention to learning sign language and so the deaf person finds it difficult to understand and be understood by the hearing. Therefore in any setting the Deaf will find other deaf people with whom they can communicate. This is why they tend group together. It is interesting to note that the Deaf who do not use sign language may not be included as part of that culture whereas hearing people who know sign language may be accepted.

In addition, because of this shared language they invariably seek out each other for socialization. They generally have special spots and times where they met for social activities. They are usually a close knit group who look out for each other, and information spreads quickly among them. There also exist special signals or gestures that they use in particular settings to get attention, to applaud, among others. They tend to hold on to the school they attended and view it as home since the schools play an integral part in their development. Teachers are still sought out for advice and guidance long after the school years have ended. This may be due to the fact that teachers share their mode of communication.

In recent times there has been the call for integration of deaf children in schools. Integration has its benefits; however since the number of deaf children within the regular school setting is usually small it hinders their socialization with other deaf children. Deaf children should be given the chance to be with other deaf to enhance communication and to allow them to fit into the culture of the Deaf.

Art is also a major component within the deaf subculture. The Deaf have shown themselves to be great performers, poets and artists. Their mimes, poems and plays usually have a depth of emotion which keeps audiences captivated. Those who have been given the opportunity have done well in the area of art.

Learn more about this author, Abinda Junkere.
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