Just as a student of any foreign language must learn about the culture behind the language, those who study American Sign Language (ASL) should explore Deaf culture while learning the language. The concept of a Deaf culture emerged fairly recently, but it mostly put a name to what many deaf individuals around the nation, and the world, were already experiencing: a shared language, value system, and set of traditions. Deaf culture entered the public spotlight after the publication of the "Dictionary of American Sign Language" and William C. Stokoe’s analysis of ASL linguistics, which examined its unique grammatical and syntactical rules. Language and culture have always enjoyed an extremely intimate connection. When the world began to recognize ASL as a true language, it simultaneously acknowledged the presence of a well-developed Deaf culture. Recognizing the importance of their shared language, deaf individuals strive to protect the integrity of ASL, refusing to support programs that value the use of English over ASL. At the same time, the deaf community recognizes and embraces the natural evolution of ASL as a real language, accepting and honoring regional differences and geo-specific vocabularies.
The evolution of Deaf culture has led to the creation of strong, tight-knit communities and niches in other facets of general American culture. For example, deaf individuals will readily find ASL-focused blogs and deaf dating websites on the Internet. In areas around the country, individuals organize a variety of social events and the Winter and Summer Deaflympics, sponsored by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (CISS), have existed since 1924. Individuals will also find art, stories, theatre, games, and books aimed at a deaf audience.
Especially important for ASL students are the behavioral rules unique to Deaf culture. When individuals sign to each other, they maintain eye contact. Deaf individuals consider it extremely rude to break this eye contact. ASL demands a great amount of facial movement, as expressions play a role in the language’s grammar. While hearing communities may tone down their facial expression, Deaf culture embraces an expressive countenance. Personal introductions also differ significantly in Deaf culture. Whereas a hearing individual may offer a first name, a deaf individual will give a full name, followed by hometown and even school. Deaf culture additionally makes a distinction between a “deaf” and a “Deaf” individual. The former does not possess the ability to hear. The latter has significant level of hearing loss and actively participates in Deaf culture.
About the Author:
Born deaf, Jane K. Fernandes learned to speak English through the oral deaf education tradition and subsequently attended public Massachusetts schools. She began studying ASL while pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in Comparative Literature at The University of Iowa. Immersing herself in Deaf culture, Jane K. Fernandes became fluent in ASL and has since dedicated a significant portion of her life to deaf education. Having served in a number of roles at various academic institutions, she currently acts as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at The University of North Carolina at Asheville.
The evolution of Deaf culture has led to the creation of strong, tight-knit communities and niches in other facets of general American culture. For example, deaf individuals will readily find ASL-focused blogs and deaf dating websites on the Internet. In areas around the country, individuals organize a variety of social events and the Winter and Summer Deaflympics, sponsored by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (CISS), have existed since 1924. Individuals will also find art, stories, theatre, games, and books aimed at a deaf audience.
Especially important for ASL students are the behavioral rules unique to Deaf culture. When individuals sign to each other, they maintain eye contact. Deaf individuals consider it extremely rude to break this eye contact. ASL demands a great amount of facial movement, as expressions play a role in the language’s grammar. While hearing communities may tone down their facial expression, Deaf culture embraces an expressive countenance. Personal introductions also differ significantly in Deaf culture. Whereas a hearing individual may offer a first name, a deaf individual will give a full name, followed by hometown and even school. Deaf culture additionally makes a distinction between a “deaf” and a “Deaf” individual. The former does not possess the ability to hear. The latter has significant level of hearing loss and actively participates in Deaf culture.
About the Author:
Born deaf, Jane K. Fernandes learned to speak English through the oral deaf education tradition and subsequently attended public Massachusetts schools. She began studying ASL while pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in Comparative Literature at The University of Iowa. Immersing herself in Deaf culture, Jane K. Fernandes became fluent in ASL and has since dedicated a significant portion of her life to deaf education. Having served in a number of roles at various academic institutions, she currently acts as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at The University of North Carolina at Asheville.
