Linda
Evans, wrote in to the authors asking if, they knew where she could find books
and other articles answering the question regarding "What is Deaf Culture?”.
I have often wondered if there were publications on Deaf culture because I do
find it very interesting.
The authors
defined Deaf Culture as, "a social, communal, and creative force of, by,
and for Deaf people based on American Sign Language (ASL)" (pg. 325). I think that the definition they provided is
accurate based on just what I have been learning. I had already started to
realize that "deaf people still prefer to communicate and mingle with
their own kind. That is the psychosocial basis of Deaf culture" (pg. 325).
I think this is because they have formed a community with one another. I think
it is really neat that "deaf people who attend the common residential
schools for the deaf... tend to seek out other deaf people and communicate in
sign language" (pg. 326).
I
learned that "certain team sports, notably, volleyball, bowling, softball,
and basketball, are 'Deaf tribal sports.'
In Deaf tribal sports, everyone gets a chance to participate. To Deaf
People, sports are a social experience, a kinetic way of expressing
'belonging'" (pg. 326). This is a great way for people to come out and get
involved in the Deaf community and learn more about it.
This
chapter stated that, "Some Deaf people do not believe that we have a
full-fledged culture... Ethnic culture is generally transmitted from parent to
child" (pg. 327). I had this conversation on the phone with my brother
just this week. I was explaining to him that by going to DCE's for class, we
are also being exposed to deaf culture while sharpening our signing skills. I
explained to him how being deaf was a way of living and the importance of deaf
people gathering together. I am glad that deaf people have formed a Deaf
culture. I think culture is very important for any person to be able to
experience because it encompasses so many aspects of the way we live.
"There
is no distinct mode of dress, no special cuisine, and no uniquely 'Deaf
religion'" (pg. 327). When we associate people in groups and categories we
seem to always consider these factors. "The only truly distinctive
aspect... Is our 'Deaf language'- ASL in the U.S.A" (pg. 327). I think this sets the Deaf culture apart from
many other cultures. Some consider it to be subculture though because the only
deaf social custom is based on communicative needs (pg.327-328). I consider it
to be a cultural group I wouldn’t think of it as subculture. The part I really
appreciate is that "the Deaf culture is by no means restricted to deaf
'members only'" (pg. 329).
I think it is cool that many
children raised by deaf parents are "native ASL users and bilingually proficient
in ASL and English" (pg.329). This allows them to "straddle both Deaf
and Hearing cultures" (pg.329). This reminds me of a previous chapter
which discusses how many of these kids later become teachers of ASL and
interpreters. By being bilingual these kids are at such an advantage when it
comes to job options later on.
Chapter 56:
I never
considered it to be a bad thing for a hearing person to write about deaf
culture. I agree that “we want to balance the outsider’s views with what the
insiders have to say” (pg. 333). This chapter discusses how it can be an
advantage for a hearing person to write about deaf culture, this is because of
the “researcher’s objectivity and lack of preconceptions” (pg. 333).
In regards
to the book by Helmer R. Myklebust, who was considered an “authority in the
field of deaf education” (pg. 334), I find it incredibly disappointing that sign
language was not mentioned. William C. Stokoe’s states that, “For years this
book was the standard training text at schools of education for teachers of
deaf students” (pg.334). It really irritates me that teachers used this book to
try to understand their deaf students when the book fails to mention a huge
part of their identity, their language! I was relieved to read that “Now,
however, the majority of hearing researchers are equipped with a far better
attitude towards deaf people and a better understanding of Deaf issues” (pg.
334).
I am
glad that “Hearing sociologists and linguists are paying more attention to the
Deaf community and the dynamics of sign languages. Those who don’t know ASL do
field work with an interpreter” (pg. 334). I think that this is only right. If
someone is going to produce research on a certain group of people, which is
what sociologist do, I would hope that they are being fully immersed into that
culture. This helps them acquire a better understanding of why certain cultures
act and do things the way they do. I think that surrounding yourself with the
cultures language is one of the best ways to experience what that culture is
really like.
When learning about sociologists
studying deaf history the book says that, “They have enhanced our understanding
of how deaf people lived and communicated in earlier times and other cultures,
and how people use and process language” (pg. 335). I agree that both hearing
and deaf people should be able to study and learn more about the deaf history in
order to learn more about this group of people. I do not think that a hearing
person who studies the deaf culture is trying to steal the deaf person’s
language. I understand why deaf people are protective of their language though,
it is the only thing that is truly theirs (pg. 335). I agree that researchers
should make sure that their research “contributes to the sum of universal
knowledge” (pg. 336).
The authors add that, “If you
really want to study the Deaf community and gain valuable insight, it’s a good
idea to learn Sign and become part of our community in some way” (pg. 337). I think
the best way to study a culture is to become a part of it.
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