Listening to Deaf Culture 😯

Individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing possess full cognitive abilities and can communicate effectively, just in ways that may differ from those who rely on auditory communication.

Zhachory Volker

Zhachory Volker

— 4 min read
Listening to Deaf Culture 😯
Photo by Sharon Waldron / Unsplash

For 8 years, going to drumline practice was a constant in my life. The powerful vibrations, the sheer volume, it was an exhilarating (and honestly tiring) experience. However, a less exhilarating consequence of all those years spent on the left side of the line is a gradual hearing loss in my right ear. Because of it, I began taking American Sign Language (ASL) classes. ASL is something I’ve always been drawn to, even before my own hearing began to fade.

I have always been a person who loves to work with my hands. Whether it's tinkering with gadgets or simply gesturing as I speak, my hands are rarely still. So, the idea of communicating through hand movements immediately resonated with me (an ADHDer’s dream!). It feels almost like a natural extension of who I am, a perfect outlet for an active mind and body. It is like an engaging role-playing game where spoken words transform into visual cues, where subtle movements convey profound meaning (one small change in a sign can turn a “thank you” into a “f**k you”!).

Deaf Culture?

My journey into ASL showed me the rich and vibrant world of Deaf culture. One of the most important insights I have gained is that being Deaf is not a disability. It technically is, but it could be argued that if the world was set up for them, they wouldn’t be at all. Ask any deaf person and they will full-heartedly agree. 

Society of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Nova Scotians

It is just a different way of experiencing the world, a unique cultural identity built around shared experiences, values, and, most importantly, a visual language. Individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing possess full cognitive abilities and can communicate effectively, just in ways that may differ from those who rely on auditory communication.

Deaf Tools

Of course, living in a world designed for hearing folk means that adjustments are often needed. For instance, captions are essential for accessing television shows, movies, and online meetings. Real-time communication often relies on Video Relay Services (VRS), which connect Deaf individuals with interpreters who can facilitate phone calls (this service is awesome and funded by public institutions). 

Start ASL

I've also learned about great innovations in homes, dorms, and hotels, like light doorbells that flash to alert residents of a visitor, rather than dinging an auditory chime. And for individuals who are experiencing progressive hearing loss, cochlear implants can offer a bridge, allowing for continued auditory input while learning ASL, giving more time to adapt to a visual world.

Deaf local and global

Deaf culture is incredibly diverse and fascinating. There are unique experiences for Deaf children born to hearing parents and vice versa, each presenting its own set of challenges and triumphs. From parents learning ASL and finding ways to communicate with their child that can’t hear, and deaf parents trying to communicate with their children who wonder why they never say anything. 

The nuances of sign languages also vary across countries, just as spoken languages do. There are even distinct dialects and variations within ASL itself, such as Black ASL and Queer ASL, which reflect the diverse identities within the Deaf community. Exploring the history of Deaf culture, which has roots dating back to institutions in France, and learning about significant places like Gallaudet University, the world's only university for Deaf and hard of hearing students, has been incredibly enriching. It has also made me more aware of certain stigmas, like the pressure to lip-read, which can be exhausting and often unreliable for Deaf individuals.

I encourage everyone to learn a few signs! Even a basic understanding can make a significant difference in connecting with Deaf individuals and appreciating their culture. You might be surprised at how intuitive and expressive signing can be.

Here are some starting resources:

What are your thoughts on communication and how we adapt to different ways of interacting with the world? Have you ever considered learning a new form of communication, and what drew you to it?

Resources:

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