The deaf culture, for example is tightly knit together by a group of people who all have the same beliefs, behaviors, and values.
Values and Beliefs
Regardless of the cause of deafness, individuals who have hearing loss more often than not share a group of similar values and beliefs. For example, most deaf people portray a positive attitude, and do not feel that deafness is a condition that needs to be fixed. In addition, people who are deaf strongly value the use of sign language depending on the country in which it is used. Deaf people in all parts of the world oppose discrimination against other individuals who may be deaf or hard of hearing.
Behavioral Norms
Deaf people have rules that they use when holding a conversation, getting attention, and walking through others' conversations. Deaf people also recognize the importance of keeping fellow community members aware of their surroundings. Members of the deaf community may also show up early to scheduled meetings or events as a way of finding seats that offer the best view.
The deaf community is also a very friendly and loving one. Once you find something in common with a person in the community you become fast friends and are a part of their family. If you are new to the community they are very kind about being patient and helping you along. They do not get easily frustrated when you are trying to learn more about the deaf community or interested in learning ASL. All my experiences with the deaf community have been positive and leave me wanting to learn more.
Values and Beliefs
Regardless of the cause of deafness, individuals who have hearing loss more often than not share a group of similar values and beliefs. For example, most deaf people portray a positive attitude, and do not feel that deafness is a condition that needs to be fixed. In addition, people who are deaf strongly value the use of sign language depending on the country in which it is used. Deaf people in all parts of the world oppose discrimination against other individuals who may be deaf or hard of hearing.
Behavioral Norms
Deaf people have rules that they use when holding a conversation, getting attention, and walking through others' conversations. Deaf people also recognize the importance of keeping fellow community members aware of their surroundings. Members of the deaf community may also show up early to scheduled meetings or events as a way of finding seats that offer the best view.
The deaf community is also a very friendly and loving one. Once you find something in common with a person in the community you become fast friends and are a part of their family. If you are new to the community they are very kind about being patient and helping you along. They do not get easily frustrated when you are trying to learn more about the deaf community or interested in learning ASL. All my experiences with the deaf community have been positive and leave me wanting to learn more.
Deaf Etiquette
First and foremost it is important to remember that a deaf person deserves all the same respect that you would give to any other person. Their lack of hearing does not allow a person to talk about the deaf person while they are in the room. Many deaf people do not like to receive any special treatment at events or functions other than an interpreter, if needed.
Some people in the deaf community use an interpreter to help them communicate with others. When talking to a person with an interpreter it is important that you are talking to the deaf person and not the interpreter. You are talking to the person during this interaction and not the interpreter. When facing the interpreter and not the person you are excluding the individual and making it so they are no longer able to see your face. The deaf person is still the one participating in the conversation even if there is an interpreter present.
When gaining the attention of a deaf person it is important that you are doing it in a polite manner. A tap on the shoulder or a quick wave of the hand is an appropriate way of gaining attention. You do not to do any exaggerated movements or startle the person to gain attention. Part of the conversation is understanding that you need to gain attention before beginning and also focusing on the person instead of zoning out or looking elsewhere.
Some people in the deaf community can and like to lip-read during conversations. If this is the case you do not to talk in a slow manner or exaggerate your words. All you need to do is speak distinctly and at a normal rate. Try to ensure that there are no obstructions between you and the individual as well. Also realize that lip-reading is not a science or an easy interaction.
People in the deaf culture communicate in a multitude of ways and know the way that is easiest for them. Some of the ways of communication include sign language, lip-reading, and speaking aloud. When talking to a deaf person be respectful of the way that they want to communicate.
First and foremost it is important to remember that a deaf person deserves all the same respect that you would give to any other person. Their lack of hearing does not allow a person to talk about the deaf person while they are in the room. Many deaf people do not like to receive any special treatment at events or functions other than an interpreter, if needed.
Some people in the deaf community use an interpreter to help them communicate with others. When talking to a person with an interpreter it is important that you are talking to the deaf person and not the interpreter. You are talking to the person during this interaction and not the interpreter. When facing the interpreter and not the person you are excluding the individual and making it so they are no longer able to see your face. The deaf person is still the one participating in the conversation even if there is an interpreter present.
When gaining the attention of a deaf person it is important that you are doing it in a polite manner. A tap on the shoulder or a quick wave of the hand is an appropriate way of gaining attention. You do not to do any exaggerated movements or startle the person to gain attention. Part of the conversation is understanding that you need to gain attention before beginning and also focusing on the person instead of zoning out or looking elsewhere.
Some people in the deaf community can and like to lip-read during conversations. If this is the case you do not to talk in a slow manner or exaggerate your words. All you need to do is speak distinctly and at a normal rate. Try to ensure that there are no obstructions between you and the individual as well. Also realize that lip-reading is not a science or an easy interaction.
People in the deaf culture communicate in a multitude of ways and know the way that is easiest for them. Some of the ways of communication include sign language, lip-reading, and speaking aloud. When talking to a deaf person be respectful of the way that they want to communicate.
American Sign Language
Keep in mind that ASL is not English. It is a three-dimensional visual language that uses manual signs, body language and facial expressions to convey meaning. One sign may be used to convey more than one word or meaning based upon its context and accompanying visual gestures. Also, English sentences cannot be simply translated word by word into sign. Like any foreign language, ASL has distinct rules for grammar and sentence syntax.
Keep in mind that ASL is not English. It is a three-dimensional visual language that uses manual signs, body language and facial expressions to convey meaning. One sign may be used to convey more than one word or meaning based upon its context and accompanying visual gestures. Also, English sentences cannot be simply translated word by word into sign. Like any foreign language, ASL has distinct rules for grammar and sentence syntax.
GUIDELINE 1: Facial expression matters. Compare the ASL sentences for "I'm going to the restaurant" and "Are you going to the restaurant?" Questions are accompanied by arched eyebrows and an inquisitive look.
GUIDELINE 2: ASL does not use verb tenses. Past, present and future are conveyed by introducing time frame words like "yesterday," "today" or "tomorrow" into the beginning of a sentence to establish the context of what follows. For example, to say "I saw your mother yesterday," the direct translation in sign would look like this:
GUIDELINE 3: Keep it linear. Most ASL sentence structure is based upon sequential thought. That is, if you talk about one event happening after another event, you would describe the first event and then the second. If you said in English: "I'm going to lunch after I finish this report" the direct sign translation would be: