What is Deaf Culture?

As a linguistic minority, deaf people share many similar life experiences, which manifests into the deaf culture. According to the World Federation of the Deaf, it includes “beliefs, attitudes, history, norms, values, literary traditions and art shared by those who are Deaf”. Also, probably the main aspect of deaf culture is the use of Sign Language as the main form of communication.

Deaf culture has many of its roots in the educational background of the community, because that is where Sign Languages usually originated and are more broadly assimilated.

On top of that, many individuals are introduced to the deaf culture when joining schools for the Deaf, since most of them are born into hearing families.

Another important aspect of deaf culture is the idea of deaf gain. It goes against the medical term ‘hearing loss’, focusing on all the positive experiences acquired with deafness instead of the sense of hearing that isn’t present. 

In summary, deafness is not something that needs to be fixed, it is just a different way to experience life, rooted in a visual world.

What is unique about deaf culture?

Every culture is unique on its own and has its characteristic traits. For deaf culture it is not different.

As we have said before, Sign Language is deeply valued, alongside a reliance on eyesight, that supports a visual lifestyle. Also, people from the deaf community develop deep connections with each other, creating a very powerful nationwide network. Another important aspect is the use of technology to overcome communication barriers, which we will talk more about later on.

As any other culture, it also has strong cultural traditions in its organizations, such as deaf clubs, schools and religious institutions. It also developed its specific norms and behaviors, like a communication etiquette, which we will explore further along.

What are the five aspects of deaf culture?

There are some key aspects that represent deaf culture, let’s dive deeper into them:

Language:
the use of Sign Language, which we have said before, and will continue to say it. It is important to know that Sign Languages have their own structural and grammatical composition and rules. They are not just a signed translated version of the country’s oral language.

Values:
it is essential to preserve Sign Language literature, heritage and other forms of arts and legacies. Alongside that, clear communication is very much valued as well.

Traditions:
Stories from other deaf generations, shared experiences and participating in important events for the community.

Norms:
communication etiquette is a must. You have to know about the importance of eye contact, how to communicate and get people’s attention properly. For example, when trying to call for someone, instead of shouting their name, try tapping on their shoulder or delicately turning the lights on and off.

Identity:
accepting and recognizing one self as part of this community, participating and being proud of its culture and heritage.

What is Some Terminology to Avoid?

Some common terms that are generally viewed as offensive within the deaf community include “hearing impaired,” “deaf-mute,” and “deaf and dumb.” These terms have some intrinsic problems, such as a deficit framing that assumes that deafness is negative, but also have contextual issues, where usage of those terms indicates that the user is unfamiliar with the deaf community. While, again, the deaf community is large and diverse and there are varied preferences within that community, it is generally best to avoid these terms.
If you are deaf and queer and you are looking for help visit KZN Deaf Help Centre at
331 On West building
West Towers 4th Floor Suite 411
or
contact them on
031 301 2757 / 082 765 2027

KwaZulu Natal Deaf Association (KZNDFA)
Telephone +27 31 201 2261
Address 180 Steve Biko Road,
Durban, 4001
Location Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa