INT - Cultural Identification (Lesson)

What is in a name?

Deaf and hard of hearing people have the right to choose what they wish to be called, either as a group or on an individual basis.  

Appropriate Terms to Use

Overwhelmingly, deaf and hard of hearing people prefer to be called “Deaf” or “hard of hearing.” 

"deaf" - Denotes the audiological condition of not hearing, but not a cultural identification. 

"Deaf" - Denotes the group of people with a hearing loss who share a language (ASL) and a culture*, often regardless of the degree of hearing loss. 

"Hard-of-Hearing" - Denotes a person with a mild to moderate hearing loss.  It also can denote a "deaf" person who does not have and/or does not want an affiliation with the Deaf Community**.  

Terms Not To Use

Deaf and Dumb — Historically, the term “dumb” had a meaning of “silent.”   A more contemporary understanding of the word “dumb”  is stupid or not smart. The term "deaf and dumb" meant the inability to hear or to speak.  However, because of the current understanding of the word dumb, it may be thought that deaf people are not intelligent.  That is not the case.  Intelligence is not tied to one's hearing status. 

Deaf-Mute – The term “mute” also means silent and without voice.  This label is technically inaccurate since deaf and hard-of-hearing people generally have functioning vocal cords.  The challenge lies with the fact that to successfully modulate your voice, you generally need to be able to hear your own voice.  Again, because deaf and hard of hearing people use various methods of communication other than or in addition to using their voices, they are not truly mute.  Some deaf choose to use their voices, while others do not. 

Hearing-impaired – At one time, this term was viewed as the politically correct way to identify a person with a hearing loss.  It is even used in legal and academic terminology.  Though well-meaning, the term "hearing-impaired" is no longer accepted by most in the deaf community.   The term “impaired” has a negative connotation because it focuses on what people can’t do.  It implies something is substandard, hindered, or damaged,  and that something is not as it should be and ought to be fixed if possible.  

Notes

*Deaf Culture

American Deaf culture is a unique linguistic minority that uses American Sign Language as its primary mode of communication. Members share common values, norms, traditions, language, and behaviors. Deaf individuals do not see themselves as handicapped, impaired, or disabled. They celebrate and cherish their distinct culture. Deaf culture is a linguistic minority culture within the scope of the larger, mainstream American culture.  A person must have some degree of hearing loss to be a member of Deaf culture. 

**Deaf Community 

Identification with the Deaf community is a personal choice and usually is not dependent on an individual’s hearing status. In addition to Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, the Deaf community may also include family members of Deaf people, sign language interpreters, and people who work or socialize with Deaf people who identify with Deaf culture. A person is a member of the Deaf community if he or she self-identifies as a member of the Deaf community, and if other members accept that person as a member. Very often this acceptance is strongly linked to competence in a signed language.

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