![]() When used to describe the audiological condition of having little or no hearing, the word deaf is written with a lower case d. This is known as “big D Deaf” in sign and speech. The word Deaf is written with a capital D when used to describe people who identify as culturally Deaf. Deaf identity intersects with other kinds of cultural and social identities, such as race, gender, and sexual orientation.Ī note about terminology. Just as there are many different and unique sign languages around the world, there is great diversity among Deaf people and within communities too. Deaf culture is the set of shared values, behaviours, histories, literary and artistic traditions, and, importantly, languages, of Deaf people and communities. Sign language is an important element of Deaf culture. By Psiĥedelisto from Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain. If you'd like to learn the basics of American Sign Language (ASL), check out this great post by Myrna and Melanie: Learn American Sign Language (ASL) at Home.ĪSL spelled out in American Sign Language fingerspelling. Sign Languages of Canada include American Sign Language (ASL), Quebec Sign Language (LSQ), Oneida Sign Language (OSL), Plains Indian Sign Language (PISL, also known as Plains Sign Talk), Inuit Sign Language (IUR), and Maritime Sign Language (MSL). It is estimated that there are about 200-300 different sign languages around the world. Sign languages are complete and complex languages with their own grammar, syntax, slang, and regional dialects. It uses hand shapes and movements, facial expressions, and body posture to convey meaning. Sign language is a visual and kinetic mode of communication. Sign language is also used by hearing and hard-of-hearing people. Sign language is the first language of many people who are Deaf. International Week of Deaf People & International Day of Sign Languages 2021 from World Federation of the Deaf on Vimeo.Īccording to the World Federation of the Deaf, there are about 70 million Deaf people in the world. It's not a complete list so if you have more recommendations please share them in the comments below. These annual awareness dates are an opportunity to recognize the importance of sign language and to celebrate the unique linguistic identity and rich diversity of Deaf people and Deaf culture.įor this post, I have put together a selected list of books and films that feature sign language, Deaf people, and Deaf culture. September 23 is International Day of Sign Languages and this week is International Week of Deaf People (September 20-26). ![]()
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