International Day of Sign Languages: Deaf Myths and Misconceptions

misconceptions about deaf people

The International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated worldwide on September 23rd. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 466 million people globally have hearing loss, with approximately 11 million identifying as Deaf in the US alone. Moreover, it is estimated that over half a million people in the U.S. use ASL (American Sign Language), making it the third most spoken language in the country after English and Spanish. However, despite its prevalence, Deaf individuals still face many misconceptions about their conditions. Therefore, it is essential to honor and celebrate them by debunking some of these common myths and misconceptions.

Common Misconceptions About Deaf People: Is There an International Sign Language?

It is commonly believed that there is a single universal sign language, often referred to as Gestuno or International Gesture. However, this notion has received criticism because it is primarily based on European and American Sign Language and does not represent a universal form of communication. In reality, over 300 different sign languages are used worldwide, and some countries have multiple sign languages. It’s important to note that sign languages are not directly tied to spoken languages. For instance, American Sign Language and British Sign Language are not representations of English and were not created for that purpose. Consequently, sign languages often have distinct structures and grammatical rules that differ from the spoken languages used in the same regions.

Misconceptions About Deaf People and Intelligence

Unfortunately, some people still hold the misconception that Deaf individuals are less intelligent. This belief is rooted in the false assumption that hearing and speech are intelligence indicators. However, this is far from true! In reality, many individuals with hearing loss have made remarkable contributions to society. For instance, Thomas Edison, who was hard of hearing, invented devices that revolutionized our way of life; including the light bulb, phonograph, and microphone. Therefore, it is crucial to understand that one’s hearing ability does not determine intelligence.

Misconceptions About Deaf People and Music

Another common misconception is that Deaf people do not appreciate music. On the contrary, many Deaf individuals not only enjoy music, but also play musical instruments. A famous example is Beethoven, the renowned composer, began losing his hearing at the age of 20; yet, went on to create some of his greatest works without full hearing. This illustrates how Deaf individuals can experience music in unique ways, such as feeling the vibrations created by musical sounds, allowing them to still connect and enjoy music.

Misconceptions About Deaf People and Speech

It’s also important to note that not all Deaf individuals are unable to speak. While some choose not to, or find it challenging (especially if they were born Deaf), it does not mean they are incapable of speaking. Others who lost their hearing later in life may continue to use speech as their primary means of communication. Each case is unique, so it’s important not to make assumptions about a Deaf person’s ability to speak based on their hearing status.

Challenging Misconceptions About Deaf People

These are just a few of the many misconceptions about Deaf individuals. It’s vital to challenge these false beliefs and gain a better understanding of the Deaf community. Raising awareness and learning the truth about Deafness is one of the most impactful ways to support the community. Another way to get involved is by learning a sign language. Did you know that we offer American Sign Language classes at Bilingual Bridges? Get in touch with us to start your journey and contribute to supporting the deaf community!

References:

National Deaf Center. (n.d.). How many deaf people live in the United States? National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes. https://nationaldeafcenter.org/faq/how-many-deaf-people-live-in-the-united-states/

Written by Maria Sara Arias, Bilingual Curriculum & Instruction Specialist at Bilingual Bridges

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