Here are top 10 common misconceptions about deaf people. We have had them resolved.
- Deaf people are aggressive and are easily aroused to anger. YES.
A large percentage of deaf people, including deaf teenagers and adults are combative people. We are easily aroused to anger. Deaf people aren’t always calm especially when they are in communication with hearing strangers.
- Deaf people are very emotional people with low tolerance level. YES
If deaf people have aggression, it is safe to admit they are very emotional people with low tolerance level. Although this popular opinion may not be associated with all deaf persons, many deaf folks of today cannot live and function in peace with other people who do not share their culture.
- Deaf people are not as intelligent as hearing people. NO. ABSOLUTELY NO.
This assertion isn’t true. Deaf people are some of the most intelligent, brightest people in every society around the world. Their inability to perceive sounds has allowed them to innovate, to look at other ways they can learn about culture and values so that they can function in the society and compete well. They are adequately compensated for their disability.
- Deaf people do not talk. NO.
This isn’t true. Gone are the days when deaf persons did not talk. Today, very many- increasingly a number of deaf people can talk. However, some, depending on the onset of the loss, including the severity of the hearing loss, can speak clearly and intelligibly
- Deaf people have attitude issues. YES. NO.
We don’t know for sure what constitutes good or bad attitude. Culture is a pretty big influence here. We are all different people from different places. But when the definition of attitude issues means being disrespectful, lacking sense and mannerisms, talking irresponsibly, well, there may deaf people who are very much like that. However, very other many deaf persons are some of the most decent, civil, and respectful persons around.
- All deaf people are completely and totally deaf. NO.
This isn’t true. In fact, research has shown that deaf people, no matter the weight of the deafness, has something called “residual hearing”. By all means, deaf people aren’t totally unable to perceive sounds.
- All deaf people know and can use sign language. NO
Not all deaf understand and can use the American Sign Language (ASL). There are a number of deaf- young and adults, who do not know how to sign but often communicate with others via lip reading and other means. Not every deaf person can sign.
- All Deaf People understand and participate in Deaf Culture. NO.
Not all deaf people choose to embrace and participate in Deaf culture. Deaf culture requires a common language, shared values, beliefs, norms, behaviours. Like we said, there are a good number of deaf people around the world do not care about learning and using the sign language, who do not care about “special fellowship” or community with fellow deaf persons. These persons, instead, choose to assimilate into the hearing world as much as possible and not associate with other deaf people.
- Deaf people do “lowly” jobs. NO.
Some do. Some don’t. but like hearing, there are deaf people who also do low-end, “uneducated” jobs. It is it for everyone and every culture. Nonetheless, there are outstanding deaf people around the world who do outstanding job.
- Sign Language is bad for Deaf people because they will depend on it too much which will them unable to communicate with hearing people. NO
This absolutely isn’t true. Sign language- a system of communication among the deaf that involves the use of fingers and other manual means to convey information, is good for language and cognitive development. Research has shown that preventing deaf children from learning sign language causes a linguistic and intellectual delay in these kids because not all deaf kids can access a spoken language as a consequence of their deafness. Furthermore, research has also shown that sign actually facilitates speech instead of stopping it.
What is, however, important to know is that mastery of sign language alone isn’t enough for the deaf. The deaf need the abilities to communicate in spoken and written English with politeness and clarity, need to have interpersonal skills that are good for the relationship and emotional wellbeing. On top of all, deaf people must learn how to talk to others in a way that is civil and generally acceptable. That is very essential.
We wish you a happy and healthy new year.