|
|
|
|
Deaf
Culture:
Socialization
in the Deaf Community
Because of the bonding
among Deaf people that starts at schools of the deaf, Deaf adults gather
in certain places and engage in social events involving Deaf people and
hearing friends who have a certain degree of fluency in Sign Language.
Deaf church:
1. Deaf people form their own congregations where Sign
Language is used in the sermon and for Bible study.
2. In the absence of an exclusive Deaf church or congregation, Deaf people
go to ordinary churches, provided that there are interpreters.
3. Although Deaf churchgoers attend Deaf churches on prayers days for
praying, they also use the time after church to socialize with friends
and catch up on weekly happenings and events with friends.
4. Bible study classes are either held within the church premises and/or
by rotating among members of the church.
PS: Do you want to learn sign language?
Download SignGenius now.
Deaf clubs:
1. Deaf people form clubs for several reasons, of which
the most important one is to socialize by meeting friends after work or
on weekends.
2. Parties are held in clubhouses to celebrate important happenings.
3. In-house games, e.g. cards, bridge, snooker, darts, checkers, etc.,
are some attractions of Deaf clubs.
4. A Deaf club is the best place for hearing people, who are learning
Sign Language in formal classes, to improve their signing skills and fluency.
5. In terms of culture, deaf clubs are the next most important place to
gather after Deaf schools.
Deaf sports:
1. Deaf sports are a worldwide phenomenon. There are national
deaf sports bodies, e.g. Summer Games for the Deaf, affiliated to the
International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (CISS).
2. In team sports like soccer, rugby, netball, volleyball, cricket, etc.,
Deaf people prefer to use a flag (which is visual) and not a whistle (which
is sound-based).
3. In athletics as well, Deaf people opt for the flag to start a sprint.
Technology:
1. Instead of the conventional telephone, Deaf people
use a Tele-typewriter (TTY) on which they type a message to the receiver.
The receiver reads the message and responds in the same way. The TTY signals
an incoming call with a flashing light.
2. When the doorbell is pressed, a light in the house flashes differently
from the one indicating an incoming call on the TTY.
3. Sound detectors (sensors) are used in babies' cots to alert mothers
of crying.
4. Vibrating alarm clocks are used to wake-up.
5. Deaf people to get messages from callers also use vibrating pagers
and cell phone.
|
|
