Deaf Culture Universal

Intro 

In this term, we fully immersed ourselves into the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Culture (DHH), learning sign language, visiting facilities, and interviewing people involved in the deaf community. In this piece, we thought of a question relating to deaf economics and politics, and created a mini documentary, or “micromentary”, to answer the question.  Our guiding question is: “Is deaf culture universal?” We explored how deaf culture varies in different countries, taking into account the way their respective societies view the condition, and how this affects their laws on the topic. The funding a deaf person might receive, and the experiences that would shape their personality, and their culture.

Is Deaf culture universal?

Until one year ago, Russian sign Language was not accepted. why?

What is deaf culture like in Russia ?

Eugene Berezin is a native of Russia and a member of their Deaf culture. We apologize for the poor audio.

Eugene: My brother is deaf. I am SODA, sibling of a Deaf Adult. Basically I’ve participated in Deaf culture my entire life.  3 years ago, it was the worst. Our government didn’t even want to discuss this issue. But right now, Putin has recognized it as a language. We still have rights to discuss.  Like our opportunities and right to an education in Russian Sign Language.

Is there discrimination against the Deaf in Russia?

Eugene: Yes. In deaf schools, there is a lot of discrimination against Deaf staff and Deaf students. Principals don’t want to hire Deaf staff because of their deafness.

In Japan, you can not learn sign language past high school.

Knowing this, what is deaf culture like in Japan?

Manako Yabe is a deaf native of Japan. She only learned sign language in America, and was taught orally in Japan.

Manako: I was born deaf, and grew up in Japan. My parents were both hearing. I never signed growing up. I had to speak. I had to read lips and feel breath on my hand.

Do people in America understand Japanese sign language and Deaf culture?

Manako: No, no. It’s very different in Japan.

America has the best Deaf college in the world; Gallaudet University.Knowing that, was is deaf culture like in America?

Nicolle C. : Is America a good place for deaf people?

Jasmine J. :  Yes, especially in Chicago where you have so many interpreters for schools and for work. It’s available. Also, I believe there are a lot of job opportunities and technology. Chicago is a great place for the deaf.

After interviewing Eugene, Manako and Jasmine, we deducted that countries that have funding for disabilities benefit Deaf culture the furthest. However, Deaf culture is unique in every nation.

Hearing ASL

Intro

In this term my entire school and I learned and immersed ourselves into the Deaf Culture. I learned so much about how deaf people communicate, learn, and do everyday things that hearing people do too. A guiding question I have for this subject is; How may we live "another persons life" and "step into their shoes"? I believe that we may live another persons life by simply doing what they do, or even try to do what they do. I've worked with a language called sign language with deaf people. It has been a great experience, and I am still amazed about how much they have to do differently from what hearing people would have to do.

FE Partner/Organization Inspiration

Going to Columbia College was a great experience for me. When I visited Columbia College Peter Cook was our guide throughout the day and was able to help us experience the deaf world. It stood out to me because we did an activity based on everyday life for a deaf person in a city. It also stood out to me because I thought the me and my class was going to have to "listen" to a lecture on how deaf culture came about. We already know that so we were ecstatic when we heard that we will be doing cool activities. We had to go to a doctor's office, grocery store, a jail, and etc. to experience how deaf people get around. I got a good sense of how deaf people face the hearing world everyday. I will show my gratitude by making a thank you video and posting it on my blog.

Showing My Gratitude

I  will be showing my gratitude towards Peter Cook by sending him a “Thank you” video in ASL. Just to show him how much I appreciated the experience.

How Has ASL Changed Your Worldwide View This Term

Taking ASL this term has taught me to look at the world from a different perspective. After going to Columbia University and took part of the activity where I had to sign for a full hour without speaking, I was able to get a clear idea of what it’s like to be deaf and the struggle to communicate with the hearing community. If I ever were to encounter myself trying to communicate with a deaf person I know not to get frustrated and try to understand their frustration as well as mine and try my best to get my message across.  

My Role, Contribution, and Learning

My experience participating in my group project was great. I was the Editor and the Researcher. While researching information on Japan, Russia, and America I’ve taken in key information and texts and shared them with my group. When the info was put into the Micromentary, I then checked over it and shared the information with my group.