Deaf culture is the set of social beliefs, behaviors, art, literary traditions, history, values, and shared institutions of communities that are influenced by deafness and which use American Sign Language (ASL) as the main means of communication.
For example, here are two phrases in English: I am going to the store. I go to work.
In ASL, they are: I store go. Work I go.
American Sign Language also includes facial expression, body language, and eye contacts.
Members of the deaf community tend to view deafness as a difference in human experience rather than a disability or disease.
Perpetuation of deaf culture happens through a variety of traditions, including films, literature, athletics, poetry, celebrations, clubs, organizations, theaters, and school reunions. Deaf culture also includes some of its own “music” and poetry, as well as dance.
This continues through social media, Facetime, videophone, Zoom, and social gatherings. One other way is waving instead of clapping.
Here are some unique strategies for gaining a person’s attention:
- Gently tapping a person on the shoulder if they are not within the line of sight.
- Waving if the person is within the line of sight.
- Flicking a light switch a few times to gain the attention of a group of people in a room.