Deaf Culture

Deaf people form a distinct community with its own culture. Sign language is the glue that binds that culture together.

Deaf people see being Deaf as a difference, not a disability - Being Deaf is a way of life

Deaf culture is quite unique. The Deaf see themselves as a separate cultural group within the overall national culture - just as Maori,Indians or Chinese do.

Deaf identify with other Deaf people because of shared experiences - barriers, issues, special needs, goals.

Deaf people don't see themselves as "disabled". They feel positive about being deaf. It is merely an alternative emphasis.

Deaf culture includes various forms of artistic expression such as signed poetry, story telling and visual arts.

A central part of the culture are Deaf clubs, where Deaf get together to pursue common interests. Here friendships are made and renewed and even romance blossoms. Deaf clubs exist all over New Zealand and provide a space in which Deaf culture thrives.

Deaf culture has its own language, values, rules for behaviour and traditions. Some of these cultural aspects are a function of using a visual language rather than an oral one, including:

• Deaf people ask for attention by waving, stamping, touching or tapping one another, or switching lights on and off.
• In conversation, every contact is very important and people need sufficient personal space for arm movements.
• Deaf people can't interrupt conversations the way hearing people can. They need to see what is being said, so they can only pay attention to one person at a time. Deaf people wait for the person who is signing to stop before the next person signs.
• Dim lighting makes it hard to see facial expressions and NZSL.
• At meetings, the audience/groups will sit so that people can see each other - often in a semi-circle or a circle.

People who are Deaf:

• See being Deaf as a difference not a disability
• Are proud to be Deaf
• Use NZSL
• Associate with other Deaf people
• Are involved in the Deaf community and Deaf culture