Insights

Debunking Common Myths About American Sign Language and Deaf Culture

From outside of the Deaf community looking in, it can often seem confusing, and without fact checks, can often lead to misconceptions and misunderstandings about Deaf culture, American Sign Language, and so much more. Deafness is a vast spectrum with each individual identifying differently on that spectrum. With this uniqueness, and other special cultural components, there are many myths left to debunk. The following corrections to common myths and misconceptions aim to replace confusion with insight and judgement with appreciation.

Hand Talk shares, “as a linguistic minority, deaf people share many similar life experiences, which manifests into the deaf culture. According to the World Federation of the Deaf, it includes ‘beliefs, attitudes, history, norms, values, literary traditions and art shared by those who are Deaf.’” This also encompasses a significant cultural component, as Sign Language serves as a shared language.

While international variations of sign language exist, this shared format of exchanging thoughts, ideas, and messages contribute significantly to the identification of Deaf culture.

Awareness of this greater Deaf culture that surrounds individuals who are Deaf contributes to a better understanding of corrections to these myths and misconceptions. This awareness will inform our corrections and be a foundation for expansion on the following topics.

Myth: ASL is just English using hand signs

Correction: ASL is a fully developed language with its own grammar, syntax, and structure, separate from English. Signing American Sign Language is complex form of communication with several unique considerations taken unlike spoken languages. “The parameters are handshape, palm orientation, movement, location, and expression/non-manual signals.” – Mt. San Antionio College

These parameters are featured below for a greater understanding and application.

Additionally, as mentioned above, ASL carries its own thought and sentence structures, with a high dependency on classifiers to contextualize conversations. This is also where personal signing styles and personalities can be present with possible variations of word order. Take this side-by-side example of a written English sentence below and how it might be signed into ASL.

Written/Spoken English: “A girl ran up the hill.”

ASL Signing with Classifier Dependency: “girl hill ran up” or “hill girl ran up”

The crucial component is that the idea and context is not lost in the signing version of the same message. This also reinforces the value of ASL interpretation for ASL users as it is much more than just signed English.

Myth: All Deaf People Know and Use ASL

Correction: Not all Deaf individuals use ASL; some rely on other communication methods like spoken language, lip reading, or cued speech. This myth is rooted in a misunderstanding of the spectrum of Deaf individuals and the differences in identifying with deafness of each individual. Take for example the following side by side model of two mindsets and approaches to having a hearing loss:

While each individual identifies and approaches deafness differently, this also influences their communication preferences. Not all Deaf individuals prefer to use ASL, and this reinforces the need for understanding of each user’s preference when arranging communication access services!

Myth: Deaf People Can’t Speak

Correction: Many Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can and do speak, but their ability to do so depends on factors like their physiology, access to speech therapy or technology, and personal choice. Similarly to the use of ASL, speaking and voicing is dependent upon each Deaf individual and is largely shaped by their access to resources such as speech therapy and/or teaching of ASL.

Myth: Deaf People Prefer Written Communication Over ASL

Correction: ASL is the native or preferred language for many Deaf individuals, and written English may not be as comfortable or effective for them as ASL. Just like Deafness is a wide spectrum with individuals identifying at different points on that spectrum, communication preferences also differ. Use of written communication comfort can vary for a variety of reasons for each individual such as access to language services in childhood, exposure to ASL versus written communication, and more. When providing access services, be sure to ask the Deaf consumers’ preferences.

Myth: Lip Reading is an Effective Way for Deaf People to Understand Speech

Correction: Lip reading is highly unreliable, as only about 30–40% of English sounds are visible on the lips, making full comprehension difficult. Lip reading and its inconsistency leave room for missed communication and misunderstandings. Check out this lip-reading challenge created by National Geographic below.

Myth: Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants “Cure” Deafness

Correction: These devices can help some individuals perceive sound, but they don’t often restore entire hearing or replace the need for ASL and other accommodations. Additionally, as mentioned above, not every Deaf individual prefers hearing assistive devices. Many, in fact, prefer to utilize alternative communication methods such as ASL.

Myth: Deaf People Can’t Drive

Correction: Deaf individuals can drive safely and legally, often using visual and vibration-based alerts to stay aware of their surroundings. Some of these assistive technologies include but are not limited to visually based navigation devices, visual cued alerts based on audio such as honking or emergency vehicles, lane safety alerts, exterior and backup cameras, and more!

Myth: All Sign Languages are the Same Worldwide

Correction: There are over 300 different sign languages worldwide, each with unique grammar and vocabulary. ASL is different from British Sign Language (BSL), French Sign Language (LSF), and others. Similar to accents or cultural inflections, national sign languages can also carry regional variations and differences. This wide array of sign languages displays the crucial role of Certified Deaf Interpreters in communication access. These Deaf interpreters are highly trained in signed language variations and are expertly trained in sign language to sign language interpretation. This can be used for interpreting for an international sign user into ASL to then be voiced by another hearing interpreter, among a vast set of other potential needs.

Myth: Deaf People Live in Silence and Don’t Experience Music

Correction: Many Deaf individuals enjoy music through vibrations, visual elements, and specialized technology. Watch this video from the National Deaf Center of a Deaf individual sharing how they enjoy music!

Myth: Interpreters are Only Needed at Large Events

Correction: ASL interpreters are essential in many everyday settings, including workplaces, medical appointments, schools, and legal situations. Wherever a Deaf or hard-of-hearing individual and a hearing individual are interacting, communication access is needed. Our Deaf Services Unlimited interpreters provide their services for hundreds of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals daily for situations like these. With each situation carrying their own unique differences, it is crucial for a clear communication access request process to be in place. We encourage all organizations to consider their accessibility processes for all their stakeholders including customers, clients, and staff. Here are a few questions to reflect on to get you started:

What current communication access practices does our organization have in place?

How are Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals able to communicate their need for access to us to access our organization?

Who do we use as a communication access service provider?

How are we training our team to be accessible and inclusive?

Debunking these common myths about ASL and Deaf culture is a crucial step toward greater awareness, accessibility, and inclusivity. Misconceptions can create barriers, but with knowledge, we can foster a society that respects and values the Deaf community’s language, culture, and communication preferences.

Understanding that ASL is a fully developed language, that Deaf individuals have diverse identities and communication choices, and that accessibility as a shared responsibility allows us to move toward a world where Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals are fully included. By challenging outdated misconceptions and spreading accurate information, we can create more equitable spaces for education, employment, healthcare, and daily interactions.

Want to learn more? Continue your Deaf culture and ASL education with our DSU Training Solutions! This digital learning program allows you to walk through modules covering ASL basics, Deaf Culture education, and Deaf history in America, all as an individual or together with a group of people. Learn more about our Training Solutions here!