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Deaf Culture Research Paper

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Deaf Culture and History
“Deaf culture is exactly what Carol Padden defines as a culture: a set of learned behaviors of a group of people that share a language, values, rules for behavior, and traditions.” ("Deaf Culture” ¶4). Deaf people of the world have lived in a secret shroud for quite some time. Less than centuries ago, deaf people didn't even have an official language. Over time those who were deaf created their own culture and language. Deaf people have had their beliefs and language evolve throughout history into something that can allow people to break communication barriers.
Contrary to popular belief, sign language is not universal. Different languages have different forms of sign language and here in America, deaf people use ASL (American Sign Language). American Sign Language derived from French Sign Language, which was brought to America to help teach deaf people (“History of American Sign Language”). Today, ASL isn't just a language, but it is a culture of people who care for each other. Deaf people encourage people to use ASL as it is …show more content…
Deaf people do not look down on their deafness as a disability, but instead see it as a gift ("American Deaf Culture") Deaf people find that their deafness is what makes them who they are and that if they got rid of it they would lose a big part of their identity. Deaf culture is not something that is exclusive to deaf people ("Deaf Culture & Community."). In order to gain access to deaf culture you must immerse yourself in the deaf community. When 2 people who are deaf meet each other you, they seem to instantly share a connection and bond ("Deaf Culture & Community"). Deaf culture is something that is held close to deaf people as a way of expressing their voice to the world.
Deaf students struggle more in school but have skills that can help them make up for that.

Deaf culture has set rules and beliefs that are held dearly to

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