We are NOT “Deaf and Dumb”

With the recent news coverage on the Deaf couple, Mr and Mrs Philander
who were mistakenly thought to have won the lottery, various
newspapers referred to them as ‘Deaf and dumb or mute’. The Deaf
Federation of South Africa (DeafSA) wants to make use of this
opportunity to clarify this inaccurate and oppressive terminology when
referring to people who belong to the Deaf Community.

Think about the last time you used the word "Dumb". You used it to
describe someone as stupid, clumsy, or foolish, right? A century ago,
this term was commonly used. Nobody thought twice about its meaning.
This
word is outmoded now, and is both insulting and incorrect.

As Deaf people, we dislike these labels because they convey a negative
attitude. "Deaf and Dumb" does not connote pride or dignity. These
terms conjure a pitiful, pathetic, dull-witted image, with a hint of
subnormal
intelligence. "Deaf-mute" label suggests that a Deaf person is doomed
to a life of silence, without speech and without hope.

"Mute" refers to someone who cannot talk, that is, if you cannot
speak, you cannot think, or someone who is malfunctioning or missing
vocal cords, which is incorrect! "Mutism" is a medical or
psychological condition
- the inability or refusal to produce sounds. However, virtually all
Deaf persons are physically and psychologically normal in this area.
They have vocal cords and voices, just as the vast majority of hearing
people do. This also applies to Deaf people who prefer to communicate
exclusively in South African Sign Language. Their vocal cords are
perfectly functional. But, being Deaf, they cannot hear themselves
talk, and thus, cannot easily modulate their voices. Consider: If you
were born Deaf or became deaf as an infant and have never heard
yourself talk, it is extremely difficult to talk clearly, with correct
intonation. So, signing is the natural mode of communication for many
Deaf people which speaking can never be. A few Deaf people have good
clear articulation better than some hearing people but most don't. It
is a matter of personal preference which we feel most comfortable
with.

We are aware that this term is still used to describe someone who is
Deaf, but that doesn't say much for the discernment of those who
persist in using it. As for the correct term, simply say "Deaf
person". We have run
into the term “Deaf and Dumb” repeatedly, and we find them annoying,
imprecise and abusive.
Please note that the International Federation of the Hard of Hearing,
the World Federation of the Deaf and DeafSA have all agreed that the
terms “hearing-impaired" and “a person with a hearing loss” are also
no longer acceptable; and that "Deaf/Hard-of Hearing" should be used
in all references to people who are Deaf.

Yours sincerely
Bruno Druchen
NATIONAL DIRECTOR

We as Seventh-Day Adventist should be well advised on this issue.