Fig. 10
Deaf vs deaf:
Though they are the same word, Deaf and deaf have different meanings. When discussing the cultural aspects of Deaf people, a capitalized "D" is used. Because such aspects include identity, it is respectful to refer to Deaf people this way. When referring to non-cultural and often the audiological aspect, a lower-case "deaf" is used.
Though they are the same word, Deaf and deaf have different meanings. When discussing the cultural aspects of Deaf people, a capitalized "D" is used. Because such aspects include identity, it is respectful to refer to Deaf people this way. When referring to non-cultural and often the audiological aspect, a lower-case "deaf" is used.
deafness:
This is a medical term used to explain the degree of loss of functional hearing.
This is a medical term used to explain the degree of loss of functional hearing.
Deaf-World:
In the United States, Deaf people sign Deaf-World to reference the relationships they have with other Deaf people and the social network they have created, not distinguishing that there is a specific geographical location where most Deaf people reside. (Bahan et al., 1996, p. 5)
In the United States, Deaf people sign Deaf-World to reference the relationships they have with other Deaf people and the social network they have created, not distinguishing that there is a specific geographical location where most Deaf people reside. (Bahan et al., 1996, p. 5)
hard of hearing:
This medical and sociological term is used when a person's hearing loss ranges from mild to profound. In addition, hard of hearing people tend to communicate using speech.
This medical and sociological term is used when a person's hearing loss ranges from mild to profound. In addition, hard of hearing people tend to communicate using speech.
hearing impaired:
Though it is still used in many settings, this term is rejected by the Deaf community, as it focuses on the impairment. It is used as a medical condition and is not a collective noun for Deaf people with different ranges of hearing loss. In addition, this term is extremely offensive and doesn't recognize the difference between Deaf and hard of hearing people.
Though it is still used in many settings, this term is rejected by the Deaf community, as it focuses on the impairment. It is used as a medical condition and is not a collective noun for Deaf people with different ranges of hearing loss. In addition, this term is extremely offensive and doesn't recognize the difference between Deaf and hard of hearing people.
deaf-mute:
Deaf people have a choice whether or not they want to use their voice. By choosing not to, this does not make them a "mute" and is unacceptable to label them as one.
Deaf people have a choice whether or not they want to use their voice. By choosing not to, this does not make them a "mute" and is unacceptable to label them as one.
Finally...
Deaf:
This is the correct term to use and if preferred by the Deaf community. Often, non-Deaf people are afraid to use this term because it sounds blunt and offensive, but it is the term Deaf people want to be used.
Deaf:
This is the correct term to use and if preferred by the Deaf community. Often, non-Deaf people are afraid to use this term because it sounds blunt and offensive, but it is the term Deaf people want to be used.
(Canadian Association of the Deaf, 2012)