Universal Signs

Is the term hearing impaired inappropriate?
Yes, Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals prefer to be called “Deaf” or “Hard of Hearing.” Hearing impaired implies some type of disability. Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals do not consider themselves disabled. They consider themselves members of the Deaf culture.

How can I learn more about Deaf culture?
Please visit the section of this site regarding Deaf culture. From there, one will be guided to various books, Web links, and other helpful information.
Click here to learn more.

Why do you use a capital “D” and capital “H” when referring to Deaf and Hard of Hearing?
Capital “D” and “H” refer to people who are of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing culture. Lower case “d” or “h” refers to the physiological condition of deafness or hard of hearing.

Is American Sign Language a gestural form of English?
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complex visual-spatial language that is used by the Deaf community in the United States and English-speaking parts of Canada. It is a linguistically complete, natural language and is the native language of many Deaf people, as well as some hearing children born into Deaf families. ASL shares no grammatical similarities to English and should not be considered in any way to be a broken, mimed, or gestural form of English. ASL has a topic-comment syntax, whereas English uses subject-object-verb. From a syntax standpoint, ASL has more in common with spoken Japanese than it does with English.

Is sign language a universal language?
No one form of sign language is universal. Different sign languages are used in different countries or regions throughout the world. Similar to regional dialects in spoken language, there are regional signs within the United States. As with any language, sign language evolves and has slang and colloquialisms. Just as Americans do not speak the same English as our forefathers, today’s signing individuals do not necessarily use the same signs as their Deaf and Hard of Hearing ancestors.

Where can I learn sign language?
There are sign language courses offered throughout the country and worldwide. Many people are now teaching sign language to their young children as an early means of communication. Consult your local community college for adult education opportunites. Also, our very own Anthony Natale, has a video named, How To Talk To A Person Who Can't Hear. This video is available for purchase and can be rented through Netflix. In the Philadelphia area, the Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre, Inc. conducts sign language classes.