Defining deaf : a study of deaf identities in Singapore

Abstract

Terms used to refer to deaf individuals should not be taken lightly. Certain terms are deemed appropriate and inappropriate to refer to people with hearing loss. By analysing the responses of deaf individuals in Singapore, this study reveals the terms available to refer to people with hearing loss and what each term means and signifies to them. Further analysis has also discovered the variation and complexities of these terms of identification based on each deaf individual’s perception of deafness, upbringing, educational background and exposure to members of the Deaf community. More awareness and education is needed to educate both the hearing and deaf individuals about the culturally Deaf-World and the significance behind these terms of identification. Future research can consider engaging more deaf participants from various backgrounds to provide more analysis of comparisons on how they perceive their deafness and choose to develop and take on certain deaf-related identities.