Why is Deaf Ministry So Hard? (3)
Disclosure: The “Why?” series was begun by our Executive Director. This third installment is written by our Ministry Associate. If the “voice” of the piece seems different, that’s why.
Deaf Ministry within the context of a Hearing church gets complicated quickly. One big reason is that many tend to see deafness and ASL as a sub-culture, not a complete and different culture. We make adaptations for sub-cultures like teens, bikers, military, and more with tailored services. These may include special invitations, decor changes, and a deliberate shift in clothing and/or presentation styles.
But being Deaf is not simply participation in a sub-culture. It’s as different from the mainstream American culture as are Asian, African, or Middle Eastern cultures. Residence, clothing, and food choices are likely the same, but patterns of thought, communication, and referential information are quite different. Occasional adaptations that suit our sub-cultures simply aren’t enough to serve our Deaf neighbors consistently.
- Thoughts are images, not words. Hearing infants collect sounds and link them to concepts, making the see-n-say toy popular for generations. “The cow says ‘Moo.'” is great fun for a hearing toddler, notsomuch for Mom after 32 repetitions. Deaf infants will not recognize a cow by its “moo” but by its size, shape, horns/udders, etc. Both children will learn that cows live on farms, eat grass, and give milk; yet they’ll collect and process these ideas differently. The hearing child will file them under the sound of the words “cow” and “moo.” The deaf child will file them under the image of the animal and the image of its sign (as available). All communication and thought processing starts at this foundation. So, while sermons that use rhythm, rhyme, and alliteration are easily remembered by a hearing audience, a deaf audience connects more with the use of stories and imagery, remembering what they see.
- Clear communication starts with the point. Many hearing presentations give tidbits and examples, then make the point with an ‘aha’ statement that ties them all together leaving a strong impression. A deaf presentation starts by stating the point, expanding on it, then restating it. Whether it’s a story, sermon, or sentence, the key element is presented first so that everyone is working with the same idea, then it’s clarified and polished. Each method has value for ensuring the audience understands and retains the message, as long as the method matches the audience.
- Clear communication is direct. English has a variety of words for most ideas, while ASL uses fewer signs for concepts. Signs like PRETTY are modified with facial expressions to convey ideas like attractive, lovely, beautiful, gorgeous, handsome, etc.. Likewise, there aren’t a lot of euphemisms in Deaf Culture. It’s much easier and clearer to say “No” than “I’d rather not.” Word choices, while more memorable or attractive to the ear, can easily muddle the intended message.
These are a few of the many ways that the visually-oriented world of Deaf Culture differs from the audio-oriented world of Hearing Culture. The two can work well together, but it takes commitment and work. (Professional interpreters who understand the doctrine, principles, and vocabulary of your faith also come in handy.)