Language and the ability to communicate is a basic human right. The first amendment of the United States of America declares “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” (US Const. amend. I). Uniquely, the Deaf community have been attempting to gain worldwide recognition “of sign languages as bona fide languages” (Branson and Miller 3). Sign language is a developed language using visual gestures with complex rules of grammar and vast vocabulary. By not recognizing sign language as an official language and by forcing the Deaf to learn to lip read and speak, the dominant spoken language groups are devaluing its linguistic status. The devaluation of sign language has a stretching history. Aristotle, an extremely acknowledged Greek philosopher, in regards to language said, ‘Men that are born Deaf are in all cases also dumb; that is, they can make vocal sounds, but they cannot speak’ (Aristotle 1910: 536b lines 3-4). Furthermore, he observed:
Voice and sound are different from one another; and language differs from voice and sound. . . . language is the articulation of vocal sounds by the instrumentality of the tongue. ‘Thus, the voice and larynx can emit vocal or vowel sounds; non-vocal or consonantal sounds are made by the tongue and the lips; and out of these vocal and non-vocal sounds language is composed. (Aristotle 1910: 535a 27-535b 4).
Ultimately, Aristotle claims language is related directly to the ability to articulate physical capabilities associated with the recognition and duplication of sound. Cultural imperialism is apparent as the dominant language presses the idea that language derives from only the mouth. We also encounter an extreme linguistic imperialism, the Deaf are faced with denial of linguistic identity, the denial of the right to use sign language, along with the minority group to conform to the structure and content of the dominant language. This robs Deaf individuals the freedom of speech and most importantly the unification of the oppressed group. The recognition of sign language can be an enormous and vital step forward for the Deaf community. Powerlessness is present as the hearing educators attempt to exclude sign language to encourage oral education. Withholding Deaf children from proper and fitting education organizes a group of children who are not perfectly educated. It also creates emotional difficulties and one reason for this is the struggle to be understood and to take part in everyday communication. Furthermore, this problem is also generated by the absence of abundant educational institutions for the Deaf. Currently in the United States there are approximately 110 pre k-12 schools open for the Deaf and more than 14,000 pre k-12 schools operating in the United States for the hearing.
The Deaf community also experiences marginalization in the health industry. Barriers and challenges arise from lack of communication assistance, absence of cultural competency, positions that induce embarrassment, and lack of information. Deaf females face a unique challenge accessing health information on topics such as sex education, contraception, and childbirth (Kuenburg et. al 3). In addition to understanding about prescribed medications.
Professional sign language provision in medical settings is still challenging and complex (Kuenburg et. al 4). Deaf people have the legal right to effective communication in a health care environment. Title III under the Americans Disability Act states that doctor/health care providers are required to provide services that ensure that communication with people who have a hearing loss is as effective as communication with others. From personal experiences, when my parents set an appointment with a doctor, they repeatedly make it clear that an interpreter is needed for the appointment. Most often the doctor’s office will encourage her to bring my sister, or I to interpret to save the company money. This is a direct violation against the ADA and causes problems in maintaining confidentiality. By requesting this, it represses the issues of valuable information and communication.
Marginalization is also seen in labor market opportunities. The Deaf community experiences high rates unemployment because “employers are afraid of the ADA” (Houston et. al 9). The ADA mandates employers to designate “reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities” (U.S. Department of Justice, 2005). Researchers found that as a result of the ADA standard many employers worry that hiring an individual with disabilities will cost the company innumerable expenses and legal battles. Individuals who are deaf face many challenges in the labor system. Due to a world dominated by sound, the Deaf lack the ability to communicate. Additionally, hiring a sign language interpreter is an expensive repeated cost/ accommodation. This is just one example of Deaf individuals unable to change their standing in society, specifically the labor market.
Young’s five faces of oppression are embodied by the struggles of the Deaf community. Issues such as marginalization, powerlessness, and cultural imperialism in the Deaf people point towards a need for more research — research that will not only spread awareness about these issues but work towards limiting the oppression that continues to impact the lives of Deaf individuals and communities alike. We must resolve the divide or bridge the opposing worlds of the hearing and deaf.
