At InSignLanguage, one of our key missions is fostering understanding between Deaf and hearing communities. A question that often arises from those unfamiliar with Deaf culture is, “Why can’t Deaf people just read?” It’s a valid question, born from curiosity and the assumption that reading English (or any spoken/written language) is the same for everyone. The reality, however, is very different.
Understanding Deafness and Language Acquisition
To understand this issue, it’s important to consider how most hearing people acquire language. From birth, hearing individuals are immersed in spoken language. They learn to associate sounds with meaning, gradually building vocabulary and grammar. For most Deaf individuals, however, this auditory experience doesn’t exist.
Deaf people primarily acquire language visually, often through sign languages like British Sign Language (BSL), American Sign Language (ASL), or South African Sign Language (SASL). These languages are rich, complex, and entirely separate from spoken languages … they have their own grammar, syntax, and cultural nuances.
Because of this, many Deaf people do not learn spoken or written languages in the same way hearing people do. Instead of these being ‘natural’ first languages, written languages like English are learned later, often as a second language, and can feel as foreign as learning Mandarin might for an English speaker.
The Challenges of Reading
Here are some of the reasons why reading English - or any spoken language - may be particularly challenging for Deaf individuals:
English is not their first language: For many Deaf individuals, their first language is a sign language, not English. This means they may approach written English as a second language, which comes with its own set of challenges - especially if English grammar and syntax are vastly different from those of their sign language.
Phonetic foundations are missing: Written English is closely tied to its spoken form. Words like ‘cat’ or ‘bat’ rely on an understanding of phonetics - how sounds combine to create meaning. Without access to these sounds, written words may appear as arbitrary symbols rather than something meaningful.
Educational barriers: Historically, Deaf individuals have faced significant barriers to quality education. Inaccessible teaching methods, a lack of resources, and outdated policies have often led to lower literacy rates among Deaf communities.
Idioms and figurative language: Phrases like ‘it’s raining cats and dogs’ can be puzzling for someone learning English through reading alone. Figurative language doesn’t always translate well, making written communication even more complex for non-native users.
Beyond Literacy: The Cultural Lens
Another layer to this conversation is cultural. Suggesting that Deaf people should “just read” implies that their natural, visual language is somehow less valid than spoken or written languages. Sign languages are powerful, expressive, and fully capable of conveying complex ideas and emotions. For many Deaf people, sign language is their identity, and asking them to prioritise reading spoken language can feel like asking them to abandon their culture.
How InSignLanguage Bridges the Gap
At InSignLanguage, we believe in celebrating and supporting the richness of both sign and spoken languages. Our tools are designed to make communication inclusive, empowering Deaf individuals without imposing the assumption that they should “just read.”
Our work is built on the principle that communication is a two-way street.
By creating technology that fosters mutual understanding - such as AI-driven interpretation tools - we aim to ensure that Deaf people can communicate fully and authentically, no matter the context.
A Call for Empathy and Inclusivity
The next time you catch yourself wondering why a Deaf person can’t “just read,” consider this: Would you expect a native English speaker to “just read” Mandarin without years of study? Understanding takes time, and language is deeply tied to culture and identity.
By fostering empathy and awareness, we can create a world where communication barriers dissolve, and everyone - Deaf or hearing - can thrive together.
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