CULTURAL-PATTERNS OF DEAF PEOPLE

Deaf individuals have traditionally been viewed as a disabled group by nondeaf individuals. This perception has often led to miscommunication due to insufficient knowledge of the interaction rules and practices of the Deaf. This article uses Porter and Samovar's (1988) model of culture and communication, which includes perception, verbal processes, and nonverbal processes as the basis for an analysis of Deaf culture. It is suggested that, by approaching communication events with the Deaf from a cultural perspective, conflict is reduced and mutual respect and understanding enhanced.