Why is it wrong to use terms such as “deaf-mute,” “deaf and dumb,” or “hearing-impaired”?
These terms are outdated, offensive, and no longer accepted by most in deaf people. The media and general public should need to refrain from using these terms.
- The term “mute” means silent and without voice. This label is technically inaccurate. Generally, deaf people have functioning vocal chords and their quality of speech is dependent on factors including speech therapy, personal traits, level of residual hearing, and support received.
- The term “dumb” is offensive and was associated with the deaf because there was a difference in communication modality. Today, more is understood of deaf people, community and language. Deaf people are educated and are as capable as hearing people.
- The term “hearing-impaired” is used in the medical field to identify persons with hearing loss. Most deaf people do not prefer being identified with this term because of the negative connotation of the word “impaired”. The term focuses on fixing them even though they see their deafness as a different way of life that is just as fulfilling as that of hearing people.
Barry Ong administrator
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