Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language: Hereditary Deafness in Martha's Vineyard - Softcover

Groce, Nora Ellen; Whiting, John W. M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 067427041X ISBN 13: 9780674270411

Publisher: Harvard University Press, 1988

Synopsis

From the seventeenth century to the early years of the twentieth, the population of Martha’s Vineyard manifested an extremely high rate of profound hereditary deafness. In stark contrast to the experience of most Deaf people in our own society, the Vineyarders who were born Deaf were so thoroughly integrated into the daily life of the community that they were not seen―and did not see themselves―as handicapped or as a group apart. Deaf people were included in all aspects of life, such as town politics, jobs, church affairs, and social life. How was this possible?

On the Vineyard, hearing and Deaf islanders alike grew up speaking sign language. This unique sociolinguistic adaptation meant that the usual barriers to communication between the hearing and the Deaf, which so isolate many Deaf people today, did not exist.

About this title

About the Author

Nora Ellen Groce is a medical anthropologist working in the field of global health and international development. She holds the Cheshire Chair and is Director of the International Disability Research Centre in the Department of Epidemiology and Health Care at University College London.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Publication date: 1988
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 067427041X
• ISBN 13: 9780674270411
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192