Deaf vs. deaf: what’s the difference?

When you start learning American Sign Language (ASL), you also explore the vibrant community behind it. One important distinction you’ll come across is between Deaf with a capital D and deaf with a lowercase d. Though these two words might seem interchangeable, they are not. Their meanings carry deep significance in the Deaf community!

What is Deaf culture?

Deaf culture is the culture of a lively community defined by shared values, traditions, and the use of American Sign Language (ASL). It’s not just about being hard of hearing but about pride in a collective identity, art, history, literary traditions, and rich forms of expression. Members of the Deaf community often participate in social events, advocate for Deaf rights, and celebrate their unique experiences through ASL storytelling and gatherings!

Want to know why Deaf Culture is important? It’s about appreciating its unique contributions and understanding why inclusion matters. Let’s start by learning the difference between Deaf and deaf!

The meaning behind "Deaf" and "deaf"

"Deaf" with a capital D refers to individuals who identify as part of the Deaf community and share a common culture, history, and language—ASL. Being Deaf is about belonging to a rich cultural group with its own norms, traditions, and pride. Members of the Deaf community often take part in Deaf events, advocate for Deaf rights, and celebrate their collective identity 🎉

"deaf" with a lowercase d typically describes hard of hearing individuals, without implying a connection to Deaf culture. People who are deaf may or may not use ASL and might not identify with the broader Deaf community. This term is often used when focusing on the physical aspect of being hard of hearing rather than the cultural aspect.

Why this distinction is important

Knowing the difference between Deaf and deaf is important for showing respect and being inclusive. Calling someone Deaf means you recognize their identity as part of a community that has fought for visibility, accessibility, and equal rights. But, using deaf only highlights being hard of hearing. It can miss the cultural importance of the Deaf community. To show respect for the Deaf community, always use Deaf when talking about a person who identifies as part of it. 🙂

Where to start

1. Learn ASL: Start with the ASL Bloom app to build your language skills and connect with Deaf culture 📱
2. Spread Awareness: Share the app with a friend 👭 and dive into the world of ASL together!
3. New ASL Tutor: Try our new custom GPT tutor to support your learning journey.

Let’s Bloom together. 🌱