Culture

Deaf people have their own culture. Deaf culture is very different than hearing culture. At Sign Language Blitz, we believe learning the culture goes along with learning the language. Use these blogs as a resource while completing your lessons.

Deaf Culture Books for Children

Amy Lazzaretti /

As a Deaf child growing up in the oral mainstream setting, I lacked access to books that could have guided me through the difficulties I faced. However, today there are many books available for all ages that provide support and resources for Deaf individuals. Here are some recommendations that I. . . + Read More

Certified Hearing Interpreters

Makenna Cook /

There is a common misconception that American Sign Language Interpreters are just people who have a certain level of fluency in ASL which makes them eligible to interpret for any Deaf person on the street. The truth is, American Sign Language interpreters often have a degree in interpreting, studying the. . . + Read More

Deaf Certified Interpreters

Amy Lazzaretti /

While American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are common, Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs) are less common.  However, CDIs share many similarities with ASL interpreters, possessing specialized knowledge and skills that ASL interpreters lack training in. The relationship between CDIs and ASL interpreters resembles that between Special Forces and a town Sheriff;. . . + Read More

Irish Sign Language: History + Culture

Amy Lazzaretti /

Dia dhuit, lovely people! (translated: Hello or literally, God to you in Gaelic) Come in and sit down to have cuppa and biscuits with me! Lemme regale you with stories about the Deaf people’s language, history and culture. The History of Irish Sign Language According to Wikipedia, the origins of. . . + Read More

Black Deaf History

Amy Lazzaretti /

At Sign Language Blitz we recognize our shared humanity, and our collective need to observe our specific cultural heritages & histories.  We support people across boundaries of race, faith, orientation and identities in the face of ongoing discrimination, injustice, bias, and lack of inclusion.  Though information and education exist, bias. . . + Read More

How Do Deaf People Learn to Read?

Amy Lazzaretti /

The path to literacy for Deaf individuals is unique compared to hearing individuals, as they navigate a spoken language-centric world to master reading. This blog unravels the strategies and experiences that enable literacy development within the Deaf community. From birth, Deaf infants are frequently exposed to visual forms of communication,. . . + Read More

What Language Do Deaf People Think In?

Amy Lazzaretti /

Language is often seen as the foundation of thought, allowing ideas to take form and perceptions to be shared. For the Deaf, the link between language and thought is unique and captivating. This exploration dives into the fascinating question: What language do Deaf people think in? Visual Languages and Spatial. . . + Read More

Introductions in Deaf Culture

Amy Lazzaretti /

It is often said that Deaf conversations are perhaps too revealing for the hearing culture. Upon meeting a stranger and introducing yourself, how much information do you reveal about yourself within the first five minutes? A little? A lot? Nothing (after your name, of course)? Your answer to that question. . . + Read More

Deaf Culture’s Never Ending Goodbye

Amy Lazzaretti /

When you are chatting and are ready to leave, you make a simple gesture of saying goodbye. That lasts, what? 5 seconds? Even in a party, you still make a brief goodbye, perhaps lasting up to 10-15 seconds. However, in the Deaf world, the briefest good-bye may last 10-15 minutes.. . . + Read More