Understanding Signed Music
Cripps & Lyonblum
ASL . Second , deaf people share similar cultural properties as found in other cultures . Thus , signed music cannot be written off and should be considered seriously .
Yerker Andersson , a Deaf Studies scholar , rightly notes that “[ signed ] language is at the core , embodying terminology issues and the role and use of language in the development of cultural identity ” ( Andersson & Burch , 2010 , pp . 193-194 ). It is important to remember that the discussion to this point is regarding deaf people who know ASL and reside in North America . Nanda & Warms ( 2002 ) explained that languages reflect cultural emphases and create the ways in which cultures categorize their physical and social environment including the ideas , objects , or relationships . In other words , languages and cultures interact and dynamically impact each other , and the formation of different languages in the world exemplifies the distinction between cultures . It is not surprising that deaf people in different geographic areas have different cultures which are reflected in their indigenous signed languages ( Padden , 2010 ). For example , New Zealand Sign Language used by culturally deaf New Zealanders may include signed words reflecting perspectives and experiences ( cuisine , clothing , etc .) that are not part of the deaf American experience . The impact of different cultures on signed music is expected to be immense , especially regarding the prospect of how musical experiences vary among deaf people around the world . The basic idea that deaf people have their own music through non-audible sources is revolutionary in its own right .
Music and Deaf People
The perspective of hearing people on the history of deaf people ’ s capacity for creating and enjoying music is best described as “ harsh .” The fact that deaf people were once viewed as lacking language ( and sufficient cultural knowledge ; e . g ., Bender , 1981 ; Branson & Miller , 1998 ; Van Cleve & Crouch , 1989 ) would negate any discussion on the concept of signed music . Speaking and the use of spoken language were thought to be the norm , thus deaf individuals were expected to suffer the consequences . This scenario emphasizes that deaf people are ‘ forever ’ detached from musical experiences . Hollywood films and English literature depicting deaf people have reinforced the view that deaf people lead a dreary life in silence ( Padden & Humphries , 1988 ; Schuchman , 1988 ). However , it is important to note that the American deaf community is known for being closely knit and resilient over the years ( which include ethnic-like qualities ; Lane , Pillard , & Hedberg , 2011 ). Culturally deaf people frequently see themselves as ‘ us ’ and hearing people as ‘ them ’, for example . The oppressive history experienced by deaf people ( i . e ., not allowed to sign in school , limited employment opportunities , poor education , and their disability poorly received ) is well-documented ( e . g ., Baynton , 1993 , 1996 ; Bruch , 2004 ; Gannon , 1981 ; Lane , 1984 , 1999 ; Moores , 1996 ; Van Cleve & Crouch , 1989 ).
The fact that deaf people are well-known for being signers is remarkable given their unfavorable history with society . In the beginning of deaf education , during the early nineteenth century , the situation was considered positive . Policies were supportive of ASL , and the establishment of schools for the deaf allowed deaf children from a wide territory to assemble and socialize for the first time . The critical mass of deaf children growing up together led to the creation of strong local and nationwide deaf communities when they reach adulthood . While the situation for ASL worsened over time during the early 1900s , deaf people simply went underground for the maintenance of their language and for functioning as signers ( Van Cleve & Crouch , 1989 ). The modern situation with ASL and deaf culture continues to be challenging with many deaf children integrated in local public schools . This has resulted in the deterioration of socialization
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