kestrell: (Default)
Kestrell ([personal profile] kestrell) wrote 2021-08-15 05:39 pm (UTC)

Apologizing for my inappropriate word choice

Jesse the K reminded me that "deaf-mute" is both insensitive and inaccurate as a term, and I apologize for using it. I'm posting the passage Jesse sent me:

Quoting from National Association of the Deaf https://www.nad.org/resources/american-sign-language/community-and-culture-frequently-asked-questions/

Deaf-Mute – Another offensive term from the 18th-19th century, “mute” also means silent and without voice. This label is technically inaccurate, since deaf and hard of hearing people generally have functioning vocal chords. The challenge lies with the fact that to successfully modulate your voice, you generally need to be able to hear your own voice. Again, because deaf and hard of hearing people use various methods of communication other than or in addition to using their voices, they are not truly mute. True communication occurs when one’s message is understood by others, and they can respond in kind.



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