Why do deaf people struggle with reading?

Globally, between 60% to 80% of Deaf individuals face challenges with reading, making them one of the groups most affected by functional illiteracy. Deaf individuals are twice as likely to struggle with reading compared to the general population. But why is this issue so widespread? Several factors contribute to this reality: the use of sign language, an education system often poorly adapted to the needs of Deaf students, and significant differences between signed and spoken languages. Let’s delve into these factors to better understand the challenges faced by the Deaf community.

Sign Language: a unique and complete language

Sign language is not just a visual translation of spoken languages; it has its own grammar, syntax, and unique expressions that don’t exist in spoken languages. It’s a visual language with its own structure and rich linguistic features.

For instance, American Sign Language (ASL) has a different sentence structure compared to English. Instead of the typical subject-verb-object order in English, ASL often uses a topic-comment structure, which can make reading English texts more challenging for Deaf individuals who are more familiar with ASL. Moreover, many idiomatic expressions and language-specific phrases in ASL do not have direct equivalents in spoken English, adding another layer of complexity for Deaf readers.

An education system that often falls short

Education for Deaf students is another major factor. While there have been efforts to make education more inclusive, many schools and educational institutions are still not adequately equipped to meet the specific needs of Deaf students. Educational programs often cater to hearing norms, with few adjustments made for students who use sign language.

Additionally, many teachers lack the training needed to effectively teach Deaf students, leading to gaps in fundamental reading and writing skills. Teaching materials specifically designed for ASL users are also scarce, limiting Deaf students’ access to appropriate resources.

The complexity of spoken language for Deaf individuals

Spoken languages are often filled with nuances, idioms, and expressions that can be confusing for Deaf individuals. For example, “you tested positive for COVID” could be misunderstood as good news rather than an indication of illness.

These misunderstandings are not just isolated incidents; they illustrate the everyday obstacles Deaf people face when interacting with written and spoken language. Misinterpretations can impact health, work, and social interactions, exacerbating feelings of isolation and marginalization among Deaf individuals.

A societal challenge

The percentage of Deaf individuals who struggle with reading varies by country but remains alarmingly high, consistently falling between 60% to 80%. Addressing these challenges requires rethinking education, adapting teaching materials, and raising awareness about the unique linguistic needs of the Deaf community.

For hearing individuals, understanding these challenges is crucial for better communication with Deaf people and creating more inclusive environments. By valuing sign language and adjusting our educational and communication methods, we can help reduce these disparities and provide Deaf individuals with equal access to information and opportunities.

The goal is not just to recognize the richness of sign language but also to adapt our society so that everyone, regardless of their language, can fully participate in community life.