FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Sign Language -
Deaf
Ministry -
Deaf Culture -
Silent Word Ministries -
Other Questions
Is Sign Language Universal?
- No. Sign Language varies by country. British
Sign Language is different from American Sign Language. We have been
told that there are several different sign languages used in Mexico.
Japanese Sign Language is based on their written language but American Sign
Language is totally different from our written English language.
Is Sign Language the same all across the United States?
- Mostly yes. But there are regional variations in
signs. For example, the sign "birthday" has many signs. "Cheat"
can also be signed several different ways. Even though signs vary, the
language and grammar remains the same.
Are there different kinds of Sign Language?
- American Sign Language is a language just as Spanish is a
language. The most well known signing systems are SEE (Signing Exact
English), SE (Signed English), CASE (Conceptually Accurate Signed English),
and Pigeon (a mixture of ASL and CASE). These signing systems are not
languages, but are connected to English grammar. Most beginners who
learn Sign Language from a book start with Signed English, since they may
not know ASL grammar.
When was Sign Language first used?
- See Gallaudet information.
Is it all right to sign left handed?
- Yes. Sign with your dominant hand. The
majority of the motion will be done with this hand. Do not switch
between right and left hands (dominant switching), as it makes communication
hard to understand.
How do I start learning Sign Language?
- Silent Word Ministries recommends our
American Sign Language Video Vocabulary as a way
to start learning signs. There are over 800 basic signs and 100
practice sentences which introduce ASL grammar. Also, local colleges
in your area may offer Sign Language classes.
How long does it take to learn Sign Language?
- Learning Sign Language is a lifelong process.
However, it is possible to learn the basics in 1-6 months. Various
colleges offer 2-year, 4-year, and masters degree programs. Time to
become proficient in Sign Language depends on a student's desire, God-given ability,
and other factors.
I learned Sign Language from a book. How do I learn to communicate with
Deaf people better?
- As with any other language, the best way to learn to
communicate is to use the language you know. Talk with Deaf people
every chance you can. (Don't bug them, but if they are willing, go for
it!) Watch their conversations in a public place where they gather.
Ask questions when appropriate. Watch and learn how they respond to
your questions.
Why can’t I understand Deaf people when they sign to me?
- Often this means you are not using their language
(ASL) but a signing system such as Signed English or Pigeon Signed English.
They can understand you, but they are signing back to you in ASL. Keep
watching. Look for concepts and pictures and you will learn ASL.
When I interpret in church why do the Deaf people get sleepy?
Watching
an interpreter for a long time is not easy. Also, some interpreters
have difficulty clearly interpreting church services. Church
interpreters should improve their sign language and interpreting skill
to more clearly communicate what is being said in church.
I am a church interpreter. Should I become certified? How?
- Becoming certified is not essential to interpreting
in church, but it is highly recommended. The certification process is
a valuable learning process. Interpreters should strive to improve
their skill through workshops, classes, and other learning opportunities.
If your state offers a QA (Quality Assurance) examination, you may want to take it so you
will know what level you are functioning. SWM encourages church
interpreters to get further training either through us or some other method. Come to our annual ASL Institute.
What is the best way to Sign Bible verses and chapters? Should I sign word
for word or summarize?
- Signing Bible verses is a sensitive subject, as you
can imagine. Keep in mind that Sign Language is not English. The
general rule is, if a long Bible passage is being read, sign (interpret) as
much as you can and summarize to get the context or meaning of the passage.
If one or two verses are being read, sign a simple transliteration of the
verses, spelling words which will likely be explained. In many cases,
signing word-for-word causes Deaf people to miss the meaning entirely.
It is best to interpret the passage in Sign Language. The speaker will
explain as necessary.
What is the difference between interpreting and transliterating?
- The short answer is, transliterating is signing
word-for-word. It is choosing a sign for each English word.
Interpreting is signing an equivalent and conceptually correct sign for an
English word, phrase, or sentence. The signer is called an interpreter
because most of the time interpreting is necessary to get the meaning of the
message across.
What is the difference in Sign Language and English?
- Sign Language is a visual, gestural language with
it's own grammar. English has nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, etc.
Sign Language uses classifiers, facial expression, body shift and position,
and other visual means to convey the message. It interesting to
English speakers that in Sign Language sentences with four signs or less can
usually be signed in any order. "I will go to the store" in English
becomes "Store, I go will" or "I will store go" or "Go store, I will" or
..... You get the idea.
How do I find out if a deaf ministry is needed in my area?
One of the best ways is to ask Deaf
people where they go to church. Sometimes they must drive a
long distance to go to a church with an interpreter or a deaf church.
Larger areas need more deaf ministries. Smaller areas may
need only one or two deaf ministries.
How do I find out how many Deaf people are in our area?
Contact schools, colleges, Deaf Service
Centers, or other agencies that work with Deaf people to inquire about
the local Deaf population. Typically, Deaf people will know
the general local Deaf population in their area. It is safe to
estimate that there will be at least one Deaf person for every 1000
hearing people in an area. These numbers may increase in larger
areas.
How do I start a deaf ministry in my church?
How do I meet Deaf people in my area?
The best way to meet Deaf people is to
go where they meet. Go to social gatherings such as dinners at
the local mall, Deaf Coffee, and some Deaf clubs. Contact
Deaf leaders in your community to locate these gathering places.
If my church provides an interpreter will Deaf people come?
Not necessarily. Whether or not
Deaf people come may be influenced by their own church background (or
lack of one), interpreter skill, your heart for Deaf people,
accessibility, and other factors. Generally, a heart for Deaf
people is more important than interpreter skill, although skill is
important.
Are all deaf ministries the same?
It has been said there are three
different kinds of deaf ministries. 1) An interpreting ministry,
2) A Deaf teaching ministry, 3) A Deaf church ministry. Each has
its own benefits. Some areas cannot support a Deaf church.
Other areas tend to shun an interpreting only ministry. It
is important to work toward a successful deaf ministry, no matter which
type it is.
My church wants to start a deaf ministry. What do we need to do?
First, get the support of the pastor.
Next, learn Sign Language. Then, publicize the ministry.
Also, start a Deaf Bible class, which is the most important part
of the deaf ministry. Read read How to Develop a Deaf Ministry for more information. SWM assists churches of like faith in starting deaf ministries. Pastors can contact SWM for a meeting. Laymen can call, email, or write for advice. See contact page.
What materials can I use to teach Deaf people the Bible?
Where should the Deaf people in our church sit? Front? Back? Is there a
standard?
Generally, churches will establish an
area called the "Deaf Section," although Deaf people may also choose to
sit in other locations. Usually the Deaf Section is in the front
and to one side of the church. It is recommended that the section
be located where Deaf people can easily see the interpreter, the
speaker, and any visuals such as PowerPoint or videos. Also, it
is recommended that the Deaf Section NOT be in the back of the church,
as Deaf people rely upon their eyes to communicate. They must be
able to see the pastor's face and emotions to fully understand his
message.
Is it worth starting a deaf ministry in our church for just one person?
Yes, yes, yes! See Mark 7:32 "And they bring unto him ONE that was deaf."
How can our church encourage Deaf people to become involved?
As Deaf people grow in their
relationship with Christ, they should be encouraged to become more
involved in church. All workers should be qualified before being
allowed to serve. This includes Deaf people. Just because a
person is Deaf does not mean he can teach Deaf people. Positions such as greeters and ushers are good places for Deaf people to start
serving God in church. As they become more mature in Christ, they
can become teachers, leaders, deacons, and pastors. Deaf women
can begin by serving in the nursery or kitchen. Be creative and
open opportunities for Deaf people to serve God in your church.
How can I train a Deaf person to teach a Sunday School class?
Training involves doing. Deaf
people who are growing in the Lord and show potential for leadership
can be trained to teach. Sometimes this means teaching the lesson
to him early in the week, then letting him teach it to the Deaf class
on Sunday. Show the teacher what to do and what not to do. The SWM booklet, Platform Presence, explains the do's and don'ts of being in front of others. A teacher can train others to become a teacher. SWM has a wide variety of materials that can be taught.
What is Deaf culture?
Deaf people tend to share common
involves behavior, values, beliefs, and world views, even though they
may come from different backgrounds. This Deaf culture, and their
language, unifies Deaf people as a group. The SWM booklet, Deaf Culture, gives several insights into the interesting world of Deaf people.
Why are Deaf people so blunt?
Deaf people tend to value clear communication.
If the word "fat" is what is meant, then the word "fat" is used.
Hearing people tend to use other, nicer, words such as
"overweight," "plump," or "chunky." Hearing people should
understand that Deaf people want you to be clear when communicating
with them. Say what you mean! Most of the time you will not
be too blunt for Deaf people, but they will appreciate your clear
communication.
Why do Deaf people not seem to trust hearing people?
This is a cultural and based upon
experience. Hearing people have historically dominated Deaf
people. Often Deaf people's desires have not been acknowledged or
even surpressed. Deaf people can tend to be cautious when dealing
with hearing people, possibly because of bad past experiences.
This can be overcome as a Deaf person gets to know a hearing
person better.
What is the difference between big "D" Deaf and little "d" deaf?
- This is an interesting question. It has become accepted that a capital
"D" to refers to Deaf people as a culture. Lower case "d" deaf refers to
deafness or hearing loss. Capital "D" Deaf people identify themselves as
culturally Deaf. Lower case "d" deaf people generally do not associate with
culturally Deaf people. Writing about a deaf ministry with a lower case "d"
means the ministry may also include the hard-of-hearing or oral deaf people.
This fairly recent terminology and many are still unfamiliar with its use.
Why is there such a controversy about cochlear implants?
Many feel that the Deaf child should be
allowed to make his own decision about becoming Deaf or hearing once he
is old enough to make that decision. The idea is that it is not
fair to "force" him to become hearing. Many hearing people are
surprised to find out that many Deaf people do not want to become
hearing. Hellen Keller said deafness is not a handicap, but a way
of life. Feelings on this issue are strong on both sides.
How can I help Silent Word Ministries?
SWM is supported by churches an
individuals who share our desire to "Go in to all the world" -- to Deaf
people. All gifts are tax-deductible and doners receive a receipt
for each gift. Non-cash gifts are also accepted. Click here for more information.
How does my church host a special meeting for Deaf people?
A variety of meetings are available, depending on church needs. See Types of Meetings for more information.
How do I get someone to present the need for a deaf ministry in my church?
Pastors can request a meeting using this form, or by calling the SWM office @ 706-657-8000.
I do not know Sign Language. How do I reach Deaf people with the
Gospel?
I am interested in becoming a foreign missionary to the Deaf. What should I
do?
What is the greatest need of Deaf people?
The greatest need of Deaf people is the
same as for hearing people -- to have Jesus Christ as their personal
Savior. Our ministry is dedicated to the Great Commission of reaching and teaching Deaf people with the Good News about Jesus Christ.
Do Deaf people really need to be saved to go to Heaven? I mean, doesn’t God
understand their handicap and overlook their sin?
The Bible teaches that "All have sinned
and come short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23. "All" means all
people, even the Deaf. Deafness is not a handicap, but a
"communication handicap." Special effort is needed to get the
Gospel to Deaf people.
Do Deaf people use braile?
This questions is sometimes still being
asked. Blind people use braile to read. Deaf people use
Sign Language to communicate. Deaf-blind people use braile to
read and tactile (hand touch) Sign Language to communicate.
Do you have a question? Send us your question by email.
Questions of general interest may by posted on this page in the future.
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