Capital D Deaf: What’s the Difference?
In our blog, you may often see us refer to “Deaf,” “deaf,” and “D/deaf” when writing about people with a hearing loss. This is not a typo. These are common spellings when referring to the large, unique D/deaf population. So when is capital D Deaf used, and when is it appropriate to use “deaf” or “D/deaf?”
Capital D Deaf: The Community of Sign Language Users
The Deaf community, like other communities (LGBT, African American/Black), holds a cultural identity. Culturally identifying oneself within a certain category is a personal decision; and therefore, it is respected that each D/deaf person identifies based on their fit and comfort level in the community.
Those who culturally identify themselves as part of this community are referred to in writing as capital D Deaf. Deaf individuals are traditionally sign language users who grew up in a vastly different environment then those who can hear or those who experience hearing loss later in life. Throughout history, those who were Deaf shared a common language, sign language, and typically had common life experiences. This is how a cultural identity was formed.
deaf
When deaf is spelled with a lower-case d, this simply refers to the medical meaning of hearing loss and/or an inability to hear with one’s ears. People who identify with this spelling do not hold a cultural identity with the Deaf community. These deaf people likely have never been exposed to sign language or capital D Deaf culture, or they choose not to be a part of the culture. Also, it could be that they are latent deaf. This usually occurs with age or with soldiers who lose their hearing in battle.
D/deaf
When you see them referred together, as in D/deaf, it’s meant to fit either category. Since it’s not known how each unique person wants to identify themselves, using this term is more inclusive.
General Rule: “Deaf,” “deaf,” “D/deaf”
When in doubt about which term to use – Deaf, deaf, D/deaf – choose Deaf. The proper capital D Deaf looks more formal and respectful; therefore, anyone not identifying to Deaf cultural norm likely won’t be offended by the capital D.
Additional Resources:
Deaf Culture – Big D Small D
Photo Credit:
https://pixabay.com/en/letter-block-d-wooden-alphabet-1084811/
