Deaf-mute

For "hearing loss" see "deafness"
For "inability to speak" see "muteness"

Deaf-mute is a term which refers to deaf people who cannot speak a language. They cannot speak by mouth. Or, they may choose not to speak because of the attention unusual voices attract.

They communicate using sign language.Mindess, Anna 2006. Reading between the signs: intercultural communication for sign language interpreters.

Today some prefer simply "deaf".Moore, Matthew S. & Levitan, Linda 2003. For hearing people only, answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the deaf community, its culture, and the "deaf reality". Rochester, New York: Deaf Life Press. However, it may be important for others to know whether a deaf person can speak, even imperfectly.

There is a complete range of intelligence in deaf-mutes. However, the limitations of their language ability may have an effect on their understanding of the external world. Many live communally amongst others who are expert in using their particular sign language. But sign languages differ greatly between countries, and may also differ inside a country.

Goitre and associated deaf-muteism was widespread in Switzerland until the 1920s, when iodised salt was introduced.

 Related pages 
Muteness

 References 

Category:Deaf people
Category:Sign languages