Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language
Hereditary Deafness on Martha’s Vineyard
By: Nora Ellen Groce
From the seventeenth century to the early years of the twentieth, the population of Martha’s Vineyard manifested an extremely high rate of profound hereditary deafness. In stark contrast to the experience of most Deaf people in our own society, the Vineyarders who were born Deaf were so thoroughly integrated into the daily life of the community that they were not seen—and did not see themselves—as handicapped or as a group apart. Deaf people were included in all aspects of life, such as town politics, jobs, church affairs, and social life. How was this possible? On the Vineyard, hearing and Deaf islanders alike grew up speaking sign language. This unique sociolinguistic adaptation meant that the usual barriers to communication between the hearing and the Deaf, which so isolate many Deaf people today, did not exist.
AI Overview
Title: "Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language" by Nora Ellen Groce
Publication: 1985, Harvard University Press
Overview: The book "Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language" by Nora Ellen Groce is a seminal work that explores the unique community dynamics on Martha's Vineyard, where a high rate of hereditary deafness led to a society where everyone, regardless of hearing ability, communicated in sign language. The book delves into how this bilingual community functioned, highlighting themes of integration, social acceptance, and the normalization of deafness.
Key Themes:
- Integration and Inclusion: The book showcases how deaf individuals were fully integrated into the community, with everyone learning to communicate in sign language. This integration was facilitated by the high prevalence of deafness, which made sign language a common and essential form of communication.
- Social Acceptance: The community on Martha's Vineyard did not view deafness as a disability. Instead, deaf individuals were seen as part of the community, contributing equally to social interactions and daily activities. This acceptance was reflected in the way hearing individuals learned and used sign language.
- Bilingualism: The residents of Martha's Vineyard were bilingual, speaking both English and sign language. This bilingualism was not seen as a challenge but rather as a natural part of their linguistic and cultural context.
- Cultural Significance: The book highlights the cultural significance of sign language in this community. It was not viewed as a secondary or inferior form of communication but rather as an integral part of their social fabric.
Plot Summary: The book primarily focuses on the small town of Chilmark on Martha's Vineyard, where a significant number of residents were deaf. Nora Groce explores how this high rate of hereditary deafness led to a unique situation where everyone in the community learned to communicate in sign language. The narrative reveals how this bilingualism was not seen as a problem but rather as a natural aspect of community life. Groce's study shows that the deaf residents were not isolated or marginalized but were fully integrated into the community, participating in social activities and contributing to the community's well-being.
Critical Reception: The book has received significant attention and acclaim for its unique perspective on deafness and community dynamics. Critics have praised Groce for her meticulous research and insightful analysis, which challenges traditional views of deafness as a disability. The book has been recognized for its contribution to the field of disability studies, highlighting the importance of social acceptance and integration in creating inclusive communities.
Impact: "Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language" has had a lasting impact on the way we think about deafness and disability. It has influenced discussions around the social model of disability, emphasizing that disability is not solely a personal issue but also a product of societal attitudes and structures. The book continues to be a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and community leaders interested in creating more inclusive and accepting environments for individuals with disabilities.