In Quebec, there are many cultures, including Deaf culture. Contrary to what many people think, deafness is not just a disability: for many Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing individuals (DDBHH), it is also a strong cultural identity. In the workplace, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), understanding these differences can help better integrate these employees.

Two Worlds, Two Ways of Communicating

In hearing culture, voice and hearing are the primary forms of communication. People talk on the phone, call someone by their first name, or whisper jokes. In Deaf culture, sight is primarily used. To get someone’s attention, people tap on the shoulder or wave their hand. Texts, emails, or video calls replace phone calls. DDBHH individuals are also very expressive: their gestures may be large, and facial expressions play an important role in communication. This isn’t exaggeration, it’s simply the natural way of expressing oneself in Quebec Sign Language (LSQ).

Small Gestures, Big Differences: What Deaf Culture Can Teach Us

Here are a few differences to know about:

Face-to-Face Positioning with Space

Deaf people communicate effectively when given enough space to express themselves and see the signs. Being too close or standing to the side hinders understanding.

Sustained Eye Contact

Looking someone in the eyes is essential to follow the conversation. It shows attentiveness. For hearing people, prolonged eye contact might feel awkward, but for Deaf individuals, it’s natural. Also, when an LSQ-French interpreter is present, it’s important to look at the Deaf person during the conversation, not the interpreter.

Important Facial Expressions

These don’t just convey emotion, they are part of the language itself and are a key grammatical component. For example, they help express nuances, emphasize ideas, or indicate a question.

A Different Relationship with Sound

DDBHH individuals may make sounds unconsciously, such as breathing loudly, tapping on the table or floor, laughing loudly, or making noise to get the attention of a specific person. They might also make noise while doing dishes, and closing cupboards or drawers without realizing it. In addition, they often use vibration or light to perceive sound, which can help them stay connected to their surroundings.

To See and Be Seen: Space and Time in Deaf Culture

Deaf culture values visual communication, which influences how spaces are arranged. For instance, a meeting room should be well lit, with chairs arranged in a circle or semicircle so everyone can see clearly. A setup with rows, or facing a wall or the back of the room, is not suitable for DDBHH individuals. Also, during in-person or remote meetings with an interpreter, there’s a time lag between what is spoken and when it’s received by the Deaf person. To support full participation, it’s essential to account for this and manage turn-taking effectively.

Embracing Deaf culture enriches the workplace. The Deaf community, while tightly knit and supportive, has endured a long history of oppression. Its identity has often been denied, its sign language banned for over a century, and its members still face many barriers to education, employment, recreation, and personal life. Yet this community has come together and fought for its rights, strengthening the bond among its members.

Understanding the cultural differences between Deaf and hearing people is a key step toward building a truly inclusive environment. It’s not just about hearing, but a profound difference in how people live, think, and communicate. For employers and colleagues, respect, open-mindedness, and curiosity are the keys to a truly inclusive workplace.

To learn more about Deaf culture: Eversa Blog on Deaf Culture