BEHAVIOURS

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Because Deaf people depend on visual experiences, much of the behavior of deaf people revolves around what they see.

AUSLAN (Australian sign language) is a visual language, so when people talk to eachother, they look at each other the entire time. Facial expressions, head, body movements, gestures and body language are just as important as words. Touching is also a normal part of greeting and leave-taking.

(N.W. Comstock, 2015)

There are many effective ways for Deaf people to gain each other’s attention, (e.g. tapping on the shoulder or flickering the lights if wanting the attention of a large group.) take turns in conversations, ‘interrupt’ appropriately and introduce people. These can be quite different from the behaviours among hearing people. (Australian Hearing, 2014).

Deaf people have a strong sense of community as well as their history and connections. Most Deaf people will not only identify themselves by name, but also by the community or school they attended. (N.W. Comstock, 2015)