Community Quote by Oliver Sacks
“I had never thought about what it might mean to be deaf, to be deprived of language, or to have a remarkable language (and community and culture) of one’s own. Up to this point, I had mostly thought and written about the problems of individuals–here I was to encounter an entire community.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 1998
Understanding deafness reveals a distinct culture and language, showing that disability can create unique communities.
In simple terms: Deafness forms its own culture and language.
Recognize and respect diverse communication worlds.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- education
- policy making
- community building
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What can we learn from deaf culture about communication?
- How does language shape community identity?
Assuming deafness is only a loss overlooks its richness.