Sarah Johnson The Neurobiology of Perception The Impact of Perception on Deaf Culture Abstract: Approximately 1 in 20 Americans are functionally

deaf or hard of hearing to the point of not being able to participate in spoken conversations (R Mitchell 2005). In response to their lack of hearing, deaf people often develop a higher sensitivity in their other senses, [namely] [especially? namely implies that its the only one] vision, [giving them a more visual perception of the world.] [redundant] Many have capitalized on this [heightened?] visual perception, and have learned lip reading and speech to communicate with hearing people. However, a greater percentage of the deaf population has learned the visual language of American Sign Language, which has grown to become the universal language of deaf people. Through ASL, as well as common values and beliefs, a deaf culture has arisen, specified by many as Deaf with a capital D. This culture emphasizes the [visual nature of its members] [is there a better way to say this?] and encourages them to embrace their deafness. When around other [members] [members of what?], Deaf people often feel accepted and appreciated, and perceive their physical condition as an identifying fact instead of a disability. The Deaf community highly values the preservation of ASL and Deaf Culture, and as such discourages the use of cochlear implants. [what about other hearing aids?] Many people can view the same situation in different ways, based on their perception. [gratuitous sentence] Individual perception can be formed by past experiences, culture, [or] [and?] conditions. In the case of deaf people, [you should provide a definition of what you mean by deaf.] their perception is shaped by their lack of the sense of hearing, [so you only include those with no hearing at all in this group?] as well as their inclusion in a Deaf Culture. By being surrounded by similar people, deaf people often come to view themselves as being Deaf and a member of a legitimate culture instead of disabled. Interestingly, the creation of a Deaf Culture is directly related to the development of a visual language[,] which reflects the visual perception of deaf people.[explain what you mean by visual language] In this way, the shared perception of deaf people created a culture, which then altered their perception of themselves and their situation. [This last sentence is kind of vague and unclear. Do you really need it?] Due to their lack of hearing, most deaf people have hypersensitivity in their other senses, especially sight. A study done by D. Bavelier et. al. (2000) demonstrated that congenitally deaf individuals have enhanced peripheral vision, with a more effective connectivity between MT/MST [explain what this is] and the posterior parietal cortex [again, what is this cortical area?]. While deaf and hearing people have comparable MT/MST activation during full vision, during peripheral vision a deaf persons MT/MST is almost twice that [twice as large? Twice as active?] of a hearing person (D. Bavelier, year). As such, deaf people [thus?] perceive the world in a more visual manner than hearing people, and must perceive everything that is otherwise perceived auditorily, through a different sense. Many common activities, such as talking on the phone,

watching television, or hearing doorbells, are typically perceived by the sense of hearing. Deaf people can also participate in these activities, but with other senses replacing hearing. For example, video relay services (VRS) allow people to have sign language conversations over the telephone (B. Benedict, year). Similarly, closed captioning replaces spoken words on the television [or other video media] with print, and doorbells can be connected to flashing lights (B. Benedict, year). These technological advancements give deaf people the opportunity to replace auditory stimuli with visual stimuli, allowing them to share in the same experiences as hearing people. [as long as they can see the visual stimuli] [Likewise, instead of understanding a world through five senses, the [deafs] [awkward] worldview is comprised of four senses. In this way, deaf people are able to perceive the same stimuli as hearing people, but just occasionally in a different manner.] [These last two sentences just seem to repeat things youve already said] In America, hearing people communicate predominantly through verbal English. Without receiving cochlear implants or learning to read lips, deaf people are unable to fully participate in spoken conversations, and become isolated from the culture around them (L. Lawson, 1981). [To compensate, deaf people have developed their own, visual form of communication: American Sign Language (ASL).] [you already mentioned this please consolidate information so that it flows in a logical manner] It is a visual/gestural language devoid of vocalization and complete with grammatical and syntactical rules (Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center 2013 ??). ASL allows deaf people to communicate with each other, as well as with hearing people fluent in ASL. Sign language also has aided in the education of deaf children. Since vision is a deaf persons primary sense, the education of deaf children must be done in a visual manner, (T. Horejes 2012, pg. 6). As such, [misuse of the phrase as such] classrooms for the deaf are filled with visual cues, such as posters and pictures, to capitalize on their enhanced vision (T. Horejes, year). The material taught in sign language[-] based schools is similar to that taught in mainstream schools, but is merely taught in a visual manner.[stating the obvious] Written language and literacy are taught by their relation through ASL, and other course material is taught all in sign (T. Horejes). [redundant] Deaf students are able to visually communicate with each other using ASL and continue the spread of thought and knowledge, an invaluable part of education (L. Lawson 1981). [In this way, through the use of ASL, deaf people are still able to participate in conversations and education. However, they perceive conversations as visual exchanges, whereas hearing people view conversations as an auditory experience.] [these last two sentences are redundant] In addition to providing a means of communication, the development of ASL as a common visual language has led to the creation of a deaf culture. In 1965, The Dictionary of American Sign Language was [first?] published, first identifying [sign language] [ASL?] as an established language (C. Padden 1980). With the development of sign language, deaf people had a structured form of communicating [communication] through a purely visual medium. Beyond establishing ASL as a language, this dictionary also first identified deafness as a culture (C. Padden, year). Even though they do not share a common heritage, as members of other cultures do, deaf people share a common lifestyle, and most importantly, through ASL, as a common language. This [enables] [not

the best word] social interactions between deaf people, and the congregation of deaf people in groups and communities (L. Lawson 1981). [You dont need to give authors first initials.] The unity created by ASL is most apparent in sign language[-] based schools, where deaf people are encouraged to socialize and interact with each other (T. Horejes 2012). Even though deaf people have always been united by a common visual perception of the world, it is by having a language unique to them that [deaf people] [they?] created a deaf culture. [Language serves as a means of bringing people together and spreading ideas.] [gratuitous sentence, especially in this place] In his book Social Construction of Deafness, T. Horejes (2012) [articulates the formation[ [formation of what? How can you articulate a formation?] when he states that the transmission of culture by means of a language is languaculture. [This quote is completely unnecessary. Its just introducing a gratuitous jargon word] By having ASL schools, a way of communicating unique to them, and a shared experience, deaf people formed a deaf languaculture surrounding ASL. [Repetitive. This is slow going] People without the sense of hearing often differentiate between being pathologically deaf and culturally Deaf. Deaf with a capital D describes the culture [in which some deaf people belong] [not clear what you mean by this] (C. Padden 1980). One may be physically deaf, and lack the sense of hearing, but is not Deaf unless they participate in the Deaf Culture (C. Padden 1980, M. Jones 2002). [OK, then just say this.] [The major difference is that people who are deaf are united by a common lack of hearing, whereas Deaf people are united by their customs, language, and behaviors, in addition to physical impairment.] [more redundancy] The classification between deaf and Deaf is purely perceptual. [who is doing the perceiving?] Deaf people embrace their physical condition and generally use ASL as their main form of communicating communication (C. Padden). [Members of the Deaf community identify themselves with other Deaf individuals and perceive themselves as a part of a group. This sets them apart from people who are merely physically deaf, because they also share customs and beliefs.] [More redundancy] Most importantly though, they share the outlook that deafness is not a problem that needs to be fixed, and as such are united by their sameness instead of differences. [OK, this at least introduces the concept of not wanting to fix deafness] Historically, deafness has been viewed as a disability. Hearing people often believe that without the sense of hearing, deaf people are missing out on important aspects of culture, such as music and speech (M. Jones 2002). This idea comes predominantly from the fact that deaf people can not be integrated into the mainstream (M. Jones). [This is not entirely true. Many deaf people function reasonably well in mainstream, hearing, culture] M. Jones summarizes this view when she states how many people see that the inability to hear interferes with a person's ability to respond to environmental cues (2002). [While deaf people may not experience the world auditorily, they do not view this as a detriment.] [redundant] Instead, many deaf people see their hearing loss it as a defining feature, and celebrate the visual nature of their situation (B. Benedict). The medical definition for deafness represents it as a dysfunction, [maybe you need to talk about this up front, at the very beginning of the paper.] but fails to recognize the deaf persons inclusion in a visual culture (B. Benedict). A deaf

persons perception of their condition as an identity is shaped in part by a persons participation in Deaf Culture. There are many organizations, such as the National Association of the Deaf, that help connect deaf people to other deaf people, and encourage participation in deaf athletics, religion, and communities (B. Benedict). As a population minority, deaf people tend to form groups together, in order to feel normal (M. Jones). Many deaf people feel comfortable and at home in situations where they are surrounded by other deaf people, and as such feel less isolated. P. Higgins explains that identification with other deaf people is the foundation for membership in the deaf community (1980). Feeling a sense of belonging with similar people, as well as being able to communicate seamlessly, allows for deaf people to view their condition in a positive light. In turn, members of the deaf community do not perceive themselves as being disabled, or dramatically different from those around them. In this way, it is the lack of hearing that has become the basis for Deaf Culture (M. Jones 2002). When surrounded by people who are Deaf and speaking ASL, Deafness becomes a way of life (I. Leigh 2008). [This paragraph states many of the same things that you tried to say earlier, but does so more effectively] As any culture does, Deaf Culture has set customs and values that impact the perceptions of its members. However, the customs [of ] [typo?] values in Deaf Culture are derived from the perceptions of its members. Unlike in most cultures, Deaf culture is typically not passed down generation to generation. In fact, only 4% of deaf children are born to deaf parents (I. Leigh 2008). Because it is comprised of people united by a common situation rather than a common heritage, deaf cultures customs and values directly relate to the lifestyle and perception that arises from deafness. Often, the only thing that Deaf people have in common is their physical condition and their ability to speak sign language. George Veditz, president of the National Association of the Deaf in 1913 summarized this view when he described our beautiful sign language as the noblest gift God has given to deaf people (Laurence Clerc). [All members of the Deaf Culture are deaf and use sight as their primary means of communication, and as such, have created a culture that is built upon ASL and enhanced visual stimulation (B. Benedict).] [redundant with previous statements] Deaf people highly value the preservation of vision, and when in a signed conversation, are expected to maintain eye contact and always direct attention to the speaker (Laurent Clerc). They also stress the importance of deaf education of both ASL and English, [written English?] in order to allow the future Deaf generations to participate in both cultures (Laurence Clerc). [Their customs are all directly derived from deaf peoples lack of hearing and predominantly visual perception of the world. ] [another redundant sentence] In order to preserve the Deaf Culture, many Deaf people discourage the use of cochlear implants. [Cochlear implants] are small, electronic devices that can be placed in the ears of congenitally deaf people. [It It] [what is it? cochlear implants, as used earlier, is a plural noun, so this pronoun doesnt fit.] then uses electrodes to stimulate areas on the auditory nerve (NIDCD?). These [implants] do not restore the physical sense of hearing, but instead [sends] [noun and verb need to agree] signals to the brain through the auditory nerve, which are then interpreted as sound (NIDCD?). In this way, even though it is not perfect, deaf people can hear and interpret sounds when they

previously did not have this capability. Hearing parents of deaf children often encourage their child to receive cochlear implants, viewing their childs deafness as a problem that needs to be fixed (I. Leigh 2008). From their hearing perspective, their deaf child would receive the most complete experience with the use of all five senses. However, members of the Deaf Community view cochlear implants as a threat to Deaf Culture. Deaf Culture encompasses the preservation of ASL and the embrace of deafness. It also encourages Deafness as a way of life exclusive to Deaf people. A study done through Gallaudet University [what study? Do you have a reference?] showed that only 61% of respondents believe that people who receive cochlear implants cannot identify as a Deaf person (2008). Congenitally deaf people who receive cochlear implants often find themselves stuck between the hearing and Deaf Culture. They cannot fully participate in the hearing culture, but are not completely accepted into the Deaf Community. In her paper The Ripple Effect [(2013) A. Stockdill] [redo references in text] describes this situation as a person standing between two pools, one representing Deaf Culture, and one representing mainstream hearing culture. Because their perception of the world is not quite the same as the members of either culture, they, figuratively, can only dip their toe into each pool. [Not a very good analogy] However, deaf people who do not receive cochlear implants can fully immerse themselves in the pool of Deaf Culture (A. Stockdill). Since they do not view deafness as a disability, members of the Deaf community believe that people lacking hearing should embrace their condition. [Youve said this before] The differing views regarding deafness between deaf and hearing people have formed through the differences in [their?] perceptions. Since the majority of society has the function of all five of their senses, Hhearing people often see deafness as an impairment that hinders ones interaction with society. [As such] [incorrect useage], they also generally encourage technology, including cochlear implants, that could help [recreate the loss of hearing] [Im sure this isn't what you mean to say!] . [The view that hearing loss is a disability is not shared by many deaf people though, especially those belonging to the Deaf community.] [You keep repeating this, so by the time your wrap-up paragraph comes around, the statement has lost any effectiveness it might originally have had.] Their inclusion in a community where vision is the primary sense, allows them to view their way of life as normal. The creation of a culture, founded upon a shared language and background, further encourages this worldview. With a complete culture and community based on visual cues, Deaf people are not limited by their inability to hear. Instead they are encouraged to embrace their similar situation and extend their abilities as far as possible. [OK, I know youre trying to write some sort of summary paragraph, but it would be more effective to critically evaluate the two approaches to deafness, possibly stating the pros and cons of each side, and where your own opinion lies.] Your paper is hard to read because of the rambling organization, wordiness, and high degree of redundancy. Please pare it down so that you only make a point once. As it is, it sounds like youre floundering around looking for words to fill he pages rather than trying to communicate a coherent story. I didnt see any real analysis of the pros and cons of the different approaches to deafness, nor did I see any hint of your own thoughts. Please re view info on how to properly cite references in the text and in the reference list.

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Works Cited

Bavelier D, Tomann A, Hutton C, Mitchell T, Corina D, Liu G, and Neville H. (2000), Visual Attention to the Periphery Is Enhanced in Congenitally Deaf Individuals. In: The Journal of Neuroscience, Vol.20 pp Horejes T. (2012), Social Construction of Deaf Culture, http://muse.jhu.edu/books/9781563685422/ [not a proper citation] Jones M. (2002), Deafness as a Culture: A Psychosocial Perspective [give full reference] Laurence Clerc National Deaf Education Center (2013), About American Deaf Culture, http://www.gallaudet.edu Lawson L. (1981), Defining the Deaf Community. In: Constructing Deafness (1991) The Open University [What sort of reference is this?] Leigh I. (2008), Who Am I?: Deaf Identity Issues. In: Hands and Voices. Gallaudet University Press Mitchell R. (2005), http://jdsde.oxfordjournals.org/content/11/1/112.full [not a proper citation] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Cochlear Implants (2011), www.nidcd.nih.gov Padden C. (1980), Constructing Deafness, [fill in reference info] Snider B, Erting C, Johnson R, Smith D. (1994), The Deaf Way. Gallaudet University Press. Higgins P. (1980) Outsiders in a Hearing World. In: Constructing Deafness (1991) The Open University [What is this?]
Formatted: Level 1