In bits of the UK (well, people I network with) we use the terms in a very similar way to the definitions as given by Shane. (But note the addendum for Hard of Hearing)
Deaf could refer to anyone with a hearing loss; it is not reserved for a severe loss;
Deaf with a capital D (Deaf) refers to deaf people who identify as being culturally Deaf.
Deafened or late-deafened is very similar. I wouldn't describe it as "insulting", although it is not a term that deaf people themselves use very often.
Hard of hearing is perhaps more of a term that individuals use to describe themselves; although somewhat "old-fashioned" it is often used colloquially and in that context is not insulting. It is a useful reference term for that group as it distinguishes them from the general deaf population and there is no other term that I can think of that this group use as commonly for self-reference. Some people object to being described as "deaf" as for them this signifies no or very little hearing. However, the situation is fluid and throughout the UK different groups refer to themselves in a myriad of ways: Hearing Aid Users; deaf people; Hard of Hearing; people with a hearing loss etc
ATB
Claire
-----Original Message-----
From: The Disability-Research Discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Shane Holten
Sent: 11 March 2005 05:25
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: language info S/VP
Hi,
From the Canadian Hearing Society:
deaf: This term is generally used to describe individuals with a severe to profound hearing loss, with little or no residual hearing. Some deaf people use sign language, such as American Sign Language (ASL) or Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) to communicate. Others use speech to communicate using their residual hearing and hearing aids, technical devices or cochlear implants, and/or speechreading.
culturally Deaf: This term refers to individuals who identify with and participate in the language, culture and community of Deaf people, based on sign language. Deaf culture does not perceive hearing loss and deafness from a pathological point of view, but rather from a socio-cultural point of view, indicated by a capital D as in “Deaf culture”. Culturally Deaf people may also use speech, residual hearing, hearing aids, speechreading and gesturing to communicate with people who do not sign.
deafened or late-deafened: These terms describe individuals who grow up hearing or hard of hearing and, either suddenly or gradually, experience a profound loss of hearing. Late-deafened adults usually cannot understand speech without visual clues such as captioning/computerized notetaking, speechreading or sign language.
hard of hearing: This term is generally used to describe individuals who use spoken language (their residual hearing and speech) to communicate. Most hard of hearing people can understand some speech sounds with or without hearing aids and often supplement their residual hearing with speechreading, hearing aids and technical devices. The term “person with hearing loss” is increasingly used and preferred.
cheers,
shane
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