The word Deaf spelt with a capital D denotes a culture and a community. The use of sign language as one's first language is the main characteristic of people who identify with this culture. 'Deafhood' refers to the journey a Deaf person goes through as they come to recognise their Deaf identity. The majority of Deaf people are prelingually deaf (became deaf before 3-4 years of age - before developing fluency in spoken language).
The word deaf (with a small d) refers simply to hearing loss; the great majority of people with hearing loss do not use sign language or know about 'Deaf Culture'. They identify themselves as part of the hearing community and are mainly people who have become deaf later in life.
There are no clear statistics on the number of Deaf people in New Zealand. The 2006 census showed that 24 090 people use New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) and 6057 people can communicate in all three of New Zealand's official languages.
There are Deaf people of all ages: deaf babies, deaf children in schools, deaf youth, deaf people studying, raising families, working, active with their hobbies/interest groups, over 65. Maori Deaf is a significant community - moving between two cultures (Maori Culture and Deaf Culture) and two languages (NZSL and Te Reo).
People who are Deaf see being Deaf as a difference, not a disability. We associate with other Deaf people and are proud to be Deaf. We involve ourselves in the Deaf community and Deaf culture through attending Deaf schools, belonging to Deaf organisations and clubs, and taking part in Deaf Sports and the many other Deaf events that take place throughout New Zealand.
Community page
Welcome to the DANZ Community section.
