Abstract
Nonverbal communication among deaf people is discussed in relation to American Sign Language, Deaf culture, and interactions between deaf and hearing people. The article distinguishes between nonverbal behavior and the visual linguistic features of ASL, noting that movements of the face, eyes, head, and body may function as part of the language rather than as merely expressive gestures. It reviews assumptions about deaf people’s receptive and expressive nonverbal abilities, including the idea that visual communication automatically produces greater skill in interpreting body language. The article describes characteristic behaviors related to proxemics, touch, attention-getting gestures, eye gaze, and paralanguage, with attention to how these behaviors can differ across deaf and hearing cultural contexts. It also identifies gaps and limitations in existing research on deaf nonverbal communication and calls for greater care in defining deaf subjects and interpreting communication behaviors.
Recommended Citation
Lytle, Jayne S.
(1984)
"Nonverbal Communication of the Deaf,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 50, Article 21.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol50/iss1/21
