The Deaf community views themselves as a _______________, and not a ________________?

The Deaf community views themselves as a _______________, and not a ________________?

• A. cultural group; medical condition
• B. linguistic minority; handicapped group
• C. hearing group; disability class
• D. sign language community; hearing community

Answer: (B)

Deaf identity centers on language and culture. Sign language is a full, natural language with its own community and traditions, so many Deaf people see themselves as a linguistic minority with a rich cultural life. Because of that, they prefer not to be labeled by medical or disability terms that imply a deficit. Saying they’re a linguistic minority and not a handicapped group captures that stance—valuing language and culture while rejecting disability labels. The other options mix in broader cultural labels or medical/deficit language that doesn’t align with how the Deaf community views itself, or imply being part of the hearing world, which isn’t their experience.

Deaf identity centers on language and culture. Sign language is a full, natural language with its own community and traditions, so many Deaf people see themselves as a linguistic minority with a rich cultural life. Because of that, they prefer not to be labeled by medical or disability terms that imply a deficit. Saying they’re a linguistic minority and not a handicapped group captures that stance—valuing language and culture while rejecting disability labels. The other options mix in broader cultural labels or medical/deficit language that doesn’t align with how the Deaf community views itself, or imply being part of the hearing world, which isn’t their experience.