Page 106 - Reading Between the Sign Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters

American Deaf Culture 91

ground. “When they leave the army, soldiers often transfer army
norms, values, and behavior patterns to civilian life” (Shahar and
Kurz 19). Although deaf residential school experience is not as
widespread as it once was, like Israeli military service it produced
a cohesive leveling which is still passed down as part of Deaf cul-
ture.
The other factor is called “the situation” in Israel, which “re-
fers to a state of perpetual tension brought on by a daily blend of
threats and surprises” (25). “Because everyone is affected by ‘the
situation,’ it produces a common mindset” (26). Although Deaf
people are not in danger of physical harm from terrorist bombs
or imminent war, many experience a similar tension from being
on guard against the oppressors/outsiders by whom they are sur-
rounded (e.g., the push for oralism, cochlear implants, SEE, and
mainstream schools). It should not be surprising, therefore, that a
fantasy they share is of a Deaf country within the boundaries of
which they could all feel secure. As the residents of Israel have
learned, however, even having a country of one’s own does not
guarantee a feeling of security.

Direct Personal Comments
Although this topic could be discussed under the general heading
of “Straight Talk,” I believe it deserves special attention because it
may be the hardest part of Deaf culture for hearing people to
accept. I have heard several skilled interpreters say, regarding this
behavior, “That’s not culture, that’s just rude!” What kind of re-
mark can provoke such “insensitive” criticism? Probably being
greeted by a Deaf person with a remark about one’s appearance
such as, “Boy, you’ve put on a lot of weight!” or “Oh, you dyed
your hair, it’s not a good color. It looked better before,” or “Wow!
You are getting bald so fast!” Deaf people maintain that such com-
ments demonstrate closeness, connection, loyalty, sincerity, and
friendship.
In American mainstream culture, by contrast, such forthright
personal remarks are considered rude. Peggy Post, author of Emily
Post’s Etiquette, likens such remarks to “rubbing salt into an open
wound.” If you tell someone they don’t look well, they “will only
be depressed that it shows” (Carroll 1997).
In Deaf culture these direct personal comments often come
right after the “Hi” and can be either positive, negative, or mixed.
For example, “You got a new haircut. It looks good” (positive);

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