The role of deaf culture in teaching Vietnamese sign language

Abstract

Appearing in Vietnam around 1886, today, Vietnamese Sign Language (VSL) has been a major means of communication in the deaf community in Vietnam and is recognized by the state. However, VSL is still not interested by many researchers. VSL has not yet become an official major taught at mainstream training institutions. Therefore, the concept of "deaf culture" is still a strange to many people, even those who have been using VSL. Language and culture have always been closely related. Language is the container and the means to express the culture of a community. VSL and Vietnamese deaf culture (VDC) are no exception to that rule. By descriptive method, combined with analysis, synthesis, comparison... the article will highlight the importance of deaf culture as well as the relationship between VDC and VSL. Through the article, researchers as well as those who have been, are and will use VSL will have an overview of the concept of "deaf culture". Understanding this correlation will support the process of teaching VSL more effectively.