Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language

Book cover of Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language: Hereditary Deafness on Martha’s Vineyard

Book description

From the seventeenth century to the early years of the twentieth, the population of Martha's Vineyard manifested an extremely high rate of profound hereditary deafness. In stark contrast to the experience of most Deaf people in our own society, the Vineyarders who were born Deaf were so thoroughly integrated into…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Meredith Eliassen

Author

Paul Longmore assigned Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language for the “Disability in America” course I took. As a folklorist this book hooked me. It is totally unique, combining science (genetics), history, maritime culture, and community. It consolidates sign language “oral histories” documenting a Deaf community’s cultural heritage in Martha’s Vineyard passed through generations. Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language offers an essential message from this tight-knit community where deafness was more a trait than a disability. Understanding how Helen Keller had a Deafblind destiny shaped by her times (as earlier were Deafblind woman should be women Julia Brace and Laura…

From Meredith's list on disability and related inclusive movements.