How To Write Deaf Characters - From A Real Deaf Personsperspective

How to Write Deaf Characters - From a real Deaf person’s perspective

Hello readers and writers alike, I would like to point out something that has been so glaringly annoying to me and other Deaf/HoH people so that we can end all these misconceptions. People who write for Deaf!Readers should know a few things before starting their imagines, fanfictions, blurbs - anything. It is not anyone’s fault for not knowing these things, most hearing people are not aware of the Deaf community or Deaf culture so here I am, a Deaf person who is majoring in Deaf Studies and Culture, coming here to tell you a few things to know when writing for a Deaf!Reader

(Remember this is my experience as a Deaf/HoH person and it may differ from person to person but this is what I learned/have slight annoyances within writing)

Deaf and Hard of Hearing is a culture. Yes, most people consider it a disability but IT IS NOT SOMETHING WE ARE ASHAMED OF! Please stop writing fics/imagines about Deaf!Reader being ashamed of not being able to hear or getting hearing aids to impress their SO. It’s completely wrong and just annoying. We are proud of our Deafness and we don’t want to be fixed.

DO NOT USE THE TERM ‘HEARING IMPAIRED’! This is basically a slur word. It was widely used in the ’90s but now it’s considered a derogatory term. Just use Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Or ‘deaf’ if the person is medically deaf and not culturally Deaf. (see next point)

Deaf and ‘deaf’ are different. Deaf is a cultural term for people who are born Deaf and raised in the community. The term ‘deaf’ is used in the medical field or used to describe someone who has hearing loss that does not associate with the Deaf Community. Usually, a hearing person who has become deaf later on.

Sign language is not a worldwide language. There are different types of language within sign language. ASL is for American and Canada. BSL is for Britain. So if you’re writing a story that takes place in a country that is not America or Canada, do not say ASL.

ASL does not = English. Same for every other language. ASL is its own language with grammar rules and semantics. It does not directly translate to English. So if you’re writing ASL most likely write in GLOSS or write it as you would write a hearing character. (Sentance: I want to go to the mall and buy a dress. GLOSS: I WANT WANT GO TO MALL I. ME BUY DRESS ME )

Deafness is on a spectrum. There is a legal threshold that someone must pass to be considered legally Deaf. Some Deaf people can hear more than others. I can hear high pitched noises sometimes. I know someone who can hear voices but can not hear what they are saying. Both of us are Deaf and we both cross that threshold. So when writing your Deaf!Character make sure to set a bar of what they can and can not hear.

Hearing Aids do not cure anyone’s deafness. It only helps hear some sounds and maybe hear if people are talking. Not what they are saying although it can help with that depending on how far they are on the Deaf scale.

Cochlear Implants are very controversial in the Deaf Community so if you’re going to write about them do your research!!! They are also not a cure for Deafness, just an aid.

Deaf people are not masters at lipreading! Even the best lip readers can only make sense of 30% of what is being said. I’ve been lip reading for years and I still only understand a little bit of what is being said. So no, your character is not going to miraculously know what’s going on from lip reading.

DO NOT have your characters yell at your Deaf characters. DOES NOT MATTER HOW LOUD YOU ARE! We can not hear you. Neither can your character. Have your other hearing characters speak normally. That’s the best way to lip read if they must.

Most Deaf people are born from hearing parents. It’s really rare for a whole entire family to be Deaf (Although I’ve met some and it’s super cool). But your character is probably born to hearing parents.

ALSO, the majority of hearing families with Deaf children do NOT learn ASL. It sucks but it’s true. Only about 30-40% of families learn sign for their Deaf family members. So keep it in mind,

So this is my list for now! I may add to it the more I think about things but this is basics I think everyone should know. If I forgot some then feel free to add! (as long as you are knowledgeable about the topic please). If you have questions please message me! Or if you need someone to proofread your Deaf!Imagines then I almost here for that. So happy writings everyone!

ILY

FACE MASKS with

Characters: Sugawara

Anime: Haikyuu

Genre: fluff

Warnings: Cuteness?? stressful day, cursing

AN: I'm wearing a heating face masks, and I wish I had someone else to experience it along side. But my dogs and cats are with me though.

my love

I wish he was real

But at last, he is an animated character

But one night, after a very stressful week, and an even more tiring day

Your feet hurt, from walking around all day, and being told to go here and there.

And the paper cuts?

"Honey! Guess what... Bad day?"

You just groan in response too Sugawara question

It was hell on earth

And here was your ray of sunshine, with something behind his back

"I got something, that I know you'll like very much. But first dinner"

He told you, holding out a hand towards you, you took it firmly and having him drag you away.

"I made your favorite"

And he did, along with dessert, it was like he had a crystal ball or the all seeing eye

"Go take a shower, and then I'll set it all up"

With a KISS TO YOUR HEAD

HE WALKED BY

ALMOST FUCKING BUSTED OUT IN TEARS

God why was he so sweet

Like ... The sweetest treat, ever in life was him

And he was yours

After a 30 minute shower

You stepped out, wrapping the fuzzy and soft rob around your figure

It being warm after Sugawara had popped it in the dryer for a bit

"Hey, here are your slippers, now come with me."

He had lit the room with candles, a tray of fruit (peaches, and oranges) sat on the stand by the bed

And a pair of masks

One a self heating and another a hydrating

Tears

Just INSTANT TEARS

"Oh my god, sweet, I'm sorry, if -"

"THIS IS SO FUCKING SWEET AND CONSIDERATE!"

Grabbing him in an embrace, he was shocked at first

But quickly regained his composer, wrapping his arms around you

"Hey, I know you'd do the same for me, you have done the same for me"

😭😍😍😍😍😭😭😭💓💓💓💓

JUST GOD

(I WANT ME A SUGAWARA)

Okay back to it

"okay, let's try these out"

And so you sat at the end of the bed

Softly chewing on some oranges

"wow"

The instant heat from the cream caught you off guard

Cuz like... Who knew it would be instant

"Does it feel weird?" Sugawara was nervous about this one, he wasn't sure how it worked or if you'd break out from it since your skin was super sensitive

"No it's fine, it's kind of relaxing. But please continue"

After finishing your mask, you helped him with the sheet mask

And set a timer for 20 minutes

"I made a playlist for when we do masks"

DONT YOU TEAR UP BITCH

"Alexa can you please play Relaxation and dim the lights"

You both passed out, holding hands while the soft music played in the background

He was the one to startle away first, the mask practically dry on his face and yours still somewhat dewy

"Babe, hey wake up, let me help.you"

He gently pulled you up, waking you to the bathroom and rinsing your face off

Soft sleepy giggles heard from the bathroom

It was awkward and kind of difficult, but the thought was nice

"Okay, now teeth"

He brushed your teeth

Cuz you were half asleep and still trying to keep it

Plus seeing Sugawara face so close up and just appreciating his presence and his acts of kindness was just

WWWOOOOOOOOOO

MY HWART

YOUR HEART

THE SOFT SMILE THAT WOULD BE ON HIS FACE

HIS KIND EYES

SKIN LOOKIN POPPIN AND SOFT

Fuck

I love him

YOU LOVE HIM

"Okay, come on googly eyes, let's go too bed "

A light blush creeps on your cheeks

And he tucks you into bed

Legit

Tucks the covers in and kisses your forehead, turning off the lights and watches as you smile an eyes close

He comes back a little later, tucks himself in and automatically feels your arms wrap around him

"Thank you"

"No problem"

CHAPTER 3 OF NAIVE AND GULLIBLE

Has been finally posted.

You can read the other parts here

Let me know if anyone wants to be added to part four. I am not sure when it'll get updated. But do let me know.

JUJUTSU KAISEN VOLUME 0 (Spoiler gifs for anyone that hasn't seen the second trailer)

I really can't wait for this to come out on Christmas Eve! I really am looking forward to seeing more of Geto, and how Gojo always finds the troubled almost ready for execution kids.

(GIFS ARE MY OWN, IF USED GIVE CREDIT!!)

I'll be adding more through the day!

Laura K Linke

To the individual that had requested a match up for Inuyasha. I put your post on private but now I can't find it 😭😢

I'm not sure if it got deleted by accident, since I can't find it at all. If you could resend it in. I'll do it first thing once I get off work!

Again I'm sorry! 😭 It just went poof gone.