Deaf in American Samoa

Introduction / History

In many situations Deaf people are viewed as disability groups, but a more accurate approach is to consider them as a distinct people groups. They have their own unique languages and culture. Unlike most people groups, Deaf people can be found in every country in the world and often blend in with the broader community around them. That is true of American Somoa.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There are many common experiences shared by Deaf people around the world that contribute to Deaf culture. Since most Deaf people are born to hearing parents, and very few of those parents learn to sign, many Deaf people are isolated from their family and the broader community. Instead of acquiring language from their parents, many acquire language from other Deaf in the community or from a Deaf school. There are many common experiences shared by Deaf people around the world that contribute to Deaf culture. Since most Deaf people are born to hearing parents, and very few of those parents learn to sign, many Deaf people are isolated from their family and the broader community. Instead of acquiring language from their parents, many acquire language from other Deaf in the community or from a Deaf school. Decisions are made for the Deaf without Deaf input; education may be provided only in the spoken language without interpreting.

While many Deaf people in American Somoa have some degree of bilingualism, for most of them it is impossible to fully learn a spoken language which they cannot hear. That illustrates why sign language is so important.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Like the majority of the people in American Somoa s, the Deaf are Christian. However, given their limits of communicating the gospel, they probably don t entirely understand it. For example, they might attend church services and only understand rituals.

What Are Their Needs?

Relatively little Bible translation work has been done in sign languages and interpreted church services provide only the most basic of access to the Deaf community. Just like spoken languages, sign languages are not universal and vary widely from country to country and often even within a county. For Deaf people to have full access to scripture, they need both Bible translation in their heart language and services in sign language.

Prayer Points

Pray for some from American Somoa s Deaf community to be thrust out as missionaries to others.
Pray for many to be discipled to make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project