Each country has its own culture and language amid the general population. When one steps back to view the Deaf Community within the boundaries of an individual country, one will find unique perspectives and language within those deaf communities. Before entering into a description of the Deaf in Mexico, let's dispel the myths surrounding deafness.
Myth #1 - Sign Language is universal.
Just as spoken languages carry diversity or complete differences from country to country, Sign Language is not a single language used by the Deaf across the world. Each country has a unique signed language. Some countries do have shared Signs, but most countries have a unique vocabulary and/or structure. For example: deaf individuals in America cannot systematically converse with Deaf individuals in England, the alphabets and vocabularies are completely different even though the base languages of the two countries are similar. Comparatively, Mexican Sign Language (LSM: Lenguaje de Seņas Mexicano) only shares about 15% of the vocabulary of American Sign Language (ASL).
Myth #2 - Deaf people are mute.
For many years the Deaf were referred to as Deaf Mutes, or even when looking back further into history as "Deaf and Dumb." The Deaf do have the ability to speak and are not mute. The difficulty of learning to reproduce spoken words correctly is significant hence many members of the Deaf Community choose not to pursue spoken communication. To compare, imagine painting a rainbow having never seen color. The ability to paint may be present but the understanding of the subject matter is difficult to grasp.
Myth #3 - Deaf people are unable to function in the same capacity as the Hearing.
Years ago we saw deafness as a debilitating condition. Today the Deaf are doctors, lawyers, managers, teachers, actors, beauty queens, and professionals in every trade. In many countries boundaries have been removed by technology, and cultures have grown to understand the great gifts the deaf have given our world.
Myth #4 - The Deaf are receiving the gospel worldwide.
The Deaf are statistically the third largest people group untouched by the gospel. Many individuals believe that the Deaf are being served around the world by missionaries and outreach groups; sadly that is not the case. Many cult groups are aggressively pursuing the Deaf worldwide, yet the Christian church often assumes needs met where none are. Whether in Mexico or the U.S. the Deaf often have no understanding of the gospel and no access to the truth.
The Deaf in Mexico
Deaf individuals in Mexico have a unique plight. Many countries and cultures are accepting of the Deaf, yet the Mexican culture has little understanding of, relationship with, or assistance to the Deaf. Vast numbers of Deaf individuals in Mexico are illiterate in Spanish, and incapable of using Signed forms of communication. The result of these challenges being numerous deaf Mexicans spend their days locked in their small homes, never interacting with other individuals or receiving education. Many deaf Mexicans are in their 30's 40's or 50's with no knowledge of even their name. Some cities have large and more aggressive schools for the deaf, yet these opportunities are infrequent and provided only in a few cities far from the reach of most individuals needing to attend.
Matamoros, the home of Con Mis Manos, has a typical experience with deafness. The city holds approximately 1000 deaf individuals. Of those only a few have language, and only one individual is known to be a practicing Christian. Conversely there are thought to be 600 deaf individuals currently attending the Jehovah Witnesses Kingdom Hall there in the city. The challenge Con Mis Manos faces is immense. The Deaf young and old need education, work, physical provisions, and undoubtedly the knowledge of Jesus. The process is long, but one Con Mis Manos willingly faces with great hope and determination to see God move through this city and reach these people.
For more information about the Deaf in Mexico, see our LINKS page.
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