Locating deaf people, gesture and sign in African histories, 1450s-1950s

Author:
MILES M.
Journal article citation:
Disability and Society, 19(5), August 2004, pp.531-545.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis

Construction of valued identities and evidence-based cultural histories is not easy for deaf or disabled people across Africa. This paper locates some deaf people, gesture and formal Sign Language in African histories, to illustrate possible sources and encourage local, national and pan-African compilation of materials. Documentary evidence of deaf individuals or groups is indicated from 25 nations, sourced in travellers' accounts, legal and genealogical records, government reports, institutional and missionary archives, linguistic studies, folklore, novels, religious narrative, mime and dance. Interpretations and uses of the materials remain for deaf people in Africa to decide according to their own various interests and objectives.

Subject terms:
physical disabilities, social work history, African people, communication, deafness;
Location(s):
Africa
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1360-0508
ISSN print:
0968-7599

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