Dr. Ben Bahan, Chair of ASL & Deaf Studies Department, Gallaudet University
"Reframing D-E-A-F"

Dr. MJ Bienvenu, ASL & Deaf Studies Department, Gallaudet University
"Framing as a Tool"

Dr. Ben Bahan's presentation briefly re-visited the four letter word,"D-E-A-F" and discussed whether or not it is possible to reframe the word with all of its baggage. Alternatives for the written and signed word were explored during his presentation; group was reminded of George Lakoff's discussion about positive associations (Don't Think of an Elephant).

Dr. MJ Bienvenu discussed the concept of framing as a tool. Presenting several points from George Lakoff's "Don't Think of an Elephant," Dr. Bienvenu gave several examples that made it possible for the group to connect the concept of framing specifically to the word "deaf." One particularly relevant example had to do with using the sign deaf on other parts of the body (i.e. the nose) to denote lack, loss (i.e. I can't smell, I have a deaf nose).

Dr. Joseph Murray, ASL & Deaf Studies Department, Gallaudet University
"Deaf Gain"

Dr. Joseph Murray discussed the "white space" which opens up if we slough off the framework of normalcy which has commandeered perceptions of Deaf people to date. Changing our point of view from "hearing loss" to "deaf gain," Dr. Murray gave an overview of the cognitive, creative, and cultural diversity of Deaf people which can be framed as a contribution to humanity.

Dr. Dirksen Bauman's presentation explored the roots of the frame that has defined the meanings of “D-E-A-F” within Western philosophical tradition—that is, phonocentrism, the orientation that privileges spoken language and phonetic writing over all other forms of human communication (Derrida, 1974), as ‘hearing-oneself-speak’ provides a sense of full human presence. This orientation then became manifested in the 19th century "marriage" of the disciplines of medicine and education and the subsequent impact of that relationship on deaf communities today, a time when we are witnessing the rapid contraction of early exposure to sign languages.