A Consideration of Voice Culture: from the Perspective of the Deaf and Stammerers
ABSTRACT:
For many people, "voice" is an indispensable tool for communication. When we use our voices, there are certain norms we follow: desirable pronunciation, appropriate volume, and so forth. Voices deviating from such norms tend to be seen as "abnormal." In other words, there exists what we may term a "Voice Culture".
On the other hand, some people live in alternative cultures. For example, the Deaf have "Deaf Culture" and their own norms in terms of their use of sign language. Facial expression and eye direction function in the same way as the grammar of spoken language and intonation of voice. The self-help group of stammerers has also built a counter culture against "voice" norms.
This session aims to reconsider this norm from the perspective of the Deaf and stammerers. The presentation by a deaf panelist in sign language and the representation of stammerers and the deaf in movies and television dramas will make the audience rethink "what is voice?"