A VIDA EM LIBRAS – HISTÓRIA DO SURDO (TV INES)

Summary

This video script traces the history of the Deaf community, highlighting their struggles and triumphs throughout the centuries. From ancient Egypt, where Deaf individuals were revered, to Greece and Rome, where they faced severe discrimination, the script reveals the long and often brutal journey to recognition. It explores the rise of sign language, starting with early pioneers like Pedro Ponce de Leon and Charles Michel de l'Épée, who challenged the notion that Deaf individuals lacked language. The script also covers the impact of key events like the 1880 Milan Conference and modern legal victories that helped elevate sign language as an official language in Brazil.

Takeaways

• 😀 Deaf individuals have existed throughout history, but their social status and treatment have evolved significantly over time.
• 😀 In ancient Egypt, deaf people were revered as mediators between the gods and the pharaohs.
• 😀 In contrast, in ancient China and Greece, deaf individuals were cruelly treated, and Aristotle wrongly believed that deaf people were not fully human due to their inability to speak.
• 😀 The term 'deaf-mute' was once commonly used, but it is now rejected by the deaf community as it misrepresents their capabilities.
• 😀 During the Roman Empire, deaf individuals were often considered mentally deficient and were deprived of basic legal rights.
• 😀 In the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church persecuted deaf individuals, claiming their souls couldn't be saved because they couldn’t speak.
• 😀 The 16th century marked a turning point, with noble families supporting the education of their deaf children, leading to the first attempts at formal education for the deaf.
• 😀 Pedro Ponce de León, the Spanish monk, is credited as the first teacher of the deaf, focusing on oralism and the development of written language.
• 😀 Charles Michel de l'Épée, a French priest, is considered a major figure in the history of deaf education, recognizing sign language as a legitimate form of communication.
• 😀 The creation of the first deaf education institute by l'Épée in the 18th century paved the way for future advancements in deaf education, including the development of sign language.
• 😀 In the 19th century, Thomas Gallaudet brought sign language to the U.S. and co-founded the first American school for the deaf, solidifying the use of American Sign Language (ASL).
• 😀 In Brazil, the first national institution for the education of the deaf was founded in the 19th century, and despite setbacks like the Milan Conference of 1880, the recognition of sign language gained ground in the 21st century.
• 😀 Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) was officially recognized as the second official language of Brazil in 2002, marking a significant milestone in the rights and education of the deaf community.

Q & A

What is the significance of the history of deaf people mentioned in the transcript?

The history of deaf people highlights their long struggle for recognition and rights. The script emphasizes how they were historically mistreated and misunderstood, and how their language and rights have been progressively acknowledged over time.

What role did ancient Egypt play in the history of the deaf community?

In ancient Egypt, deaf people were considered mediators between the gods and the pharaohs, which suggests that they were revered and held a special role in society.

How were deaf individuals treated in ancient Greece and China?

In ancient Greece, philosophers like Aristotle believed that deaf people were not truly human because they lacked oral language, leading to societal exclusion. In China, deaf individuals were sometimes sacrificed, highlighting the cruel treatment they faced.

Why did Aristotle believe that deaf individuals were not considered human?

Aristotle believed that language was what made humans human. Since deaf people did not speak orally, he thought they lacked language and, by his logic, could not be considered fully human.

What is the origin of the term 'deaf-mute' and why is it rejected by the deaf community?

The term 'deaf-mute' originated from misconceptions about deaf people, particularly the belief that they could not communicate. It is rejected by the deaf community because it incorrectly assumes that deaf people are incapable of communication, which is not true.

How were deaf individuals treated during the Middle Ages?

During the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church persecuted deaf people, claiming that their souls were not immortal because they could not verbally recite the sacraments. They were even prohibited from marrying, and many were killed by their own families.

What marked a turning point in the treatment of deaf individuals during the Renaissance?

In the Renaissance, noble families with deaf members began to focus on providing education for their heirs, leading to the creation of opportunities for instruction. This period saw the rise of early educators like Pedro Ponce de León, who is considered the first teacher of deaf individuals.

Who was Pedro Ponce de León, and what was his contribution to deaf education?

Pedro Ponce de León was a Spanish monk who is considered the first teacher of the deaf. His methods focused on oralization, teaching reading, writing, and philosophy to deaf students.

What was the role of Abbé Charles-Michel de l'Épée in the history of sign language?

Abbé Charles-Michel de l'Épée, a French priest, is credited with recognizing that deaf people have their own language. He founded the first school for the deaf in Paris and is considered a key figure in the development of sign language as a legitimate form of communication.

What impact did the Milan Conference of 1880 have on the education of the deaf?

The Milan Conference of 1880 had a negative impact on deaf education. It resulted in the decision to prioritize oralism (teaching deaf individuals to speak and lip-read) over sign language, which led to a significant setback in the acceptance of sign languages as a valid means of communication.