Everyone Spoke Sign Language - The Chilmark Deaf Community

Everyone Spoke Sign Language - The Chilmark Deaf Community

*This lesson was developed by Martha’s Vineyard Museum Education and links to an external source.

Summary:
In this lesson, students consider how people communicate when they do not speak a common language. The Chilmark Deaf Community serves as a case study to engage with the wide variety of languages spoken on the Island (presently and in the past). From 1694 to 1952, Martha’s Vineyard - and specifically the towns of Chilmark and West Tisbury - had an unusually large population of people with hereditary deafness. As a result, the residents of the Island developed a local dialect of sign language, used by hearing and deaf people alike, allowing the Deaf community full and unbiased integration into Island society at large. Scientists and researchers studying the causes of deafness took great interest in Martha’s Vineyard because of deafness’ prevalence there.

This entry links to the resources that are owned by the creators and listed here for easier access within our database of lessons and resources.

Our notes when teaching this lesson:

There are 2 books that would complement this lesson well.

For students, Ann Clare LeZotte has a 3 book series. Show Me a Sign, Set Me Free, and Sail Me Away Home.

For adults, Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language: Hereditary Deafness on Martha’s Vineyard by Nora Grace.

Subject and topic: 

Social Studies, History and Civics, English Language Arts, Deaf History, Geography

Grade level:

4th - 6th grades

Duration: 

This lesson could be adapted to be summarized in one class or spread over as many as 5.

Links to download lessons:

Download the lesson plan: Everyone Spoke Sign Language - The Chillmark Deaf Community PDF