www.postersession.com

summary diagram copy

This research began as an inquiry into a critically endangered language—the old sign language formerly used by Deaf people in Hawai‘i, now officially known as Hawai‘i Sign Language (HSL). HSL was the indigenous sign language before American Sign Language (ASL) became dominant. The research espouses the radical premise of modern linguistics: the equality of all languages.1 Power, class, and social status of the users determines the status of languages.2 Processes of colonization, and other types of political, economic or social subordination often involve the imposition of a foreign language at the expense of an indigenous one. Perceptions are distorted on the respective value of languages.3 Small languages are seen as primitive and not worth keeping;4 minority-language users’ loyalty to their language is gradually undermined.5   Included in the first premise on the equality of languages, is a second premise: that natural sign languages are inherently equal to spoken languages. Since 1960, William Stokoe’s work proved that ASL was, by all linguistic criteria, a real and mature language.6 Sign languages are visual-gestural languages, while spoken languages are auditory-vocal languages.7   There are two levels of justification for preserving endangered languages. There is the straightforward rationale of justice and minority rights. It is also the importance for all humanity of keeping a hyper-diverse linguistic heritage. There are diverse worldviews and vast reserves of knowledge and wisdom embedded in endangered languages, the loss of which leaves all of us impoverished.8   Inevitably, the history of Hawai‘i Sign Language is the history of its users. Because it has no written form, sign language requires video documentation. In the absence of such technology, there was little documented history from Deaf people’s perspective. With limited access to spoken or written languages—Hawaiian, Pidgin or English-- it was very infrequent that Deaf people left any written record. Hearing people wrote about Deaf people, but Deaf people had little access to those writings. For all of these reasons, what was “known” about Hawai‘i Deaf people and their language lacked an evidence base.   There was an “oral history” that included misconceptions, such as 1) that Hawaiians in the past practiced infanticide on Deaf babies; 2) that language-less Deaf people (1800s) were incarcerated in the insane asylum due to their ranting; and 3) that a version of the 2-handed British Sign Language (BSL) alphabet was part of HSL. This “oral history” was plausible because there was no alternative knowledge. This research aims to tell the true history of Hawaii Deaf people and their language, and counter the idea that HSL is inferior to ASL.

Conclusions

A New Narrative: the History of Hawai‘i Deaf People and Hawai‘i Sign Language

Barbara Earth, Ph.D. Affiliated with the Center on Disability Studies, University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa

The research was supported by the Endangered Languages Documentation Programme Grant MDP0278, “Documentation of Hawai‘i Sign Language: Building the Foundation for Documentation, Conservation and Revitalization of Pacific Island Sign Languages” funded by ELDP, SOAS, University of London (administered by the Linguistics Department, University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa) and by Sign Language Research Inc. Prof. James Woodward, Director.

Summary: Historical information on Hawai‘i Deaf People and Hawai‘i Sign Language (HSL).

References

The Hawaiian government was interested in manual philosophy Deaf education.

Late 1800s-early 1900s. English language newspapers reported news of Deaf people

1914—American government established the School for Defectives, later called the Territorial School for the Deaf and Blind

1939--Visit of American priest; Father Mac’s Deaf Club

1940s-- ASL powerful influences

Contradicting “oral history,” Hawaiian times may have been the most inclusive period for Deaf people and most supportive of their sign language. Hawaiian signs date from at least the early 1800s. Hawaiian leaders took note of Deaf people and favored sign language in Deaf education.   In the late 1800s and early 1900s, there was a Deaf community and an expanding sign language. Deaf people appeared in court. There is no evidence that Deaf people were sent to the insane asylum.   The American regime did not accept Deaf people or their language as they were, but aimed to change them. At the School for Defectives, the name of the school itself labeled children as lacking. Its oral philosophy stunted Deaf children’s intellectual and personal development.   Father Mac’s Deaf Club from 1939 to 1948 was a high point for Hawai‘i Sign Language. The Club adopted the ASL alphabet brought by the priest but kept their Hawai‘i signs. For the first time, they could fingerspell. The two-handed alphabet was not part of HSL; it became popular in the 1940s.   From 1939, children at the Deaf school were exposed to ASL. With ASL established as their first language, HSL would slowly die out as its users passed on.

  The process of American take-over of Hawai‘i meant that white Americans were regarded as superior to the local people. Smart, modern people used ASL while HSL was “low,” old-fashioned. HSL signers had to adapt to changing times and learn the dominant language. ASL gradually became the new normal as HSL became a curiosity from the past.

Introduction Results

Main Findings Linguistic evidence proves that Deaf people have been present in the islands since the period of earliest human settlement. The word for “deaf” remained similar over thousands of years of migrations; it means that Deaf people were always there.

Next Step

Methods A search for secondary sources found information from several museums and archives, news articles from English language and Hawaiian language newspapers, and academic research studies. Primary sources included interviews and discussions with local key informants, linguists, and over thirty Hawai‘i Deaf senior citizens. Facts from these sources are presented to tell the story of Hawai‘i Deaf people and Hawai‘i Sign Language across Hawai‘i’s historical periods, up to the 1950s.

1821--Signs used by a Native Deaf man were described by Hiram Bingham in a letter to T.H. Gallaudet. This is proof that Hawaiian Deaf people used signs. Bingham noted that hearing people also used signs and gestures.

The Hawaiian government recognized Deaf people.

Revitalize Hawai‘i Sign Language HSL’s style of joking, teasing, and insulting each other could have strengthened camaraderie and maintained cohesion.

References 1 Ross Perlin, “Radical Linguistics in an Age of Extinction” Dissent, Summer, 2014. www.dissentmagazine.org/article/radical-linguistics-in-an-age-of-extinction 2 Perlin, 2014. www.dissentmagazine.org/article/radical-linguistics-in-an-age-of-extinction 3 Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights Follow-up Committee, April, 1998. www.linguistic-declaration.org/versions/angles.pdf p. 22 4 Perlin, 2014. www.dissentmagazine.org/article/radical-linguistics-in-an-age-of-extinction 5 Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights Follow-up Committee, April, 1998. www.linguistic-declaration.org/versions/angles.pdf p. 22 6 Obituary. William C. Stokoe, Jr. www.angelfire.com/ut/stelok/stokoe2.html 7 Markku Jokinen, ”What Is Sign Language, Linguistic Rights in the UN Recommendations and Conventions, and the Status of Sign Languages in the UN Member States.” World Federation of the Deaf, no date. www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.un.org%2Fesa%2Fsocdev%2Fenable%2Frights% 2Fahc5docs%2Fahc5wfdside.ppt&ei=_pSdVKbcMpCyyATdgoCYAw&usg=AFQjCNEKBJKJMbQP7SMotvTZoHcLXxVrIQ&sig2=NZ8fIQjKXgaKu7zPX1tiZQ&bvm= bv.82001339,d.aWw 8 Perlin, 2014. www.dissentmagazine.org/article/radical-linguistics-in-an-age-of-extinction 9 Margaret L. Catton, Social Service in Hawaii. (Palo Alto, CA: Pacific Books 1959) 288. 10 signs/gestures/expressions/Pidgin words from the plantation camps; likely Okinawan or Japanese signs. Personal communication, Darlene Ewan, April, 2013; Personal communication, Betty Tatsuta, June 30, 2014. 11 Kauai in the past had its own sign language that was made extinct by HSL. Personal communication, Pollai Parsons, age 90, April 3, 2014. 12 Personal communication, Betty Tatsuta, June 30, 2014, December 2, 2014, and September 13, 2014. 13 According to elders’ recollections. 14 Brij Lal and Kate Fortune (Eds.), The Pacific Islands: an encyclopedia (Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press, 2000) 55. Personal communication, Albert Schūtz (based on the Pukui-Elbert dictionary and a work by Bruce Biggs) April 27, 2013. Blust’s Austronesian Comparative Dictionary. http://trussel2.com/ACD/acd-ak_d.htm#deaf 15 Hiram Bingham, letter to Rev. Thomas H. Gallaudet, Principal of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, Hartford, Conn. (Written at Sandwich Island Woahu February 23, 1821). 16 Census Table of the Hawaiian Islands for 1853. Source: Hawai‘i State Archives. 17 The Pacific commercial advertiser, (October 13, 1866): Image 3. 18 Huakai ma Kaleponi. Helu 10 29 Apelila 1875. Ka Lahui Hawaii. B1H18A1. 19 Ka Haiolelo a ka Hon. E. Helekunihi. 6 Iulai 1876 Ka Lahui Hawaii. B2H28A1. 20 Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Washington, D.C. Bureau with Ke Ali‘i Maka‘āinana Hawaiian Civic Club Ali`i Diplomatic Missions and other Business Travel to Washington, D.C. Phase 2 Research. (2009):16. http://www.oha.org/pdf/alii_mission2009.pdf Original source: “Deaf & Dumb Orators; Presentation Day at Kendall Green Honored by Queen’s Presence.” The Washington Post (Archives. May 5, 1887). 21 Curtis Piehu Iaukea and Lorna Watson, By Royal Command (Honolulu: Hui Hanai, 1988) 111-112). 22 Portuguese Hoodlums Hang Deaf Mute to Tree Branch. Pacific commercial advertiser, December 29, 1902, p. 5. 23 Mrs. Wharton Begins her Story. The Hawaiian Star, Thursday March 29, 1906, p.6. 24 “Deaf and Dumb boy has Disappeared,” Evening Bulletin, H.T. (August 2, 1902) p. torn off. 25 Eye Witness tells of Accident Yesterday Forenoon. Evening Bulletin. Territory of Hawaii, Tuesday September 29, 1903, p.1. 26 Local and General. Evening Bulletin: Honolulu, H.I., October 20, 1898, p.5. 27 Local and General. Evening Bulletin: Honolulu, H.I., October 20, 1898, p.5. 28 “Motorman Exonerated; Old Native Killed by Car was to Blame,” Hawaiian Gazette, (Friday, October 2, 1903) 2. 29 “Local and General,” The Independent, (October 22, 1902) no page numbers. 30 The Hawaiian Star, (Monday, December 29, 1902) 4. 31“Local and General,” Honolulu Star-Bulletin, (Friday, November 19, 1915) 3. 32 “Deaf and Dumb Girl Testifies in U.S. Court,” Honolulu Star-Bulletin, (Thursday, January 7, 1915) 3. 33 “A Bungling Lot of Amateur Thieves,” The Hawaiian Star, Monday, (December 21, 1903) 5. 34 Evening Bulletin, Honolulu, T. H. (March 10, 1904) 8. 35 “Deaf Mute Clue,” The Hawaiian Star, (Friday, September 8, 1905) 7. 36 “Deaf and Dumb Culprit,” The Evening Bulletin, Honolulu H. I. (Monday. April 9, 1900) 6. 37 “Was Deaf and Dumb,” The Evening Bulletin. Honolulu, H. I. (May 4, 1898) 8. 38 “Wanted to Stab his Old Mother,” The Hawaiian Star, Honolulu, H.T. (February 9, 1903) 1. 39 “Authorities are in a Quandary,” The Hawaiian Star, (Friday, September 8, 1905) 5. 40 “Local and General,” Evening Bulletin: Honolulu, H.I. (October 20, 1898) 5. 41 “Nigel Jackson Denies that he was Connected with the Friel Fire,” Evening Bulletin, Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii, (Friday, October 31, 1902) 1. 42 “Was Deaf and Dumb but Had a Good Sight,” Evening Bulletin, Honolulu, T. H. (March 25, 1904) 5. 43 “English, Hawaiian and Sign Languages Necessary in Trial,” Honolulu Star-Bulletin, (Friday, January 14, 1916) 6. 44 “A China Shower,” Evening Bulletin, Honolulu, H.T. (December 9, 1911) 21. 45 C. Steere, Women’s Cooperative League. Early History. Typewritten 2 pages. (April 29, 1926). Photo from Overland Monthly vol. 32, 1898, p. 469. 46 “Hawaii’s Public Schools,” Being the Biennial Report of the Department of Public Instruction, Territory of Hawaii, 1921-1922. (Honolulu: The Advertiser Publishing Co. 1923) 89 47 “Report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to the Governor of the Territory of Hawaii for the Biennium ending December 31st, 1914,” (Honolulu: The Hawaiian Gazette Co. Ltd. 1915) 35. 48 “Report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to the Governor of the Territory of Hawaii for the Biennium Ending December 31st, 1920,” (Honolulu: The New Freedom Press 1921) 25. 49 “Hawaii’s Public Schools,” Being the Biennial Report of the Department of Public Instruction, Territory of Hawaii, 1921-1922. (Honolulu: The Advertiser Publishing Co. 1923) 89. 50 “Department of Public Instruction, Territory of Hawaii, Biennial Report to the Governor and Legislature,” (Biennium ending December 31, 1924) 72. 51 He Helps the Deaf: Priest Leads Deaf Persons in Silent Sunday Gabfests. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, August 11, 1939, p. 1. 52 “Fingers Busy at Meetings of Deaf Club,” Honolulu Star-Bulletin, (May 8 1940) 1. 53 Nuns’ diary, June 28, 1939. Source: Maryknoll Archives. 54 Waikiki Waves, October 20, 1939. 55 Elliot Hellman, The Question of Hawaiian Sign Language: Pidgin, Creole, or Dialect? Unpublished paper (circa 1985) 3. 56 Obituary. Alden Ravn, September 10, 2009, Williamson Funeral Home, Jacksonville, Ill. http://www.airsman-hires.com/obituaries/viewobit.php?oid=3447 57 Personal communication, Betty Tatsuta, October 23, 2014. Discussions, Julian Hipolito (Nov. 1,2014), Norman Galapin (Nov. 25, 2014), Riyuji Takenaka (Nov. 29, 2014). 58 Patty Sakal, interview, August 12, 2012. 59 Personal communication, Wanda Andrew, November, 25, 2014. 60 Personal communication, Betty Tatsuta, July 2, 2014. 61 Personal communication, Betty Tatsuta, June 30, Sept. 13 and Dec. 2, 2014.