Deaf in Cyprus

Introduction / History

In many situations, Deaf people are viewed as disability groups, but a more accurate approach is to consider them as distinct people groups. They have their own unique languages and culture.

Unlike most people groups, Deaf people can be found in every country in the world and often blend in with the broader community around them. That includes the Deaf in Cyprus.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There are many common experiences shared by Deaf people around the world that contribute to Deaf culture. Since most Deaf people are born to hearing parents, and very few of those parents learn to sign, many Deaf people are isolated from their families and the broader community. Instead of acquiring language from their parents, many acquire language from other Deaf in the community or from a Deaf school. Oppression by the hearing community is also commonplace; decisions are made for the Deaf without Deaf input. All of these common experiences serve to unite Deaf people across cultural and political lines.

Cypriot Sign Language is the sign language they use in Cyprus. This country also has Deaf clubs for the Deaf to meet each other, engage in sporting events, etc.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Many people in Cyprus are either secularized or marginally Christian. Because of the communication barriers, the Deaf seldom fully understand the gospel.

What Are Their Needs?

While many Deaf people have some degree of bilingualism, for most of them, it is impossible to fully learn a spoken language that they cannot hear. Because of lack of access to the spoken language, many Deaf people have a difficult time participating in church services and activities; relatively little Bible translation work has been done in sign languages and interpreted church services provide only the most basic of access to the Deaf community. Just like spoken languages, sign languages are not universal and vary widely from country to country and often even within a county. For Deaf people to have full access to scripture, they need both Bible translation in their heart language and services in sign language.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to get ahold of the hearts of Deaf people in Cyprus and use them to disciple other Deaf people.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to find a way around the communication challenges for the Deaf in Cyprus.
Pray for the Deaf in Cyprus to have dreams and visions of Christ, leading them to the cross.

Text Source:   Joshua Project