Deaf in Niger

Introduction / History

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 is true in Niger just like anywhere else.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In many situations Deaf people are viewed as disability groups, but a more accurate approach is to consider them as a distinct people groups. In Niger they are misunderstood to the point where Deaf means “that person does not understand.”

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 family 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; laws are established forbidding Deaf people to marry; education may be provided only in the spoken language without interpreting. All of these common experiences serve to unite Deaf people across cultural and political lines.

While many Deaf people have some degree of bilingualism, for most of them it is impossible to fully learn a spoken language which they cannot hear. It is becoming more common around the world for Deaf people to learn more than one sign language.

What Are Their Beliefs?

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 country. For Deaf people to have full access to scripture, they need both Bible translation in their heart language and services in sign language.

The IMB (Southern Baptist organization) sent individuals to reach out to the Deaf in Niger in the early 2000s. It will take a consistent team of people to share the hope of Christ with them.

What Are Their Needs?

Pray for a team of loving workers to stay with Niger’s Deaf until they have strong fellowships.

Pray for Deaf Christians to be Christ’s ambassadors to the Deaf in West Africa.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to heal certain Deaf people in Niger as a testimony of God’s power and love.

Text Source:   Joshua Project