Goals
Dialogue in silence is not an installation simulating deafness. Dialogue in Silence is a platform where hearing and non hearing people meet to show their readiness to think about social clichés and overcome prejudices.
Within the concept of Dialogue in Silence, the visitors can immerse themselves into the silent world of deaf people, daring to enter a new and unknown reality.
The following points can be brought across to hearing visitors:- A better understanding about different means of communication
- Stimulating an imaginative way of turning thoughts into nonverbal signals
- Stimulating a more accurate visual perception
- Raising interest in the situation of deaf people
- Demonstration of sign language as a complete language in its own right
- Breaking down mental and social barriers
By being involved in the project, the deaf co-workers also receive valuable feedback, for here they are no longer in the position of “handicapped people”, but within the exhibition they are in fact at an advantage compared to the hearing visitors. Thus, the labels “handicapped” and “non handicapped” are actually reversed. For the deaf employees this has the following effects:
- A job opportunity for the unemployed and contacts with employers
- Experiencing oneself within a positive context
- Improved self-esteem
- A better understanding when dealing with hearing people
- An opportunity to learn new social skills
- An opportunity to gain key qualifications