This work provides an update of the definitions of and the debates on the subject of deafness. Its aim is to better understand the world of the deaf through the study of social representations, scientific works and the personal experiences of the deaf. In particular it provides some replies to the following questions: is deafness a handicap like any other? To what extent do the deaf make up a linguistic and cultural community ?
Diane Bedoin is a qualified teacher of economics and social sciences, and assistant professor of educational sciences at the University of Rouen / ESPE of the Académie de Rouen, member of the Cirnef laboratory (Norman interdisciplinary education and training research center). Her work and publications center on the sociology of handicap with a particular focus on the context of deafness and sign language.