Deaf in Yemen

Introduction / History

Taken as a whole, worldwide deaf communities would comprise one of the largest unreached groups in the world. Unlike most people groups, deaf people can be found in every country and often blend in with the broader communities surrounding them.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Deaf people have unique languages and cultures. However, many deaf people come from the broader community, sometimes receiving only support from their immediate family members. Instead of acquiring language from their parents, many deaf individuals acquire language from other deaf members of their community or from a deaf school if either group exists in close proximity.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Yemen is largely a Muslim nation, so they are exposed to Islam. However, with their unique communications needs, few understand their faith. Very few have heard about the saving blood of Jesus Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

Oppression by the hearing community became commonplace, as the deaf were not consulted or advocated for, as individuals were refused proper interpretation. Laws were even in place that hindered the deaf from marrying. Although still experiencing these limitations, deaf people have now united across cultural and political lines for their rights to be respected.

While many Deaf people have developed some degree of bilingualism, it remains impossible for most deaf individuals to learn a spoken language that they could not hear fully.

Prayer Points

How will they respond to a gospel, given their circumstances? The deaf individuals in Yemen live in a Muslim country.

Text Source:   Joshua Project