Everyone here speaks TXT: deaf people using SMS in Australia and the rest of the world.
This article examines the extent to which Short Message Service (SMS) messages are breaking down communication barriers among deaf people and between deaf and hearing people. It is predicted that deaf texters will use SMS to increase the bonds between themselves in deaf communities, creating new opportunities to develop relationships, understanding, and intimacy with those not physically present. The most exciting question raised by this article is whether those kinds of relationships, understanding, and intimacy will develop to the same extent with hearing colleagues, friends, and intimates.
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bond University, Robina, Queensland, Australia. mpower@staff.bond.edu.au
Mary R
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D001208:Asia; D001315:Australia; D003142:Communication; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards; D012048:Correction of Hearing Impairment / Q000379:methods*; D003638:Deafness / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D009633:Nonverbal Communication; D014481:United States