Deaf in Iran

Deaf
Photo Source:  David Bennett 
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People Name: Deaf
Country: Iran
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 446,000
World Population: 49,660,750
Primary Language: Iranian Sign Language
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 0.51 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Portions
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: No
People Cluster: Deaf
Affinity Bloc: Deaf
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Deaf people have their own culture and customs that differ from the hearing culture of their families because of the shared language with other Deaf people. However, Thai hearing culture has influenced Iranian Deaf culture and there are many similarities.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Deaf teenagers and children in Iran are well educated. Deaf students can go to college. All schools only use oral (audio) methods of teaching. There are a few hundred schools for the Deaf in Iran.
There is a National Deaf Day once a year in Iran. Persian Sign Language is mainly used but there is a second main language used and that is called Teahouse Sign Language. There is much cued speech which helps with the problems of lip reading by making sounds of the language clearly noticeable.
In Iran there are several organizations for the Deaf including sports associations and government aided ones. Sign language is used for the news on television.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Iranians are Shia Muslims including the Deaf population.

What Are Their Needs?

The Deaf in Iran need people to help them overcome their disability. It will take much effort to make sure they can reach their God-given potential.

Prayer Points

Pray that God gives the Deaf in Iran dreams and visions leading them to salvation.
Pray that they realize Jesus Christ loves them and devote their lives to the savior.
Pray for efforts to include the Deaf, so they can live productive and meaningful lives.

Text Source:   Joshua Project