NPR's Book of the Day In his memoir, poet Raymond Antrobus writes of ‘deaf gain’ instead of hearing loss
Sep 1, 2025
Raymond Antrobus, a visionary poet and author of The Quiet Ear, invites listeners into his world as a deaf individual. He discusses the concept of 'deaf gain,' turning conventional perceptions of deafness on their head. With nostalgic tales of his father's DJ sets blending patois and poetry, he emphasizes the joy of language. Antrobus also reflects on navigating life across deaf and hearing communities, the importance of identity within the creative deaf community, and the profound impact of past deaf poets on his artistry.
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Discovery Of Deafness As A Child
- Raymond learned he was deaf at age six when a loud telephone ringing alerted everyone but him.
- That discovery reframed his childhood struggles with conversations, school, and assumptions about his abilities.
Finding Identity Through Community
- Raymond felt 'in-betweenness' growing up without a cultural map for deafness until he found a creative deaf community in London.
- He credits meeting deaf actors, dancers, and poets with helping him form a coherent identity.
BSL's Long, Distinct History
- British Sign Language (BSL) differs from American Sign Language and has indigenous roots going back over 500 years.
- Raymond emphasizes that sign languages have distinct histories and cultural lineages.
