ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that such research at least mirrors many of the factors posed by ethnography, and discusses many of the practical and ethical issues are directly linked to an understanding of the world and the way it works that is deeply influenced by deafness. It outlines some of the practical considerations and addresses when collecting data amongst sign language users, before moving on to consider what ethical issues can arise. The chapter suggests that the concept of oral testimony and oral history is not confined simply to spoken language, but can be equally applied to signed communication. However, one consequence of this is that the pressure on the researcher to ensure the accuracy of testimony presented in the findings is significantly increased. Signed testimony may not come from Deaf people's voices, but they speak with their hands instead and so what is signed is just as valid as the more traditional interpretation of oral testimony.
