The Silent Speakers: A Cursed Deaf Tribe

Estimated read time 2 min read

In the small Balinese village of Bengkala, 80 percent of the population speaks Kata Kolok, a local sign language used nowhere else on Earth for centuries

In the lush jungles of northern Bali, Indonesia, there exists a truly remarkable community nestled within Bengkala village. This village has gained renown for its exceptional form of sign language called Kata Kolok, which is exclusively used within this community and not found anywhere else in the world.

In the enchanting village of Bengkala in northern Bali, Indonesia, there exists an extraordinary population of individuals who are born deaf. According to the village elders, this phenomenon is attributed to a curse bestowed upon two ancient warriors who possessed mystical powers. As a result of their fierce battle, they inadvertently caused each other to become deaf. This captivating legend adds a fascinating dimension to the cultural fabric of Bengkala village, where the unique sign language known as Kata Kolok flourishes as a means of communication, found nowhere else on Earth.

Recent studies have actually shed some light on the root cause of the high percentage of deafness within the Bengkala community. It has been discovered that a recessive gene called DFNB3 is primarily responsible for this condition. These findings provide a scientific explanation for the prevalence of deafness in the village, offering a different perspective from the traditional belief in the curse of the ancient warriors.

You know what’s truly incredible about this community? The majority of the villagers have actually adapted to this unique lifestyle of being deaf. It’s amazing to see how they have developed their own ways of communication and have built a strong sense of community and understanding. They have shown remarkable resilience and creativity in navigating the world without relying on traditional spoken language. It’s truly inspiring to witness their strength and adaptability.

Isn’t it amazing? Both hearing children and deaf children in the community learn and use this special sign language together. It’s really cool to see how they all come together and communicate in a language that everyone can understand. It must create such a strong bond and sense of belonging among them. Learning and using sign language together is a beautiful way to promote inclusivity and understanding within the community.

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