sordos

Sordos is the plural masculine form of the Spanish adjective sordo, meaning “deaf.” When used as a noun, it can refer to people who have little or no hearing. The term derives from Latin surdus. In contemporary usage, many prefer person-first expressions such as “personas sordas” or “personas con sordera” to emphasize the person rather than the condition, and to avoid stigmatization.

Across the Spanish-speaking world, Deaf communities exist with their own cultures and languages. Sign languages, including Spanish Sign Language (LSE) and regional variants, play a central role in communication and social life. The terms “comunidad sorda” or “cultura sorda” denote these communities, which often advocate for accessibility, sign-language recognition, and inclusive education. Debates persist about educational approaches, including bilingual-bicultural models that treat sign languages as legitimate languages for Deaf students alongside spoken language.

Usage notes: outside academic or sociolinguistic contexts, “sordos” can be perceived as clinical or outdated if used to describe individuals without regard to personal or community preferences. When possible, it is preferable to use “personas sordas” or “personas con sordera,” or to refer to “la comunidad sorda” to reflect identity and community rather than a medical condition.