Dorothy Miles, affectionately known as “Dot,” was a towering figure in the Deaf community and the realm of poetry. She was a celebrated poet and a groundbreaking advocate for sign language and Deaf culture. Dorothy’s work as a poet, playwright, and activist has left an indelible mark on the world, particularly in how language is perceived and experienced by both Deaf and hearing audiences. Her life and career spanned decades, during which she developed new forms of expression that bridged the gap between the Deaf and hearing worlds. This article explores the life, contributions, and lasting legacy of Dorothy Miles, a true trailblazer.
Early Life and Education
Dorothy Miles was born in Holywell, North Wales, on August 19, 1931, into a close-knit and loving family. She was the youngest of five surviving children. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the loss of her hearing at the age of eight due to illness, Dorothy’s childhood was filled with creativity and intellectual curiosity. Her early passion for the arts—especially poetry, music, and drama—was nurtured in her home. After becoming Deaf, Dorothy attended the Royal School for the Deaf in the UK, where she excelled academically and developed a deep love for the dramatic arts.
Her academic and artistic talents earned her a scholarship to Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., a prestigious institution dedicated to the education of Deaf students. It was at Gallaudet that Dorothy’s connection to the Deaf community deepened, and her talents as a performer and poet blossomed. This was the beginning of her long and impactful career, where she would soon become a key figure in advocating for the recognition and promotion of sign language.
A Visionary in Sign Language Poetry
One of Dorothy Miles’ most significant contributions to Deaf and hearing communities was her creation of “Language for the Eye.” This concept arose from her belief that sign language, with its dynamic use of space, movement, and gesture, could serve as a form of visual poetry. For Miles, sign language was not simply a mode of communication but an art form that could evoke imagery, emotions, and stories in a way that spoken language could not.
In one of her famous poems, Language for the Eye, she wrote:
“Hold a tree in the palm of your hand,
or topple it with a crash.
Sail a boat on finger waves,
or sink it with a splash.”
This verse demonstrates how Dorothy used gestures and signs to bring language to life, allowing Deaf and hearing audiences to “see” the words rather than hear or read them. Her poetry blended American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL), making her work accessible and impactful to diverse audiences worldwide.
Dorothy Miles and the National Theatre of the Deaf
After graduating from Gallaudet University, Dorothy’s career began when she joined the newly formed U.S. National Theatre of the Deaf. Founded in 1967, the National Theatre of the Deaf was a pioneering institution that aimed to bring the beauty of sign language to mainstream audiences. Dorothy’s involvement in the theater helped to elevate sign language poetry and performance, showcasing it as a legitimate and influential art form.
Her dynamic performances and expressive use of sign language brought her widespread acclaim, and she became one of the foremost figures in the theater. Her work not only entertained but also educated the public about Deaf culture and the richness of sign language. Dorothy’s performances helped to break down barriers and misconceptions about Deafness, positioning sign language as an art form worthy of global recognition.
Advocacy and Contributions to the Deaf Community
In 1977, Dorothy returned to the UK and began working for the British Deaf Association (BDA). Her contributions to the BDA were profound. She was critical in developing educational resources, such as the BDA’s Dictionary of British Sign Language (BSL), and crafting guides for teaching BSL. These efforts have had a lasting impact, ensuring that future generations of Deaf individuals can access high-quality resources to learn and teach their language.
Dorothy also used her talents to write plays that addressed the unique experiences of Deaf people. Her play Trouble’s Just Beginning: A Play of Our Own was one of her most significant works, focusing on the struggles and triumphs of the Deaf community. This work, alongside her other literary achievements, cemented Dorothy’s place as a formidable artist, advocate, and thought leader in the Deaf world.
Dorothy Miles’ Legacy
Dorothy Miles passed away in 1993, but her legacy inspires and shapes the world today. The Dorothy Miles Cultural Centre was established in her honor in 1992, and although the center eventually closed, her work lives on through organizations such as Dot Sign Language. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between Deaf and hearing communities, advocating for greater recognition of sign language and Deaf culture.
In April 2024, a “purple plaque” commemorating her contributions to the deaf community was unveiled at her childhood home in Rhyl, Wales. This honor is just one of many that Dorothy has received posthumously, recognizing her as a trailblazer in Deaf poetry, language, and arts.
Moreover, on what would have been her 93rd birthday in August 2024, Dorothy Miles was celebrated with a Google Doodle, an honor that reflects her lasting influence on both Deaf and hearing cultures. This recognition by a global platform underscores her contributions to the arts, education, and advocacy for the Deaf community.
FAQs about Dorothy Miles
What is Dorothy Miles famous for?
Dorothy Miles is famous for being a pioneering Deaf poet and advocate. She is best known for her work in developing sign language poetry, which she called “Language for the Eye.” Her poetry and performances blended American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL), making her a key figure in promoting Deaf culture and art.
What did Dorothy Miles contribute to the Deaf community?
Dorothy Miles made significant contributions to the Deaf community through her work with organizations like the British Deaf Association. She helped develop educational resources, including the BSL dictionary and wrote plays and poems that explored Deaf experiences. Her work advocated recognizing sign language as both a mode of communication and an art form.
What is “Language for the Eye”?
“Language for the Eye” is a concept created by Dorothy Miles. It refers to sign language as a form of visual poetry. She believed that sign language could be more than just communication—it could evoke imagery, emotions, and stories through gestures and movements, much like spoken or written poetry.
How did Dorothy Miles change the perception of sign language?
Dorothy Miles changed the perception of sign language by demonstrating that it could be an art form, not just a mode of communication. Through her poetry, plays, and performances with the National Theatre of the Deaf, she showed that sign language could be a rich, expressive medium that resonates with both Deaf and hearing audiences.
What was Dorothy Miles’ impact on Deaf poetry?
Dorothy Miles revolutionized Deaf poetry by creating works that blended ASL and BSL, making poetry accessible in visual and verbal forms. Her innovative approach to poetry has inspired generations of Deaf poets and performers, and her legacy continues to shape the world of Deaf arts.
Conclusion
Dorothy Miles was a visionary who transformed how we think about language, communication, and art. Her contributions to sign language poetry, Deaf culture, and the promotion of Deaf rights have left an enduring impact that continues to influence both Deaf and hearing communities today. Through her pioneering work, Dorothy Miles opened new doors for inclusivity, proving that language is not bound by sound but can be expressed beautifully through movement, gesture, and visual imagery.
