This paper explores the intersection of emotion, sign language, and oral hermeneutics within the Pakistani Deaf community, highlighting the integral role of emotional expression in interpreting Scripture through Pakistan Sign Language (PSL). Drawing on personal experience and emerging scholarship, the study argues that sign language is not merely a visual form of communication, but a fully embodied oral-visual language rich in emotional and theological meaning. It highlights the role of emotional and linguistic markers, facial expressions, and body movements in conveying biblical narratives, emphasizing the concept of “emotional exegesis,” which involves interpreting Scripture through the lens of emotional expression. The paper also examines emotional triggers and their role in making biblical stories resonate personally with Deaf audiences. By applying oral hermeneutics and embracing multisensory communication, the research advocates for more inclusive and effective ministry practices that honor the lived experiences and linguistic realities of Deaf communities. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how Scripture can be faithfully and powerfully communicated in a non-written, emotion-centered modality.
Salas Rashid has been serving as a missionary among Pakistan’s language groups since 2011, producing audio Scripture recordings in over 40 languages. Widely recognized for his work among oral communities, his ministry expanded to the Deaf after he sought biblical education for his daughter. Finding no resources, he pioneered a Deaf church planting movement in Pakistan. Salas is a passionate student of orality, committed to serving both hearing and Deaf oral cultures with culturally relevant approaches to Scripture engagement.
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