- [Announcer] This Great Big Story was made possible
by Wells Fargo, established 1852, re-established 2018.
- [Narrator] Nestled in the jungles of Bali there's a small
village a little different from the rest.
(methodical music)
In the region of Bengkala, there's a recessive gene
common among the residents that causes
a much higher rate of deafness.
It's been passed down through seven generations.
In a town of 3,000, normally, only four or five people
would be born Deaf, making Bengkala's proportion
of Deaf residents incredibly unique.
This sign language is known only to the people of Bengkala
because it was created by them.
It's different from any other sign language
throughout the world.
(methodical music)
Every part of town has adopted to their Deaf neighbors.
The mayor speaks Kata Kolok.
The farmers speak Kata Kolok.
The teachers speak Kata Kolok.
(soft music)