Cultural Sensitivity for ASL Students Anna Mindess, MA, CSC, SC:L California Copyright : Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com

ASL Interpreter (30 years) Wrote about Deaf and hearing cultures Northern California Hearing parents ASL Interpreter (30 years) Wrote about Deaf and hearing cultures Made 2 DVDs with partner Tom Holcomb Has led many workshops across US and abroad Copyright : Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com

What is Culture? Culture is like an iceberg Only 10% is visible; 90% is hidden Careful! The hidden part can get you into trouble. Copyright : Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com

Our view of ourselves is not always accurate Copyright : Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com

Exercises to help your students get in touch with their own culture Iceberg - What is Culture? Universal/Cultural/Personal In the Mind of the Beholder Collectivism Vs. Individualism How American Are you? Your Polite is Different Than My Polite Copyright : Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com

Suppose you traveled to another country… Above the waterline = the visible aspects of culture ---------------------- Below the waterline = the invisible or hidden aspects of culture Copyright : Anna Mindess, from Reading Between the Signs Workbook

Iceberg Exercise: Visible or Invisible? Sample questions 1. Facial expression 2. Religious beliefs 3. Children’s games 4. Eating habits 5. Beliefs about disciplining children 6. Personal space 7. Definition of insanity 8. Duty owed to friends -------- ------- and many more Copyright : Anna Mindess, from Reading Between the Signs Workbook

Universal/Cultural/Personal Exercise Sample questions 1. Preparing meals 2. Birthday cakes 3. Liking red roses 4. Baby teeth falling out 5. Eating with chopsticks 6. Not liking spicy food 7. Eating noodles on New Year’s Eve ------ ------ and many more Copyright : Anna Mindess, from Reading Between the Signs Workbook

Everything can be seen in more than one way - (no right or wrong)

Where is this group? (hint: There are 2 right answers)

In the Mind of the Beholder Exercise - Part 1 1. Suppose you see someone kicking a dog… (Your interpretation) That is a mean person. 2. A man and woman are kissing while sitting on a park bench... (Your interpretation) ___________________________ 3. During an exam, a student copies from the paper of another student… (Your interpretation) ____________________________ Copyright : Anna Mindess, from Reading Between the Signs Workbook

In the Mind of the Beholder Exercise - Part 2 1. Suppose you see someone kicking a dog. How would this act be interpreted by someone from a culture where dogs carry disease?___________________________ 2. A man and woman are kissing while sitting on a park bench. where men and women never touch in public?_____________ 3. During an exam, a student copies the paper of another student. How would this act be interpreted by someone from a culture where it is shameful not to help your friend? ______________ Copyright : Anna Mindess, from Reading Between the Signs Workbook

Copyright: Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com What is Politeness? Greetings Eye Gaze Dining habits Copyright: Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com

Deaf and Hearing People Have Different Ideas about Politeness Copyright : Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com

SEE WHAT I MEAN: Differences Between Deaf and Hearing Cultures, 2nd edition by Thomas K. Holcomb and Anna Mindess Topics include: Attitudes towards time Dealing with lateness Sharing information Privacy Comments on appearance Giving criticism/feedback Email VRS

Some politeness differences in USA DEAF Can discuss money Can discuss bodily functions Information is shared Personal questions = okay Introductions = who you know If late, explain the reasons Be clear if you have criticism Personal remarks show a caring attitude Copyright : Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com HEARING Money = a private subject Bodily functions = taboo topic Gossip is rude Personal questions = nosy Introductions = what you do If late, don’t attract attention Use “sandwich approach” “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

Thank you for your attention and participation. My contact information: amindess@aol.com www.deafculturethat.com For DVDs: www.treehousevideo.com For books: www.interculturalpress.com