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

2. 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,

3. 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,

4. Our view of ourselves is not always accurate
Copyright : Anna Mindess,

5. 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,

6. 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

7. 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

9. 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

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

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

12. 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

13. 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

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

15. Deaf and Hearing People Have Different Ideas about Politeness
Copyright : Anna Mindess,

16. 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
VRS

17. 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,
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.”

18. Thank you for your attention and participation.
My contact information:
For DVDs:
For books: