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

Cultural Sensitivity for ASL Students

Anna Mindess, MA, CSC, SC:L

California

Copyright : Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com

• 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


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


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


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 expression2. Religious beliefs3. Children’s games4. Eating habits5. Beliefs about disciplining children6. Personal space7. Definition of insanity8. Duty owed to friends -------- ------- and many more


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


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) ____________________________


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.How would this act be interpreted by someone from a culturewhere 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

Deaf and Hearing People Have Different Ideas about Politeness


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

attitudeCopyright : 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:[email protected]

www.deafculturethat.comFor DVDs: www.treehousevideo.com

For books: www.interculturalpress.com

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.annamindess.com/

http://www.treehousevideo.com/

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