Job Discussion Forums

[DeafbyDeaf.org]

I do not mean to imply that all CODAS make fine SL interpreters, rather, among SL interpreters, CODAS are frequently counted among the top-end with regard to quality and professionalism.

One of the reasons the Deaf in America have issues with ASL interpreters is because they so frequently take it upon themselves to speak in our behalf and feign expertise they to not authentically possess. Whether this occurs during the course of an interpreting assignment, or in an after hours discussion forum, makes no difference in terms of what is appropriate.

While there are some certified ASL interpreters who possess degrees in higher education in Deaf studies, Deaf Ed, or history, this is not always the case. Even under these circumstances, the imposition of an SL interpreter's point of view places them in the role of "care-giver," a role that is wholly rejected by Deaf people.

In addressing the needs of Deaf learners in an EFL classroom, an untrained, unqualified, teacher is still ethically obligated to do his, or her, very best to meet the needs of individual learners. Anything at all is better than nothing. I am assuming that the teacher we have been discussing is not too ignorant to learn, or to try to examine the lessons and course materials from a Deaf perspective to the best of his, or her, ability. I am guessing that an individual who has managed to achieve the college education necessary for most EFL teaching positions can infer " from the perspective of someone who cannot hear" from "Deaf perspective"

I am not very familiar with Japan's Deaf culture, but from what little I know, they have a strong Deaf community and share many of the same views and resources as are found within the US and UK Deaf communities. Japan was a major contributor for Deafway II, and a Japanese org, PENN International, is a major funder for Deaf development here in China. The one area where I would expect to see a major cultural difference would be in regard to western concepts of privacy, although, as an American I am a stickler for privacy myself. In China the notion of personal privacy is a laughing matter, and sometimes these days, I find myself laughing with them.

WRT "Deaf" vs. "deaf:" Languages are created by people and their cultures. Dictionaries are well-intended, and poorly executed, attempts to represent languages. English dictionaries and "bad" English are defined by the dominant class structure. All languages are continually evolving and it usually takes a few decades before the dictionaries reflect what has been in common usage. If you are willing to allow an editorial staff at Oxford determine your identity for you, that is your prerogative, however as a culturally, linguistically, and politically distinct entity we reserve the right to name ourselves: We are Deaf or hard of hearing. We have chosen to identify ourselves as Deaf; we do not require your approval. Countless treatises on the language of oppression exist. As ESL/EFL professionals we should all be familiar with the complex implications for such matters in ELT and the potential impact we each have on cultural development in all contexts. (Perhaps we are more powerful than we realize) Please see the American Heritage Dictionary entry pasted below.

As an aspiring ESL teacher will you consider bringing your signing and English teaching skills to the developing world to the benefit of Deaf learners?

Peace and goodwill

deaf ( P ) Pronunciation Key (df)
adj. deaf�er, deaf�est
Partially or completely lacking in the sense of hearing.
Deaf Of or relating to the Deaf or their culture.
Unwilling or refusing to listen; heedless: was deaf to our objections.

n. (used with a pl. verb)
Deaf people considered as a group. Used with the.
Deaf The community of deaf people who use American Sign Language as a primary means of communication. Used with the.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Middle English def, deef, from Old English daf.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
deafly adv.
deafness n.
Usage Note: The rise of the Deaf Pride movement in the 1980s has introduced a distinction between deaf and Deaf, with the capitalized form used specifically in referring to deaf persons belonging to the communityalso known as Deaf culturethat has formed around the use of American Sign Language as the preferred means of communication. The issue of capitalization is different with deaf than it is for a term such as black. In the case of black, the decision whether or not to capitalize is essentially a matter of personal or political preference, while with deaf the capitalized and uncapitalized forms differ in meaning as well as style. Only persons who are self-identified as belonging to Deaf culture are appropriately referred to as Deaf.

[Download or Buy Now]
Source: The American Heritage� Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright � 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=deaf

[TokyoLiz]

I'd have to agree with articulate_ink - in a Japanese classroom with a deaf student, the last thing you want to do is introduce materials or methods specifically for that student. It will single him or her out from the group. I've taught deaf high school students before in Japan. Due to the group-oriented nature of Japanese culture, the students must appear to be as much a part of the regular student body as possible.

My experience with hearing and deaf students was about five years ago. The integration of students with different abilities is such a new concept in Japan that there are, as far as I can see, no teacher resources for English teachers, either local Japanese or international teachers.

Maybe it's worth starting a discussion area just for this topic on the forum.

Here's good enough for now, though.

[DeafbyDeaf.org]

Teacher Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!"
FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register
Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in



Teaching English to Deaf Students
Moderator: Karl Dee



You mean like this one under Teacher Forums???

[merc007]

Can I put my 3 cents worth in...

As a previous student, we had a student (HOH - hard of hearing). Most of us were hearing, but we all could sign as we all took sign language classes. She partnered up with a classmate, and he took notes for her, while she lipread, what the teacher was saying. She maybe got 40-50% of the actual content, but she still passed her course because of the note taking.

If you have lecture notes, maybe you can give him/her photocopies of the content. That would help a lot, and just try not to face the board while you're talking.

If you think the student is struggling, pair them up with someone. But usually they're find a friend who is willing to help them.