cultural sensitivity for asl students anna mindess, ma, csc, sc:l california copyright : anna...
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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
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 expression2. Religious beliefs3. Children’s games4. Eating habits5. Beliefs about disciplining children6. Personal space7. Definition of insanity8. 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.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
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
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