Related Experiment Videos
Chameleon voices: interpreting for deaf parents
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Hearing daughters are more likely than sons to interpret for their deaf parents and be bilingual in American Sign Language (ASL). This gender difference reflects broader societal patterns in sign language use and interpreting roles.
Area of Science:
- Sociolinguistics
- Cultural Anthropology
- Psychology
Background:
- Hearing children often serve as linguistic and cultural bridges for their Deaf parents.
- Previous observations suggest a gender disparity in sign language acquisition and interpreting roles within the general hearing population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender-based differences in the roles of hearing children interpreting for their Deaf parents.
- To explore the social and cultural factors influencing gendered communication patterns in the context of American Sign Language (ASL) and interpreting.
Main Methods:
- A 4-year study involving adult hearing children across the United States.
- Analysis of informant narratives to understand socialization and status differences.
Main Results:
- Hearing daughters were significantly more likely than hearing sons to interpret for their parents.
- Daughters also demonstrated a higher likelihood of being bilingual (fluent in spoken English and ASL).
- A similar gender bias favoring women was noted in general public sign language classes and professional interpreting.
Conclusions:
- Gender significantly influences the role of hearing children as interpreters for Deaf parents.
- Societal values and socialization processes contribute to gendered patterns in ASL fluency and interpreting.
- These differences impact the distinct cultural identities of hearing daughters and sons.