Module 1: Definitions, Part II
Throughout your time in this module, you will notice the following words used, with intention. Should you be curious to learn more, we suggest the additional references and resources provided.
deaf & Coda
deaf
The term “deaf” with a lowercase letter, d is used to encapsulate the multitude of identities and experiences of all people who identify as d/Deaf. This includes people who are DeafBlind, deaf disabled, late deafened, hard of hearing, and culturally Deaf. Kusters & Friedner (2015) argue, “We write deaf with a lowercase ‘d’ because we see deaf as more encompassing, less politicized, and less context-dependent than Deaf,” (p. ix).
There is an exception you may notice throughout this curriculum. “In the sign language interpreting profession, Deaf interpreters are labeled with the capitalized letter, D to represent their linguistic and cultural expertise.” (Sheneman, 2018, p. 1).
- What Does Deaf Mean? Links to an external site. by the National Deaf Center (2018)
- Deaf Identity Links to an external site. by Morpheyes Studio (2024)
Coda
The term “Coda” is used to reference those who are hearing that grew up with one or more deaf parents. CODA (in all caps) refers to CODA International Links to an external site. an organization whose mission is to celebrate the unique heritage and multicultural identities of adult hearing individuals with deaf parent(s).
- Additional resources:
- Cost of Invisibility: Codas and the Sign Language Interpreting Profession Links to an external site. by Williamson, A. (2012)
- The Case for Heritage ASL Instruction for Hearing Heritage Signers Links to an external site.by Isakson, S.K. (2018)
- A Short Introduction to Heritage Signers Links to an external site. by Pichler, D.C., Lillo-Martin, D., & Palmer, J.L. (2018)
- Lost in the Shuffle: Deaf-Parented Interpreters and Their Paths to Interpreting Careers Links to an external site. by Williamson, A. (2016)