A Journey Into the Deaf-World [Paperback]

Harlan Lane (Author), Robert Hoffmeister (Author), Ben Bahan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1996

In this comprehensive and engrossing study, three distinguished scholars of Deaf culture—one hearing, one deaf, and one coda (child of deaf adults)—offer clear, penetrating insights into the existence and makeup of the deaf world, the community whose natural language—American Sign Language in the United States—is manual and visual. Bringing the latest social and cultural findings and theories into sharp focus, the authors take us on a fascinating journey to discover what deaf culture is; the benefits of signed language and deaf culture for deaf children and hearing people; how deaf children are now educated and how they could be; how deaf people integrate into the larger society; the nature of American Sign Language; how technology helps (and hurts) deaf people; what can be learned from deaf societies in other lands; the future of the deaf world. Combining thought-provoking intellectual perspectives with enlightening first-hand accounts of life in the deaf world, this landmark volume is vital for professionals working in fields involving deaf people and for those with an interest in deaf studies.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A new language minority has come to the fore in America as around the world. It is the tight-knit society (some million strong in the U. S. ) that calls itself, in American Sign Language, the "Deaf-World". It has a history, a flourishing culture, and a political agenda. A Journey Into The Deaf-World is a compelling story of this much misunderstood minority as it struggles for self-determination. The book addresses questions such as: What is Deaf culture all about? How are Deaf children raised and educated? And how should they be? What do signed language and Deaf Culture have to offer the Deaf child -- and hearing people/ What can we learn from Deaf societies in other lands? How does technology help (and hinder) Deaf people? How do Deaf people integrate into the larger society? Rich in examples from the lives of Deaf people and a synthesis of the latest research findings concerning the deaf world, here is a must-read for professionals and students in such fields as audiology, speech-language pathology, medicine, education of the Deaf, school, rehabilitation & mental health counseling, psychology, interpreting, American Sign Language & Deaf studies, and anyone with a Deaf family member, friend, colleague, or acquaintance. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: DawnSignPress (May 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0915035634
• ISBN-13: 978-0915035632
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 1.5 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,383 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Diseases & Physical Ailments > Hearing Problems
  • #8 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Diseases & Physical Ailments > Physical Impairments
  • #12 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Specific Demographics > Disabled

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An accurate look at Deaf culture September 20, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I am a Sign Language interpreter and my boyfriend of two years is Deaf. I read this book for a Deaf culture class and was fascinated by it. Written from a very Deaf perspective, this book is full of things that hearing people never think of but which I see nearly every day in both my personal and professional life.

This book should be read by anyone who has a Deaf child. It's a real eye-opener. Parents of Deaf children seldom get the kind of help they need at an early enough stage.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars most informative, accurate book on Deaf culture I've found June 30, 1998

By Amy Hendrickson ([e-mail])

Format:Hardcover

I have a Bachelor of Science in Deaf Studies from Boston University, and I think that this book is readable, informative and accurate in a way that sets it apart from the many books appearing now about Deafness and Deaf culture. It's for everyone: Deaf people, students, parents who have a Deaf child, and people wishing to learn more about the subject. I enjoyed it because the facts weren't hidden behind jargon and the personal experiences of the authors came through strongly. This should be the first book a person picks up when wanting to learn about Deafness.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars From Experience May 7, 2004

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

As a deaf education major, this book is a manditory item that has helped open doors into the eyes of a Deaf world.

This book clearly defines the feelings and opinions of Deaf people on their treatment and education. I would not recomend this book to a person who is easily offended because it is straight forward in expressing the oppressing feels that hearing people have towards Deaf (sometimes unknowingly).

As a text, this book helped as a wonderful companion to the hundreds of books written by hearing people on D/deafness.