Deaf and Hearing Siblings in Conversation - by Marla C Berkowitz & Judith A Jonas (Paperback)

About the Book

This is the first book to consider both deaf and hearing perspectives on the dynamics of adult sibling relationships. Deaf and hearing authors Berkowitz and Jonas conducted individual open-ended interviews with 22 adult sibling dyads or triads, using ASL and spoken English, to access their intimate thoughts and experiences. The book documents how the 150-year history of educational decisions and societal attitudes became imbedded in sibling bonds, transforming their lives, and identifies how the siblings' lives were affected by choices their parents made about how to communicate with the deaf family member.

Book Synopsis

This is the first book to consider both deaf and hearing perspectives on the dynamics of adult sibling relationships. Deaf and hearing authors Berkowitz and Jonas conducted interviews with 22 adult siblings, using ASL and spoken English, to access their intimate thoughts. A major feature of the book is its analysis of how isolation impacts deaf-hearing sibling relationships. The book documents the 150 year history of societal attitudes embedded in sibling bonds and identifies how the siblings' lives were affected by the communication choices their parents made.

The authors weave information throughout the text to reveal attitudes toward American Sign Language and the various roles deaf and hearing siblings take on as monitors, facilitators, signing-siblings and sibling-interpreters, all of which impact lifelong bonds.

Review Quotes

"Intriguing...extensive background information helpful to those unfamiliar with the deaf world and culture...compelling"-Library Journal; "unique and valuable.... The book will interest educators, researchers, and parents"-Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education; "brings to light a broader picture of family dynamics in the deaf community...intriguing, well-rounded"-ProtoView.

About the Author

Marla C. Berkowitz is a senior lecturer in the American Sign Language (ASL) Program at Ohio State University. She is certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, the American Sign Language Teachers Association and the Supreme Court of Ohio as a court interpreter. She lives in Columbus, Ohio. Judith A. Jonas is a freelance sign language interpreter, with New Jersey educational interpreter certification. She retired from being the coordinator and co-founder of a literacy, job placement and counseling program for deaf adults. She lives in Bethesda, Maryland.