Deaf and Hearing Siblings in Conversation

Description

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 siblings, using ASL and spoken English, to access their intimate thoughts and experiences. A major feature is its analysis of how isolation impacts deaf-hearing sibling relationships. The book documents how the 150-year history of educational decisions and societal attitudes became embedded in sibling bonds, transforming their lives, and identifying how the siblings' lives were affected by choices their parents made regarding how to communicate with the deaf family member. The authors weave information throughout the text to reveal attitudes toward American Sign Language, the various roles deaf and hearing siblings take on as monitors, facilitators, signing siblings and sibling-interpreters, all of which impact lifelong bonds.