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How to build a bridge between the hearing-impaired and hearing worlds? What is CODA's unique identity?
Across the globe, there is a unique group of individuals called CODA, or children of hearing-impaired adults. They grew up with hearing-impaired parents and were exposed to the influence of hearing-impaired culture. According to statistics, 90% of CODAs are not deaf, but this status does not change due to hearing differences. These children often shuttle between the deaf and hearing worlds, breaking down the boundaries between the two.
CODA’s children often move between two different cultures. They are not only part of the hearing-impaired community, but also participants in the hearing society.
The multiple meanings of CODA’s identity
For many CODA, they do not fully identify with the "hearing world" or the "deaf world", but choose an identity somewhere in between. Not only can they communicate with their families through sign language, but they can also interact socially with hearing people through speech. This bilingual ability allows them to play an important role as a bridge between different cultures.
Challenges faced
Although CODAs have a unique identity, their growth process is full of challenges. For example, CODA may face delays in speech acquisition if spoken language is not used at home. In addition, these children often serve as translators for their parents and are sometimes forced to interpret inappropriate emotional or cognitive information, which is undoubtedly a burden for them at such a young age.
When a child is asked to explain a parent's medical diagnosis, the situation can be extremely stressful for them.
Loneliness and social skills
While growing up, CODA may also face isolation and prejudice. Their family all have sign language skills, leading some outsiders to mistakenly believe that the entire family is hearing-impaired. Therefore, CODA often cannot find the ideal balance between the two, which may affect their social skills.
The role of CODA support organizations
In order to help this group of children, Millie Brother founded the CODA organization in 1983. This non-profit organization supports the CODA community by hosting workshops and providing resources. The organization's annual conference draws participants from around the globe and is dedicated to raising awareness of the experience of children caught between two cultures.
Through these meetings, CODAs can not only share experiences, but also establish connections with each other and feel the support and understanding of the community.
Active CODA characters and novel characters
There are many outstanding individuals in the CODA community, such as American politician Dennis Daugaard and actor Louise Fletcher. Their success stories demonstrate the bridge between hearing-impaired culture and hearing society. In addition, some fictional characters, such as Ruby Rossi in the movie "CODA", further enhance the public's understanding of CODA life.
Conclusion
In CODA's identity, there are rich cultural blends and challenges. They build a bridge between the hearing-impaired and the hearing-impaired, but they also bear a lot of pressure and responsibility. Against this background, how can people further promote understanding and cooperation between the hearing-impaired community and the hearing society in the future?
