Anna Mindess
, MA, CSC, SC:L
California
Copyright : Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com

• Northern California
• Hearing parents
• ASL Interpreter (30 years)
• Wrote about Deaf and hearing cultures
• Made 2 DVDs with partner Tom Holcomb
• Has led many workshops across US and abroad
Copyright : Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com

• Culture is like an iceberg
• Only 10% is visible; 90% is hidden
• Careful! The hidden part can get you into trouble.
Copyright : Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com

Our view of ourselves is not always accurate
Copyright : Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com

Exercises to help your students get in touch with their own culture
• Iceberg - What is Culture?
• Universal/Cultural/Personal
• In the Mind of the Beholder
• Collectivism Vs.
Individualism
• How American Are you?
• Your Polite is Different Than
My Polite
Copyright : Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com

Above the waterline
= the visible aspects of culture
----------------------
Below the waterline
= the invisible or hidden aspects of culture
Copyright : Anna Mindess, from Reading
Between the Signs Workbook

Iceberg Exercise: Visible or Invisible?
Sample questions
1. Facial expression
2. Religious beliefs
3. Children’s games
4. Eating habits
5. Beliefs about disciplining children
6. Personal space
7. Definition of insanity
8. Duty owed to friends
--------
------- and many more
Copyright : Anna Mindess, from Reading
Between the Signs Workbook

Universal/Cultural/Personal Exercise
Sample questions
1. Preparing meals
2. Birthday cakes
3. Liking red roses
4. Baby teeth falling out
5. Eating with chopsticks
6. Not liking spicy food
7. Eating noodles on New
Year’s Eve
------
------ and many more
Copyright : Anna Mindess, from Reading
Between the Signs Workbook

In the Mind of the Beholder Exercise -
Part 1
1. Suppose you see someone kicking a dog…
( Your interpretation) That is a mean person.
2. A man and woman are kissing while sitting on a park bench...
(Your interpretation) ___________________________
3. During an exam, a student copies from the paper of another student…
(Your interpretation) ____________________________
Copyright : Anna Mindess, from Reading Between the Signs Workbook

In the Mind of the Beholder Exercise -
Part 2
1. Suppose you see someone kicking a dog.
How would this act be interpreted by someone from a culture where dogs carry disease?___________________________
2. A man and woman are kissing while sitting on a park bench.
How would this act be interpreted by someone from a culture where men and women never touch in public?_____________
3. During an exam, a student copies the paper of another student.
How would this act be interpreted by someone from a culture where it is shameful not to help your friend? ______________
Copyright : Anna Mindess, from Reading Between the Signs Workbook

Greetings
Eye Gaze
What is Politeness?
Dining habits
Copyright: Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com

Copyright : Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com

SEE WHAT I MEAN:
Differences Between Deaf and Hearing
Cultures, 2nd edition by Thomas K. Holcomb and Anna Mindess
Topics include :
• Attitudes towards time
• Dealing with lateness
• Sharing information
• Privacy
• Comments on appearance
• Giving criticism/feedback
• Email
• VRS

DEAF
 Can discuss money
 Can discuss bodily functions
 Information is shared
 Personal questions = okay
 Introductions = who you know
 If late, explain the reasons
 Be clear if you have criticism
 Personal remarks show a caring attitude
Copyright : Anna Mindess, www.DeafCultureThat.com
HEARING
 Money = a private subject
 Bodily functions = taboo topic
 Gossip is rude
 Personal questions = nosy
 Introductions = what you do
 If late, don’t attract attention
 Use “sandwich approach”
 “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

My contact information: amindess@aol.com
www.
deafculturethat.com
For DVDs: www.treehousevideo.com
For books: www.interculturalpress.com