Chapter Three: Working in Multicultural Communities

Question 1

Family & Elders

Answer 1

Deaf- Elders valued Deaf community often considered ‘family’
Black- Elders respected
Hispanic- Family is primary cultural structure
Native- Elders and extended family valued

Question 2

Status

Answer 2

Deaf- Fluent signers, storyteller, activists
Black- Varied
Hispanic- Varied
Native- Sharing resources valued, not in collecting things

Question 3

Work Ethic

Answer 3

Deaf- Mixed
Black- Strong
Hispanic- Relaxed
Native- Valued to live, not for greed

Question 4

Spirituality

Answer 4

Deaf- Varied
Black- Church plays a central role
Hispanic- Catholic values strong influence
Native- Strong spiritual connection to culture

Question 5

Decision making

Answer 5

Deaf- Gather opinions from other community members before decisions
Black- Mixed, family often consulted
Hispanic- Mixed, family often consulted
Native- Group consultation required

Question 6

Genealogy

Answer 6

Deaf- Varied, Deaf lineage valued
Black- Primarily decedents of slaves
Hispanic- Central & South America
Native- Original people of N. America

Question 7

Home Language

Answer 7

Deaf- ASL and English
Black- English, styles of speech used to show group membership and honor ancestors
Hispanic- English/Spanish
Native- Varied

Question 8

Time

Answer 8

Deaf- Connecting to the group more important
Black- Mixed
Hispanic- Mixed
Native- Current activity takes president over planned events

Question 9

Misc.

Answer 9

Deaf- 10% have Deaf family members
Black- Small percent have Deaf family members
Hispanic- Speak closer than English speakers
Native- Comfortable with visual/physical communication

Question 10

Learning Style

Answer 10

Deaf- Student centered, hand on
Black- Mixed
Hispanic- Student centered, hands on
Native- Watching/thinking