Deaf in America: Voices from a Culture

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating and informative
Review: "Deaf in America: Voices from a Culture," by Carol Padden and Tom Humphries, is a well-written, consistently interesting look at Deaf lives and communities. The introduction notes that both authors are deaf, so this book is very much written from the perspective of insiders. The copyright page notes that the book has a copyright date of 1988 and was in its 12th printing in 2000.

Although relatively short (134 + vii pages), this book is packed full of information. Among the topics covered: the difference between being "deaf" (lowercase) and "Deaf" (capitalized), the origins of American Sign Language, Deaf theater and poetry, the work of Deaf filmmaker Charles Krauel, controversies within the Deaf world, and more.

The authors maintain that Deaf people have an authentic language and culture. The book is lively and intelligent. I recommend that readers of this book also view the fascinating documentary film "Sound and Fury."

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating and informative
Review: "Deaf in America: Voices from a Culture," by Carol Padden and Tom Humphries, is a well-written, consistently interesting look at Deaf lives and communities. The introduction notes that both authors are deaf, so this book is very much written from the perspective of insiders. The copyright page notes that the book has a copyright date of 1988 and was in its 12th printing in 2000.

Although relatively short (134 + vii pages), this book is packed full of information. Among the topics covered: the difference between being "deaf" (lowercase) and "Deaf" (capitalized), the origins of American Sign Language, Deaf theater and poetry, the work of Deaf filmmaker Charles Krauel, controversies within the Deaf world, and more.

The authors maintain that Deaf people have an authentic language and culture. The book is lively and intelligent. I recommend that readers of this book also view the fascinating documentary film "Sound and Fury."

Rating:
Summary: Good Introductory Text; But Too (Two) Few "Voices"
Review: I found myself rather disappointed with this book, although it conveyed some important insights. It was a one-night read that didn't give me much new insight into Deaf culture, or the reasons behind the recent surge of Deaf pride and activism, as do such other books as "Journey into the Deaf-World" (which itself--hardly an introductory text--is weakened by an opposite shortcoming, a pingpong organization bouncing from subjects like history [fascinating] and highly technical linguistic theory [not] to real-life current narratives, and back again--but the key point here is that it provides a forum for MYRIAD voices reflecting DISPARATE experiences). I've marked the linguistics chapters--clearly vital, especially in understanding ASL's force as a legitimate language and (e.g.) efforts to end enforced speech training--to read later, but only after I finish my journey into real people's lives sequentially, as a single trip. I had hoped for more of this kind of material from the book under review. The voices we "hear" in the Padden/Humphries book ring primarily like those of the (indisputably well qualified) authors, and not, as the title implies, of the Deaf community at large; and despite a strong beginning, the later chapters grow increasingly superficial and thin. I would recommend this as best suited as an introductory text, for those learning about Deaf culture for the first time.

Rating:
Summary: Introductory Only; Too (Two) Few "Voices"
Review: I found myself rather disappointed with this book, while it conveyed some important insights. It was a one-night read that didn't give me as much insight into Deaf Culture, and the why's behind the recent reawakening of Deaf pride, as such other books as Journey into the Deaf-World (which is itself weakened by an opposite shortcoming, a pingpong organization combining subjects like history [fascinating]and highly technical linguistic theory, alternating with real-life current narratives--MANY voices reflecting disparate experiences. I've marked tne linguuistics chapters--certainly important--to read later, but only after i finish The Journey into real people's lives, The voices we "hear" in this book are primarily those of tne authors; despite a strong beginning, the coverage feels increasingly superficial, perhaps making this best suited an intro for those journeying into the land of the Deaf for the first time,

Rating:
Summary: More Experience than academic
Review: I had to read this book for my college ASL class. Its very good at skimming the top of Deaf culture--but it kind of left things hanging out in the breeze. The style of this book is in telling stories and explaining Deaf culture using those example. I enjoyed reading about the Deaf culture, but I don't think that this book is for anyone who wants straight facts and depth.

Rating:
Summary: Partial Glimpse Into Deaf culture
Review: I read this book right after reading "A Journey Into the Deaf-World" by Lane, Hoffmeister, Bahan. The first three chapters of this are excellent, even illuminating. They show the misperceptions of both hearing on Deaf and Deaf on hearing worlds. These insights are most useful to those of us relatively on outside of Deaf culture.

The remaining chapters didn't do much for my reading. There seemed to be a momentum letdown half way through that continued to the end. The "motel joke" at the end was precious exhibit of how Deaf do not understand the hearing world's meanings that culturally we attach to various sounds, especially those in eating and public bathroom environments.

Rating:
Summary: Partial Glimpse Into Deaf culture
Review: I read this book right after reading "A Journey Into the Deaf-World" by Lane, Hoffmeister, Bahan. The first three chapters of this are excellent, even illuminating. They show the misperceptions of both hearing on Deaf and Deaf on hearing worlds. These insights are most useful to those of us relatively on outside of Deaf culture.

The remaining chapters didn't do much for my reading. There seemed to be a momentum letdown half way through that continued to the end. The "motel joke" at the end was precious exhibit of how Deaf do not understand the hearing world's meanings that culturally we attach to various sounds, especially those in eating and public bathroom environments.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing eye-opening insight into the world of a culture
Review: This book has opened my eyes to the rich culture of deaf people. Padden and Humphries are masters at explaining the difference between deaf and Deaf and the way Deaf people relate to the world. A must-read for everyone, especially those who want to be free of stereotypes.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing eye-opening insight into the world of a culture
Review: This book has opened my eyes to the rich culture of deaf people. Padden and Humphries are masters at explaining the difference between deaf and Deaf and the way Deaf people relate to the world. A must-read for everyone, especially those who want to be free of stereotypes.