Reproduction of Cultural Knowledge and Practices Interviews with Spanish-Speaking Parents of Deaf Children in South Texas

Authors

Christina J. Quilantan-Cavazos, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

8-2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

Dr. Elena Maria Bastida

Second Advisor

Dr. Raymond Guerra

Third Advisor

Dr. Laura Saenz

Abstract

The Hispanic population is the largest and fastest growing cultural and language minority group in the United States (Figueroa et al. 1989); consequently, "as the number of Hispanic individuals in the United States increases, so does the number of Hispanic hearing impaired children" (Walker-Vann 1998: 46), making them the fastest growing population among deaf and hard of hearing school age students (Gerner de García 1995b). Yet, little is known about Mexican families raising a deaf child because "there is a shortage of research that looks at Hispanic deaf children in their home environment or in the community of their families" (Gemer de García 1995a: 225). Findings explore: 1) existing patterns of communication between parents and their deaf children and 2) the transmission of ethnic identity by Hispanic parents to their deaf children and 3) how location and proximity to the country of cultural origin and immersion may influence parental communication.

Comments

Copyright 2008 Christina J. Quilantán-Cavazos. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/reproduction-cultural-knowledge-practices/docview/607260291/se-2?accountid=7119

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American