CODAs and SIGN LANGUAGE

Abstract

The aim of this research is to explore the meaning of sign language for CODAs through a qualitative design and phenomenological approach. The study group of the research consisted of 15 female and 15 male CODAs. The data of the study were collected through in-depth interviews with the participants using a semi-structured interview form and data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA 2020 software. In the research, it was determined that CODAs attribute a special meaning to sign language beyond being a means of communication. Sign language has a central place in their lives, both because of the emotional connection they have established and because it enables them to have a profession and a job. The fact that it enables them to make the deaf visible in society, to help the deaf, to take part in various social responsibility projects for the deaf are important dynamics in the process of making sense of sign language. Sign language is also the language they prefer to use extensively. Language use preferences in their daily lives are structured on the basis of habits. As children of deaf parents, the lives of CODAs, as part of the deaf community, involve interaction with both the deaf and hearing community, and the findings of the study show that the participants are heavily engaged with the deaf community. One of the important findings of the research is that CODAs intensely feel a sense of belonging to the deaf community.

Keywords

• CODA (Children of Deaf Adults)
• Deaf Community
• Sign Language
• Phenomenology

References

1. 1. Akalın, Ş. H. (2013). Türk İşaret Dili. Yeni Türkiye. 9:1496-1502.