Page 85 - Reading Between the Sign Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters

70 Reading Between the Signs

Another trait that leads us to minimize cultural influence is
our tendency to focus more on similarities than on differences. In
contrast to cultures like France and Russia, where a lively dinner
table debate is enjoyed as sport, in American conversation we
more often seek to find accord. Many heated discussions are con-
cluded by someone pointing out, “Well, at least we can all agree
that….” In the nation that came up with the mind-numbing re-
frain “It’s a small world after all…,” it is not surprising to hear the
comment, “Basically we’re all the same” when the subject of cul-
tural difference is raised—the unspoken subtext is, of course, “Ba-
sically we’re all like me.”
As sign language interpreters, however, we cannot afford the
luxury of denial. In order to view both our hearing and Deaf cli-
ents’ cultural points of view objectively, it is important to assess
our own cultural characteristics and biases—and we do have them.
American culture consists of much more than a handful of cus-
toms or isolated cultural characteristics that can be used to point
up contrasts with other cultures; it constitutes an entire system of
values, beliefs, and patterns of behavior.
This chapter is not the place to attempt a complete descrip-
tion of American culture. My goal here is rather to examine our
resistance to seeing that we have a culture and to cite some of its
characteristics that contrast with those of American Deaf culture. *

Self-Reliance and Independence

Self-reliance is a preeminent value among Americans. We can find
its seeds in beliefs about childhood. Children are supposed to dress
themselves by the age of three or four and are encouraged, as
they grow, to behave more and more independently so they will
be ready to make a complete break and move out of their par-

* If you want a more thorough discussion of this topic, I refer you to two excel-
lent sources. American Ways by Gary Althen presents a lively description of
our values, style of communication, patterns of thinking, and customary be-
haviors. Although it is written as a guide for foreigners living in the United
States, it is clear, concise, and perceptive, and it can give you a quick over-
view of our American style of relating. Stewart and Bennett in American
Cultural Patterns deliver a more in-depth analysis of American patterns of
thinking, attitudes toward language, social relations, and perception of the
world and the self.

04 MINDESS PMKR 70 10/18/04, 11:25 AM