Deaf identity construction: a case study

Kika Hadjikakou

Abstract


The aim of the current study was to provide inside information on the different ways of constructing identities within the deaf population. To obtain relevant information, a case study was carried out with a Deaf Cypriot adult whose family and educational background did not match those of the general deaf population. The findings indicated that his family experiences, initial contacts with the Deaf and with Cypriot Sign Language (CSL), as well as academic and social experiences shared at school between the participant and his classmates and teachers played a crucial role in his identity development. The findings of this study entail implications for the provision of effective support services and deaf awareness courses within general schools, as well as for oral deaf children’s contacts with Deaf adults in order to develop “healthy” identities.


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