Comments on Random Thoughts and Musings by moi: Reclaiming The Deaf Term: HEARING, MOTHER FATHER D...

Naomi, thanks for weighing in. I apologize for not...

2009-03-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

Naomi, thanks for weighing in. I apologize for not moderating your comment sooner - I didn't see it, not having logged in since before you left your comment.

As a Coda, I am offended by your opinion of what w...

2008-10-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

As a Coda, I am offended by your opinion of what we call ourselves. I am part of two worlds, I use two languages, and I can choose whichever language I like to define myself by. The word Coda began as an English phrase, but morphed into an acronym that is languageless. When I introduce myself to a Deaf person, I tell them DAD DEAF, but when I am using English I use the word Coda. There is no language preference in this term because it has become an acronym, it is no longer English or ASL which is fitting for my existence between the two worlds.
Also, I believe the term was intentionally chosen because of the word coda in music meaning to go back and repeat the ending a little differently.
I do find it interesting that other countries use other terms that reflect their sign languages, but I wish that you would not impose your idea of which language I should show preference for when referring to my cultural group.
I know that you did not mean for this to be controversial, but adding that caviat at the end of your thoughts does not mean that the entire idea is any less controversial or offensive, and I think it is important to show both points of view.

I'm Deaf and think this is brilliant!This reasonin...

2008-10-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

I'm Deaf and think this is brilliant!

This reasoning is brilliant and spot-on, using *ASL* not English.

I saw on another blog a video sort of going along your lines of thought.. why are acronyms signed 'in English' such as CODA, why is it FS c-o-d-a? Why not give it an ASL sign or ancronymize it using ASL handshapes..

Dianrez,You raise an interesting point about how i...

2008-10-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

Dianrez,

You raise an interesting point about how it would *sound*... my question is, why are we worrying about that? Forgive me if I sound arrogant or something (not my intention!), but it is a Deaf term, pertaining to members of the Deaf community, so in this instance, I don't really care about how it sounds. I strenuously object to mangling of the English language many times, but to me, that's a nonissue this time.

Anonymous, thanks for weighing in. :) I realize it's become institutionalized now, in organizations and so on, but I wanted to express my opinion. Deaf ASL users have been saying CODA to describe HMFDs, so it has changed our language. I have also seen many HMFDs say "ME CODA," even though you're right in that many do also say "ME HEARING, MOTHER FATHER DEAF."

Most hearing kids of deaf parents don't go around ...

2008-10-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

Most hearing kids of deaf parents don't go around saying I'm "KODA" or "CODA," rather most will say, I'm hearing, mother father deaf.

KODA is a term used for kids of deaf adults, usually used in organizational term. Likewise CODA "Children of deaf adult" which of course includes adult "children" of deaf adults.

I agree, everyone should feel comfortable using whatever term they see fit.

I'm a Hard of Hearing CODA

That's interesting, and I agree about the "Deaf Ad...

2008-10-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

That's interesting, and I agree about the "Deaf Adults" part of CODA.

HMFD looks fine, but would sound awkward. The expression works, the problem is saying it as it lacks vowels and CODA just rolls off smoothly. Hemofad? Eeps. It could stand some work.