Introduction to American Deaf Culture

Introduction to American Deaf Culture is the only comprehensive textbook that provides a broad, yet in-depth, exploration of how Deaf people are best understood from a cultural perspective, with coverage of topics such as how culture is defined, how the concept of culture can be applied to the Deaf experience, and how Deaf culture has evolved over the years. Among the issues included are an analysis of various segments of the Deaf community, Deaf cultural norms, the tension between the Deaf and disabled communities, Deaf art and literature (both written English and ASL forms), the solutions being offered by the Deaf community for effective living as Deaf individuals, and an analysis of the universality of the Deaf experience, including the enculturation process that many Deaf people undergo as they develop healthy identities.

As a member of a multigenerational Deaf family with a lifetime of experience living bi-culturally among Deaf and hearing people, author Thomas K. Holcomb enhances the text with engaging stories interwoven throughout. In addition to being used in college-level courses, this book can also help parents and educators of Deaf children understand the world of Deaf culture. It offers a beautiful introduction to the ways Deaf people effectively manage their lives in a world full of people who can hear.

Thomas K. Holcomb is Professor of Deaf Studies at Ohlone College in Fremont, California, where he teaches both Deaf and hearing students in courses on Deaf culture, Deaf education, and ASL/English Interpretation. Holcomb's family -- his parents, grandparents, children, and grandson -- are all Deaf. With over 30 years of teaching experience, as well as several publications, training packages, and DVDs to his name, Holcomb is considered a leading authority on Deaf culture. He has presented in 45 states and several different countries, including Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Japan, and Sweden. His academic credentials include a bachelor's degree from Gallaudet University, a master's degree from Rochester Institute of Technology, and a PhD from the University of Rochester.