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CULTURAL AND LANGUAGE DIVERSITY AND THE DEAFEXPERIENCE.Ila Parasnis (Ed.). New York: Cambridge University Press,1996. Pp. xiv + 306. $49.95 cloth.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 December 1997

John G. Barnitz
Affiliation:
University of New Orleans

Abstract

An invaluable contribution of scholarly papers on the bilingual–bicultural nature of deaf people is the volume edited by Ila Parasnis. This collection of 18 insightful papers is a welcome contribution in the context of recent national debates about whether deaf people are considered a minority group with their own unique linguistic and cultural identity, or considered as audiologically disabled individuals. Collectively, the authors of the papers provide strong arguments in favor of recognizing the bilingual and bicultural nature of deaf people's experience. The contents of this well-edited book provides both theoretical and practical knowledge leading to the empowerment of deaf people and to expanded views of bilingualism and second language acquisition. Reflective presentations by deaf people and applied linguistic discussions by researchers are combined to provide researchers and practitioners innovative perspectives on the development of psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic competence of this unique population. The authors also contribute to research on linguistic, cognitive, and social aspects of language and literacy development.

Type
BOOK NOTICES
Copyright
1997 Cambridge University Press

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