Working Between Languages and Cultures:Issues of Representation, Voice, and Authority Intensified
Abstract
In this article, the author examines how issues of representation, voice, and authority were intensified in a study conducted by a hearing researcher (the author) with culturally Deaf women who communicated in American Sign Language (ASL). First, a brief context of the original study is provided. Second, the collaborative narrative methods used are described. Third, some of the methodological implications of conducting collaborative narrative research across languages (English and ASL) and across cultures (hearing and Deaf) are explored. Finally, the author concludes with a short discussion of methodological implications arising from an exploration of how she chose to manage representational issues that occurred in her research across languages and across cultures.