You may have heard the term CODA before—especially since the Oscar-winning movie CODA made waves a few years ago. But what exactly does CODA mean? Let's explore who CODAs are! 👇
Hearing, born into Deaf culture
CODA stands for Child Of Deaf Adult. A CODA is a hearing person who has one or more Deaf parents. In fact, more than 90% of Deaf adults have hearing children. These children often grow up in bilingual homes where American Sign Language (ASL) is the first language they learn.
CODAs are born into Deaf culture. ✨ Even though they can hear, they grow up immersed in Deaf values, norms, and community. Think of them as navigating both the Deaf world and the hearing world with fluency and pride. 🌍
🗣️ What is a CODA’s mother tongue?
Many CODAs learn ASL before they speak English, making ASL their first language—the language of bedtime stories, family jokes, and heartfelt conversations. 💙
This unique upbringing makes CODAs bilingual (in ASL and English) and bicultural (Deaf and hearing). They often become strong advocates for ASL and have a deep understanding of non-verbal communication, facial expressions, and Deaf cultural values.
💡 Did you know?
Deaf children born to Deaf parents are called DODAs—Deaf Of Deaf Adults. DODAs also grow up in culturally Deaf households where ASL is the primary language, but unlike CODAs, they are Deaf themselves.
🌐 Life between two worlds
Being a CODA is a beautifully rich experience! 🎉 CODAs grow up in two cultures—Deaf and hearing—and often serve as natural connectors between both. This bilingual world allows them to move seamlessly between signed and spoken conversations, bringing people together.
CODAs may help interpret for their families in everyday situations, like school meetings or doctor visits. But more than that, they become cultural translators, bridges of understanding between two worlds.
There’s also a global organization called CODA International, founded in 1983, which brings together CODAs from all over the world! They organize retreats and conferences, where CODAs can celebrate their identities, and connect with others who share their journey. 👭
🧡 Language builds bridges
CODAs show us that ASL isn’t just for Deaf people—it’s a beautiful, living language used by families, friends, and hearing allies too. Their bilingualism and biculturalism enrich both the Deaf and hearing communities.
At ASL Bloom, we believe that learning ASL helps connect worlds. 🌍✨
Now it’s your turn—start learning ASL now to create a world where language is never a barrier—only a bridge. 💙
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