What life is like as a CODA.
Did you know that New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is one of the three official languages of our country?
Roughly, there are around 5,000 deaf people in New Zealand and approximately 23,000 people in total who use NZSL.*
That’s a tonne of people that do something other than talk to communicate.
One of them is Meredith Karim, who is a Child of a Deaf Adult, also known as a CODA.
Mere, 27, spoke with Billie about her experiences growing up with deaf parents, her first language being sign language and why it’s so important for the hearing community to support those who rely on NZSL.
What does CODA mean? Do you have siblings and are they hearing impaired?
CODA means Child Of Deaf Adults. I have one sibling and he is fully hearing like me.
How common is it for children of deaf parents to have a child with hearing?
Actually quite common! It's about a 50/50 chance of having a hearing or Deaf child. Hearing CODAs make up atleast about 90% of most CODA groups.
Tell us about when you realised that your parents were deaf - when did you realise it was a little different to other families?
I'm not sure of a time exactly when I realised that my parents were Deaf, I always knew I was different and my home was silent but I knew when I go to my grandparents I knew they talked but I always only knew my little bubble. I think the biggest moment I can think of is when I went to primary school and we would talk about something at our home and I said oh my house is silent and everyone was super confused.
How did you learn to speak?
My grandparents were a big influence to help with me gaining both languages and kindy was a huge influence in this too
Was it difficult being a child with deaf parents? Did you find yourself interpreting a lot?
It has its moments where it can be extremely challenging! Yes I always seemed to be interpreting. At the supermarket, petrol stations, random moments of communication. I spent a week in hospital with my mum because there was no way for the staff to communicate with her without someone there.
What was it like growing up in a deaf household but a hearing society? Was it hard to find a balance or was it similar to speaking two languages?
It did quite a few challenges trying to balance between the 2. Because I prefer NZSL over speaking I would often choose that method but of course not everyone understands it so then I'd have to translate it and try to explain it in a way that others would understand. There are quite a few differences between the way that NZSL sentences are structured and that of English so having to bounce between the two can create some challenges alone.
What is the most misunderstood thing about the deaf community in your opinion?
Definitely that Deaf people can't do anything! This is a very old context that has been there for a long time where Hearing people assumed that they couldn't do anything. But this is so wrong, I've seen so much achievements within the Deaf community. There's still barriers in which need to be removed and then Deaf people can flourish even more!
What is your favourite thing about being fluent in sign language?
Definitely being able to communicate with such a community! It's also given me such a different perspective and vantage to understand disabled people and the Deaf community and being able to share that has been a huge privilege.
Why is it so important that NZSL is recognised as one of New Zealand’s official languages?
There are approximately 5000 Deaf people in NZ and a large majority of them use NZSL to communicate. With having NZSL as a official language it has helped to increase the amount of awareness and has removed some barriers for the Deaf community already.
Do you think sign language should be taught in schools as other languages are?
Yes I always have wished it would be taught in schools. There is currently a program in which NZSL has been taught in schools but due to the limited Deaf teachers available it is only at particular schools. Even the basics at primary school would help immensely for a Deaf person!
Why is it important to spread awareness about NZSL?
Definitely so that people can understand that NZSL is a easy language to learn and that even just a little bit can mean a lot to a Deaf person! Its also about being able to have Hearing people understand the Deaf community and that they are able to do anything!
If people wanted to learn NZSL, where should they go?
Definitely starting with a course would be the best way! There are in person or online courses available that are taught by Deaf teachers. There is also the NZSL app and website available for an immediate starting!
What’s the best way to be inclusive of the deaf community?
Definitely knowing the basics is a great thing! On social media it’s about captioning content etc to ensure that they are part of the conversation. If you wear a mask and are communicating with a Deaf person, taking off or down your mask helps massively for them to pick up on facial cues.
What is your favourite thing to sign?
There’s a few, I love signing Turtle, the weather is a fun one too because you can add so much facial expression behind it.
And what is the funnest thing to sign?
I think earthquake is a fun one. It's literally like your hands are shaking so much!