American Deaf Culture refers to the values, behaviors, and traditions of Deaf people who use American Sign Language (ASL) as a main way to communicate. Deaf culture values the use of body language, gestures and facial expression. In this culture, deafness is considered as an identity not as a disorder. Deaf communities include hearing people who use ASL as a second language provided that they interact with Deaf people, and also they have the same beliefs that Deaf people share. Parents of Deaf children are an example of hearing people in Deaf communities. Another example is CODA, which means Children of Deaf Adults. 90% of Deaf parents have hearing children. CODAS grow up among Deaf people in Deaf communities. The first language they learn is ASL. Then, when they go to Day cares or kindergartens they start to learn to speak. They continue to use ASL while they are learning American English without having any problems in both languages. CODAS are involved in both hearing and Deaf worlds.
