| Abstract [eng] |
This thesis analyses the language policies of families raising deaf children. This topic is relatively new, having remained unexplored in Lithuania and only sparsely studied in other countries. Based on theoretical material, the study analyses 20 qualitative, semi-structured interviews, half conducted with families of deaf children and half with families of hearing children, with 1-2 informants from each family (in each family's parents/guardians were interviewed individually). This thesis seeks to identify the external and internal factors prompting informants to adopt specific language policies within their families and to compare these policies between hearing and deaf households. The qualitative research identified significant differences in language policies between deaf and hearing families. The analysis revealed that deaf families were more likely to incorporate sign language into their language practices, while hearing participants chose to communicate in Lithuanian or bilingually – using both sign language and spoken language. One hard-of-hearing informant chose to communicate in both of these languages. Hearing informants who opted for bilingual communication identified internal factors that influenced their decision: the communicative needs of the deaf child, their future prospects, the child’s hearing ability, their identity, and information about sign language. External factors, such as recommendations from medical professionals, educators, and other people, also played a role. Those who communicated solely in Lithuanian highlighted external factors such as recommendations from medical professionals and educators and accessibility to support, alongside external aspects like the child's hearing ability and linguistic attitudes. This study is useful for society members, parents raising deaf and hard-of-hearing children, and specialists interested in family language policies. It can also benefit medical professionals, educators, and speech therapists who work with parents raising deaf children. |
