Unheard Voices: Finding language and belonging in the Deaf and hearing worlds

(Paperback)

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A daughter's telling of finding language and belonging in the Deaf and hearing worlds. In this poignant and powerful memoir, the author tells the story of both her mother's childhood - growing up deaf in the 1920s in rural Victoria - and her own childhood with Deaf parents. Through intimate and evocative prose, Dawn explores the challenges and joys of living in a world of difference, navigating the difficulties that come with being a child of Deaf parents as well as the strength and resilience that comes with love and belonging. She shares her unique and deeply personal perspective on what it means to be a part of the diverse and vibrant Deaf culture. Beautifully written and deeply moving, Unheard Voices is an exploration of what it means to be a part of a diverse and vibrant culture.

Reviews

"A beautiful heartwarming story of growing up deaf, in a hearing world, as recounted by a loving daughter. So poignant of deaf experiences during that era." -- Fiona Perry, Auslan Interpreter/Coda

Author Bio

Dawn is the first-born child of Deaf adults (a CODA). Growing up in post-war suburban Melbourne her family looked like almost everyone else, until they started talking with their hands. Her first language was tactile, visual, physical and theatrical, teaching her to be aware of details, accept differences and informing her understanding of how stories are told. Later, she became a teacher of English, Literature and Drama and moved to Perth, where she taught for many years in the West Australian school and prison systems. Dawn now lives in North Fremantle and spends her time writing about language and culture and discovering the silenced voices behind untold stories.