Interfamilial Relationships Between CODAs and their Deaf Adult(s)

What roles does a CODA fill in their family?

Just like any family, these individuals are kids that are learning and developing. Growing up in a bilingual and bicultural environment, they are constantly learning new language skills, cultural expectations, and pragmatic skills. CODAs are used occasionally as translators at the request of the parents. This is common in places like grocery stores, doctor's offices, and other communal public places.

Are CODAs interpreters?

No, children of deaf adults are not interpreters. This is a common misconception. CODAs are kids and their job is not to interpret unless absolutely necessary or if they choose to do so themselves. It is the company or institution's job to provide an interpreter which is required by law. To ask a child to interpret is inappropriate and disrespectful. Many times, CODAs do fill this interpreter role if their family dynamic requires them to do so. Interpreting as a CODA "creates for some hearing children of Deaf parents unwanted pressure and burdens that they are too young to resist or negotiate" (Singleton, 2000). Specifically, the eldest daughter is more likely to take on an interpreter role for the family (Singleton, 2000).

Do all CODAs fill the same role in their family?

Every CODA experience is different. Many internal and external features of a CODA's life influence the potential roles they will fill in their family. Deaf individuals are extremely diverse including linguistic diversity, membership diversity, and ethnic diversity which can change the roles and behaviors that CODAs live by (Singleton, 2000). One CODA reported that her younger sister (having been born and raised in the same family) seemed to have had a completely different experience than her growing up (Boudreau et. al. 2022). 

How can we, as a society, support CODAs?

One way in which society can support CODAs, especially service providers who come into contact with a CODA and their deaf adult(s), is by using a professional interpreter service. By not requiring the CODA to interpret for their parents, potentially uncomfortable and inappropriate situations can be avoided. Some CODAs may prefer interpreting for their parents, but using a professional interpreter in important contexts is a necessity (Singleton, 2000).

Another way to support CODAs is by supporting their identity, no matter their cultural identity or linguistic abilities. Do not make assumptions about what you may think their identity or preferred language should be. Every CODA is different, and they should be given the space to feel seen and heard by the societal standards surrounding them.