Author(s)

Abdullah S. Alofi, M. Diane Clark, Amber E. Marchut

Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX, USA.

Little research exists about Saudi deaf education and Saudi Deaf culture. Using an emic qualitative design, two deaf male Saudis were interviewed and asked to share their life stories. These individuals had grown up in hearing families and the goal was to investigate their life experiences. The interviews were conducted in their first language, SASL, to ensure their comprehension of the questions as most deaf Saudis have low levels of literacy. Participants were from two different cities with two different educational backgrounds. A qualitative narrative analysis captured a more detailed description of how these individuals recalled growing up as a deaf person in a hearing family and later being exposed to sign language and Deaf culture. Both stories highlighted the importance of communication in both positive and negative ways. Results found that Saudi deaf individuals face many challenges in their life, such as language deprivation, poor quality education, and a poor work environment.

Deaf Life Stories, Saudi Deaf Community, Deaf Culture, Deaf Community

Alofi, A. , Clark, M. and Marchut, A. (2019) Life Stories of Saudi Deaf Individuals. Psychology, 10, 1506-1525. doi: 10.4236/psych.2019.1011099.