Intersections within a Latina deaf discourse: a qualitative communication interview study

Latina Deaf identity comes out of a complex discourse at the intersection of multiple cultural identifications. The purpose of this communication study was to explore the intersections of Latina Deaf discursive identity formations. Seven Latina Deaf women were individually interviewed using a qualitative interview method. Each interview transcription was coded for the discursive formations of rituals and relationships finding commonalities across participants� answers. The results explore how Latina Deaf women situate their cultural identities based on rituals and relationships with others in Latino and Deaf communities. Common communication and language within communities use was a salient factor. When communication is more easily accessible within cultural communities, the women feel a more positive connection to the corresponding cultural identity. Also, cultural constructions of Latino and deafness are difficult to comprehend without exposure to the specific cultural context, which makes an intersectional identity hard to articulate and gain acceptance from others. To conclude, the intersectional Latina Deaf identity is one that cannot be easily defined; however, this difficult-to- define identity also permits critique of larger discourses surrounding these identities.