Ronan: This is Hilde from Norway, Please tell us about yourself.

Hilde: I am an Anthropologist, and works with research about Deaf Culture, Deaf Community and how the interaction between the people in the Community works. And I have two children.

Ronan: Good. Why did you choose to study Anthropology?

Hilde: When I grew up I swapped between Deaf World and Hearing World. I got curious about the differences between those two worlds. Then I understood I wanted to study about it to understand who I am, I want to see people discuss about it. From there I ended up with studying Anthropology.

Ronan: Good. What are the most interesting phenomena you have found during your time as a researcher?

Hilde: Some of the most interesting I’ve discover is that Deaf travels a lot, more than the average. It is a tendency that Deaf moves from smaller place to bigger cities. Comparing with hearing, it is a lot more common for Deaf moving bigger cities than hearing people. Hearing are more commitment to their family and their home, while Deaf travels more and are more flexible because they have a tendency to search after other Deaf. Another thing that interested me is the differences between hearing and Deaf, is not that big as I first thought. Hearing have problems in their daily life in their community, just as us Deaf themselves. I thought Deaf and Hearing were different insides as human, but it really much the same. So is there really much difference between Deaf and Hearing?

Ronan: In the lection you told us about study of Deaf Community. Do you also have some research focus at the interaction between people? Do you find it hard to find a solution?

Hilde: As an Anthropologist I don’t research what’s in peoples mind, but more what’s between people, their interaction and how they communicate with each other. It is more a method how to research what’s between people, their social life and interaction among other people, that’s what I am researching.

Ronan: Do you think as Deaf you have more knowledge, skills and experiences than hearing researcher? Who’s the best to research Deaf issues?

Hilde: I think it is good with both, Hearing and Deaf together can see the issue from different perspectives. My view is that it can be easy for Deaf to miss parts/phenomena’s which we think is normal. Hearing have a more distance relation and may discover things which I am not aware of. They may make some questions that make me wonder why it is like this. Then Deaf and hearing together can discuss from their own perspective, and find one solution/answer of that phenomenal. At the other hand, as a Deaf researcher I can see phenomenal which hearing miss/can’t. For an example I can show a situation where hearing don’t understand, or can’t see something rare about it. But if I explain, they may understand what’s the phenomenal is, and then we can discuss it. Is the cooperation with Hearing the best way? I don’t know, but I think it is a good combination. The attitude is important, Hearing must have a good attitude against Deaf and respect them and be open minded. They must be curious to know why, if they see tendencies which are different from what they are used to. And they must communicate equal.

Ronan: Good teamwork too.

Hilde: Yes, teamwork.

Ronan: Frontrunners are at the moment discussing about how to define Deaf Culture, what is a typical Deaf, Deaf Community and haven’t found a good solution of this. Do you think Deaf Hood is a good definition for it?

Hilde: Maybe all Deaf will arguments about Deaf Hood definition, I am not sure. I think it is impossible to find one perfect definition which can 100 % define what a typical Deaf is. I think it is impossible because there is Deaf in all countries, which grows up in different communities, family, culture and influence from higher levels (government and so on?). And also, the time is changing the structures. It is possible to find one single definition of Deaf Culture? I think it has varieties, and I want to respect the varieties and avoid setting Deaf in one single box. Deaf Hood is about the process of identity, it may fit. But find a clear definition I thing is hard. Did I answer your question?

Ronan: Thank you for your answers. Is there anything you like to add?

Hilde: No, I’m fine whit this.

Ronan: Good. Thank you!