Understanding 'True Biz' by Sara Novic

Questions and Answers

Who is Sara Novic?

Sara Novic is the author whose third novel is 'True Biz', and she started losing her hearing in middle school.

What does the observation of no quotes in relation to glossing signify?

It shows separation in ASL conversations (correct)

It indicates confusion in communication

It highlights the need for spoken dialogue

It emphasizes the narrator's deafness (correct)

What is the purpose of including excerpts of ASL at the end of chapters?

They serve as a creative way to subconsciously teach the reader about ASL and provide a visualization of what Charlie experiences.

Charlie's mother is fully supportive of her daughter's deafness.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the character February represent in relation to deaf education?

February works in deaf education and is a CODA (Child of a Deaf Adult) living with her deaf mother. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional struggles does Charlie face while learning ASL?

Charlie feels stressed and pressured since learning ASL later in life is difficult, leading to feelings of being behind and overwhelmed. Signup and view all the answers

What issues does the book raise regarding disability rights?

The book addresses sterilizations linked to the eugenics movement, the push for cochlear implants, and language barriers in medical situations. Signup and view all the answers

February believes that people with invisible disabilities, like deafness, have the same advantages as those without.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the status of residential schools for the deaf according to the book?

Enrollment is decreasing Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship dynamic illustrated between February and Mel?

Their relationship involves trust issues and differing views on caregiving for February's mother, while also reflecting on their shared struggles due to Deaf culture. Signup and view all the answers

How does Charlie's appointment with the cochlear implant doctor signify her journey?

Charlie's appointment marks a shift towards accessible communication and her advocacy for her own needs regarding her hearing. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Deaf President Now' represent?

A student protest for representation at Gallaudet University Signup and view all the answers

What impact does Big Pharma have on deaf individuals according to Charlie?

Charlie refers to Big Pharma's focus on profits, suggesting this has led to negative impacts, such as her unfavorable experience with cochlear implants. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sara Novic

Sara Novic lost her hearing in middle school and later learned American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture.
She holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Columbia University and "True Biz" is her third novel.

Glossing in ASL

Glossing removes quotes from "spoken" dialogue, reflecting the narrator's deaf perspective.
ASL conversations are uniquely set apart, as spoken language parallels written language, making quotation marks unnecessary.

ASL Excerpts

Excerpts at chapter ends serve to subconsciously educate readers about ASL and Deaf culture.
These sections provide visualization of Charlie's experiences, enhancing reader understanding.

Charlie and Family Dynamics

Charlie's mother struggles with acceptance and understanding of Deaf culture, leading to frustration and conflicts.
Charlie's use of cochlear implants offers her mother hope, alongside a recognition that 15-20% of users may not benefit from them.
The mother prioritizes social appearances over Charlie's needs, especially regarding special education (SPED).

Spectrum of Deafness

Highlights the diversity within the Deaf community, with different languages and cultures represented.

Character February

A Child of a Deaf Adult (CODA), February navigates Deaf education and cares for her mother with Alzheimer’s.

Charlie's Learning Challenges

Charlie struggles with learning ASL, feeling overwhelmed and stressed, highlighting the difficulty of late language acquisition.
She experiences panic from not understanding her surroundings, reflecting feelings of isolation.

Disability Rights Issues

Explores historical sterilizations linked to the eugenics movement and implications of cochlear implants within a medical model.
Highlights language barriers in medical care, including risks for newborns in hospitals.

Law Enforcement Challenges

February reflects on the disadvantages Deaf individuals face when engaging with law enforcement due to communication barriers.
Issues of ignorance and stigma surround perceptions of Deafness.

Shifts in the Deaf Community

Enrollment in residential schools is declining, leading to increased mainstreaming, while promoting the medical model and cochlear implants.
Emphasizes coexistence of cochlear implants and ASL for community access.

February and Mel's Relationship

Explores tension surrounding hiring practices and caregiving decisions, revealing trust issues between February and Mel.
Mel's objective approach contrasts February's emotional response regarding caregiving for her mother.

Charlie's School Outburst

Charlie’s outburst at school, stemming from communication breakdowns, illustrates the stress of language deprivation and alienation.

Appointment with Cochlear Implant Doctor

Charlie expresses frustration, seeking alternative communication methods rather than solely relying on cochlear implants.
Her excitement is linked to gaining access to interpreting services and confidence in advocating for her needs.

Mother-Daughter Relationship

Charlie’s mother views cochlear implants as a fix for her daughter’s identity, struggling to accept Charlie’s deaf culture and needs.

Austin's Baby Sister & Family Dynamics

Austin grapples with insecurities regarding his new sister, highlighting the impact of hearing on family interactions.
The notion of a "genetic time bomb" represents concerns about the future of sign language in their family.

Charlie's Relationships and Acceptance

Through her relationships, especially with Kyle and Slash, Charlie attempts to navigate her identity within both Deaf and hearing cultures.
Her growing fluency in signs leads to deeper connections, particularly highlighted during moments of unexpected communication.

Economic Disparities and Cochlear Implants

Access to cochlear implants and subsequent services showcases disparities based on socioeconomic status, paralleling themes from "Good Kings Bad Kings."

Slash's Support

Slash offers Charlie support and understanding in navigating her deafness while attempting to include her in hearing experiences.

Instruction Pages and Cultural Education

Novic integrates instructional pages into the narrative to educate readers about Deaf culture and provide context for Charlie’s experiences.

Relationship Between Instruction Pages and Charlie

Instruction pages parallel Charlie's learning journey, emphasizing how her environment affects her language acquisition.

Deaf President Now

The Deaf President Now movement at Gallaudet University in 1988 advocated for the appointment of a Deaf president, sparking significant activism within the Deaf community.

Big Pharma Critique

Critiques the pharmaceutical industry, suggesting corporate interests often overshadow public health concerns, particularly regarding cochlear implants.

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Description

This quiz explores the themes and concepts in Sara Novic's novel 'True Biz', focusing on the experiences of Deaf culture and the use of American Sign Language. It delves into the dynamics of Charlie's family, her mother's struggles, and the unique narrative techniques employed in the book.