Deaf Interpreter Conference 5
June 22 - 26, 2026
Workshops
Asian American Experiences
Presented by:
CSUN Deaf Studies Dept
Community
.15 CEU
(GS)
This abstract focuses on diverse individuals of Asian descent about their experiences living in America. In the light of representation, East Asians remain at large compared to South Asians, West Asians, and Pacific Islanders, in addition to mixed Asians and adoptees. For instance, many have experienced liminality. What is liminality? It’s an “in-between space” between Asian and American communities, which is more common than not. Three subparts will be foregrounded: identity, differences between race and ethnicity, and model minority myths. In essence, it aims to gain a better understanding of Asian diversity in hope of working effectively with ethnic groups.
Lee Ann Tang
Lee Ann Tang is a Deaf Asian American educator. She was adopted from China to the United States at age five and grew up in New Jersey. She was first introduced to signing styles and language play at a young age, which led her to earn a B.A. in Deaf Studies from California State University, Northridge in 2018, and subsequently obtain an M.A. in Linguistics from Gallaudet University in 2021. Additionally, Lee Ann is known as the co-founder of Asian Signers, a nonprofit organization to elevate awareness and recognition of diverse Asians in the Deaf and signing communities.