To conduct a research of a good quality in a place unfamiliar to the researcher, it is indeed important for him/her to spend a certain amount of time in that area/country/region to become familiar with the localities, language, culture, and political climate if he/she is to work independently. Since I will remain in Malaysia for a short time, I am fortunate to find a facilitator to work with me to go past the language barrier, and I am able to inquire him/her about the political climate/culture/trends unfamiliar to me. I can communicate using basic BIM, but it is difficult to communicate with some people because some people use a mix of KTM (proportional to SEE) and BIM in some regions. With that being said, I have reached 32 participants for my research to date, and will continue to reach other participants from other states. Also, my research activities will be able to move forward more efficiently from now and on because the Ministry of Education (Malaysia) sent a letter of approval for my research and gave me the permission to interview teachers of the deaf among other participants.
Most importantly, I am more than grateful for the MFD’s extensive [and reliable!] network with the schools, communities, etc.
Other than the research activities I have had done to date, being an intervenor/interpreter of the deaf-blind is indeed a remarkable experience – I’ve known Coco since I was little, but I never had the opportunity to work alongside her for a whole week and half. Truth be told, it was mentally exhausting, but it gave me the chance to gain knowledge and skills if I am ever to work with one in the near future.
Coco is now in Nepal studying Buddhism and taking a breather before she continues her journey in India.
It was a special journey for me to be alongside you in such a different setting. Surely, but perhaps, it would have been a lighter task of intervening/interpreting for me if we were in North America. New environment, new language, new people... it can be overwhelming for both of us when there is a need to feed information from every source possible. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you, Rue for the amazing memories - we shall never forget these balmy nights in Malaysia. xx
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