Oralism meaning

Oralism is a method of education for deaf individuals that focuses on oral communication and speech reading rather than sign language.


Oralism definitions

Word backwards msilaro
Part of speech The word "oralism" is a noun.
Syllabic division o-ral-ism
Plural The plural of the word "oralism" is "oralisms."
Total letters 7
Vogais (3) o,a,i
Consonants (4) r,l,s,m

Oralism is a method of education for deaf students that emphasizes spoken language and lip-reading over the use of sign language. This approach was historically favored in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a way to integrate deaf individuals into mainstream society.

History of Oralism

Oralism gained popularity with the rise of the oral education movement in the 1860s, led by advocates such as Alexander Graham Bell. Proponents of oralism believed that deaf individuals could and should learn to communicate through speech and lip-reading, rather than through sign language. They believed that this would help deaf individuals assimilate into hearing society.

Opposition to Oralism

While oralism was widely practiced for many years, there has been significant opposition to this approach from the Deaf community. Deaf individuals argue that sign language is a natural and valid means of communication for the deaf and that forcing deaf individuals to focus on spoken language can be detrimental to their development and self-esteem.

Advances in Deaf Education

In recent years, there has been a shift towards a more inclusive approach to deaf education that incorporates both sign language and spoken language. This approach, known as bilingual-bicultural education, recognizes the value of both languages and allows deaf individuals to communicate in the way that feels most natural to them.

Deaf culture and auditory-verbal therapy are two important aspects to consider when discussing oralism and deaf education. While oralism has been a significant part of deaf education history, it is essential to recognize the diverse needs and preferences of deaf individuals when it comes to communication and language.


Oralism Examples

  1. The educational approach known as oralism focuses on speech training and lip-reading for deaf individuals.
  2. Many supporters of oralism believe that it is the best method for integrating deaf children into mainstream society.
  3. The debate between oralism and sign language as the preferred mode of communication for the deaf community continues.
  4. Some deaf individuals feel pressured to conform to oralism in order to fit in with hearing peers.
  5. Oralism was historically promoted as a way to discourage the use of sign language in deaf education.
  6. Critics argue that oralism can be harmful to deaf individuals by suppressing their natural language and cultural identity.
  7. The decision to use oralism or sign language in deaf education should be based on the needs and preferences of the individual student.
  8. Parents of deaf children often face difficult decisions when it comes to choosing between oralism and sign language as the primary mode of communication.
  9. Some educators advocate for a bilingual approach that includes both sign language and oralism in deaf education.
  10. The effectiveness of oralism in promoting language development and literacy skills in deaf individuals is a topic of ongoing research.


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  • Updated 16/04/2024 - 20:49:47