Oralist meaning

An oralist is someone who prioritizes spoken communication over written communication.


Oralist definitions

Word backwards tsilaro
Part of speech The word "oralist" is a noun.
Syllabic division o-ral-ist
Plural The plural of the word "oralist" is "oralists."
Total letters 7
Vogais (3) o,a,i
Consonants (4) r,l,s,t

Oralism is an educational philosophy and approach that emphasizes the use of spoken language in educating deaf individuals. Oralism discourages the use of sign language and promotes the development of speech and lip-reading skills as the primary mode of communication.

Oralist educators believe that speech and listening abilities are essential for deaf individuals to fully integrate into mainstream society. They argue that by focusing on oral language skills, deaf individuals can better communicate with hearing individuals and have more opportunities in the workforce.

The History of Oralism

Oralism gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as the predominant method of teaching deaf children. Schools for the deaf often banned the use of sign language, enforcing strict rules to promote oral communication instead. This approach was influenced by the belief that sign language was primitive and hindered the social and intellectual development of deaf individuals.

Controversy and Criticism

While some deaf individuals have found success with oralism, the approach has faced significant criticism from the Deaf community. Many argue that banning sign language deprives deaf individuals of a natural and accessible form of communication. Additionally, some deaf individuals struggle to develop fluent speech, leading to feelings of isolation and frustration.

Modern Perspectives

In recent years, there has been a shift towards a more balanced approach to deaf education, known as Total Communication. This approach incorporates sign language, speech, and other forms of communication to meet the diverse needs of deaf individuals. By embracing a variety of communication methods, educators can better support the learning and development of deaf students.

Overall, oralism remains a controversial topic within the field of deaf education. While some continue to advocate for the exclusive use of spoken language, others recognize the importance of embracing diverse forms of communication to empower deaf individuals and promote inclusivity.


Oralist Examples

  1. The oralist approach to language learning emphasizes verbal communication.
  2. The oralist teacher encouraged students to speak up in class discussions.
  3. Some people believe that the oralist method is the most effective way to learn a new language.
  4. The oralist perspective values spoken language over written communication.
  5. He was known for his oralist skills, captivating audiences with his storytelling ability.
  6. The debate team focused on developing their oralist techniques to persuade the judges.
  7. The oralist tradition in the community dates back generations, passed down through storytelling.
  8. Her career as a public speaker flourished due to her natural oralist talent.
  9. The professor's oralist approach to teaching helped students better understand complex concepts.
  10. The company hired an oralist consultant to improve their employees' communication skills.


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  • Updated 16/04/2024 - 20:49:59