Terms & Definitions Related to Communication

Terms & Definitions Related to Communication

American Sign Language: A visual-gestural-spatial language in which the placement, movement,

and expression of the hands and body are part of the language. It has a complete grammar

and syntax different from English. ASL is considered by the Deaf community to be the natural language of people who are deaf.

Aural-Oral: A communication method in which listening is the primary means of understanding

language and speech (talking) is the primary means of expressing language. In addition to listening,

a child is encouraged to watch the speaker for additional information from speechreading, facial

expression, and gesture. No sign language is used. This method is sometimes called auditory-oral.

Auditory-Verbal: A specific communication philosophy within the broader aural-oral category.

The development of spoken language through listening and the use of residual hearing are central.

One-on-one teaching, parent involvement, and inclusion in general education (rather than special or

deaf education) are also emphasized.

Babbling: Term used to describe an infant’s first use of speech sounds. With an infant’s earliest babbling, there is no communication or language intent. Later babbling may be used as a part of a

young child’s beginning communication system.

Bilingual/Bicultural: Being fluent in two languages and comfortable in two cultures. For a person

who is deaf, this terminology refers to a person who is fluent in both American Sign Language

and English and comfortable in both the Deaf Culture and the Hearing Culture.

Cognitive: Refers to the ability to think, learn, and remember.

Communication: The exchange of information through verbal or non-verbal means. Communication

can include gestures, facial expressions, words, and/or signs. Children’s earliest communication with parents or other caregivers occurs before they use either words or signs.

Cued Speech: A communication method designed to make visually available all the elements needed

to understand spoken English. The system combines information that can be seen through watching

lip movements with information from additional handshapes and hand positions near the face,

used to identify sounds that can’t be seen on the lips or that look the same on the lips.

Finger spelling: Using a visual, manual form of the English alphabet to spell out words. Finger spelling is most often used to spell out words for which there are no formal signs.

Gesture: The movements of the hands or body that express an idea. Gestures include pointing,

head nodding, waving good-bye and many others. Gestures can be used alone or in combination

with words to communicate thoughts and ideas.