What is a defining focus of the Oralism movement in Deaf education?

What is a defining focus of the Oralism movement in Deaf education?

• A. Emphasizing speech and lip-reading over sign language
• B. Emphasizing sign language over speech
• C. Emphasizing Deaf culture
• D. Emphasizing bilingualism

Answer: (A)

The defining focus of Oralism in Deaf education is on teaching deaf students to use spoken language and lip-reading as their primary means of communication, rather than relying on sign language. This approach emphasizes speech development, articulation, and listening (often with hearing devices) to access the hearing world. Historically, it aimed to integrate deaf students into mainstream society by prioritizing spoken communication. It contrasts with approaches that center sign language or Deaf culture, and with bilingual models that combine sign language with written English. So the best fit is the emphasis on speech and lip-reading over sign language.

The defining focus of Oralism in Deaf education is on teaching deaf students to use spoken language and lip-reading as their primary means of communication, rather than relying on sign language. This approach emphasizes speech development, articulation, and listening (often with hearing devices) to access the hearing world. Historically, it aimed to integrate deaf students into mainstream society by prioritizing spoken communication. It contrasts with approaches that center sign language or Deaf culture, and with bilingual models that combine sign language with written English. So the best fit is the emphasis on speech and lip-reading over sign language.