I Am Against Oralism Because...

Summary:

Someone asked me if I were against oralists when I know s/he must have meant oralism because to be against oralists just because they can speak is outrageous! So my response to this modified question is, yes, I am against oralism but not spoken English. Let me share you that the term oralism to me is a stigma. It is associated "to force" for some even "abuse" (i.e. hands whacked with rulers, put hand down (watch this):


although physical abuse is prohibited but still, this term brings back these memories that many are scarred with the term oralism.

Oralism is way different from spoken English. Oralism tends to be the only approach and it bans from ASL. Spoken English is not against for one to know both languages since birth. It has no biased meaning -- it is just a language. Signed English doesn't ban a Deaf child from using ASL nor force those who cannot hear enough to use it. Some people who think the world of oralism are ignorant. Using the word, oralism, still did not change to a positive concept just we would never change the concept of slavery. Would we want to still practice slavery? No! Unfortuantely, it is still happening in some parts of the world. Slavery will always be negative just like oralism therefore there is no way to change the meaning. They should now that there were horrors associated to oralism. Although it is history but today the practice, the principle and the philosophy still discriminate against ASL. The term should be changed to oracy since it involves the use of switching to both languages where they have the options to use, spoken or signed where there is a more flexibility and compatibility.


In my video clip, you will see my description on how Flemish Deaf view oralism definition vs. Deaf culture definition.

That's why I don't accept and approve the concept of oralism because of the attitude. The concept is negative so that is something to think about how should we view oralism.
From my experience, I was able to grow up using spoken English and ASL. Did I ever think that I think of myself as a oralist? No. I am just a spoken English user so it is completely different than being oralist. I use spoken English, yes. I am ASL user, yes! Oralists don't! It is just a different view about the way I grow up as I never thought one has to separate those from using ASL. They had to use oralism as one approach method and it is not necessary.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• AG
• Bell
• ASL
• Spoken
• English
• Deaf
• Oralism
• language
• social

[IMSwim80]

Its not their fault i think it most has to do with the fact that 90 percent of deaf have hearing parent and less that ten percent learn to sign and when you don't get the language at home that does not help you. Its the parent responsible to help with the education of their child not just a school or an interpreter.

[avbria]

Right, it is not their fault because too often they were told by the likes of AG Bell that if they use signs, it will impede their speech skills. Parents are getting different messages and I imagine how confusing it can be.

[IMSwim80]

IF i have a deaf child they will go to speech therapy but they will also sign as well. I will probably have them sign more English because i want them to have good English skills in their reading and writing the average deaf adult reading level in America is 3rd to 4th grade which is not good.

[avbria]

Actually, research shows that there is no relationship using Signed English to good English skills. I have seen plenty using S.E. and their written quality isn't as good as it should be. Research shows that Deaf children from Deaf family do better in academics and they use ASL.

[IMSwim80]

I believe that both signing and learning how to talk is the best way because deaf still live in a hearing world and you will not have an interpreter all of the time.

[avbria]

Although I consider myself having intelligible speech, I still need an interpreter when it comes to two-way communication so that I can understand everything. For those who don't use speech can always write not meaning having to have an interpreter ALL the time. If they don't write well then it will become a problem. Use of ASL as a first language allows young Deaf children to have a stronger language foundation and effective bridge to English.

[lynxlynx99]

@avbria my kids sign and speak, but using asl for teaching the reading and writing of english is not the best idea. they have totally different grammar. if kids can access some sound, instruction should be in english, with asl learned as a second language. I know you will disagree. but literacy levels for the hearing impaired are low for a reason. I have seen asl trip up kids learning english.

[AntoniaAngelina]

What do you think about total communication? Which method is better oral, manual or total communication?

[tietie1424]

Your against people that speak. Then ( I don't believe in god) but whatever created us MADE VOCAL CHORDS FOR US TO USE. Its not the normal people's fault that your different. Expressing your hate on the world because you cant fit in isn't right. You need to get a conscience. If I cant play hockey better than someone else, that doesn't make me hate them. You are wrong and stupid for using that logic.

[podsaich]

i only socialise with ASL or hearing people because theirs languages interesting me but oral people sound awful and annoy the hell out of most hearing people.

[Deaf258]

I was just browsing through some old videos and links, then Deafhood Discussions on Facebook linked your vlog. I realized I never saw this one, so I watched it from beginning to end.. Wow.. You always make great vlogs, Barb!! Thank you for posting this one!

[Deaf258]

@IMSwim80 Actually, I have met many Deaf who use Signed English with hearing families and completed high school with 3rd/4th grade reading level compared to most Deaf from Deaf families who use ASL graduate with even higher reading levels.. I blame the 3rd to 4th grade reading level on the system who often fails to put Deaf children's interests first. Ability to speak will not help. I am STILL in cllege for 16 years because I grew up orally. Think twice. ASL is best!

[shonnuf]

First let me say that I'm a big fan and I recommend your viseos to all of the interpreters I train. That being said, I wonder if you can be more specific when referring to "oralism." Oralism where? At the Clark School? AGBELL? I mean, this is not specific at all and you are lumping ALL oral programs under these adjectives and I don't feel that's fair or an unbiased, researched approach. Not all oral programs are the same. Oralism isn't negative for everyone. Some deaf people are happy oral.

[2010VictorG]

lol

[redbuddhaz]

Wow! This is a great video. I am currently studying to become an interpreter and all of your information falls in line with what I have been taught. I think it is great to have options like you mentioned sign and spoken English but the approach to spoken English needs to more friendly and no force involved. Thank you for such a great video and clear sign. I look forward to seeing more from you!

[QuicksilverdotFX]

@MerkurX Although they had higher graduation rates but look at them when they graduate. They do nothing with the education they gained. They continue to live off SSI/SSD or work at grocery stores...