total communication

American  

[toht-l kuh-myoo-ni-key-shuhn] / ˈtoʊt l kəˌmyu nɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

(sometimes initial capital letters)

1. the theory or practice of incorporating all means of communication, including speech, speechreading, auditory training, sign language, and writing, in the education of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

2. simultaneous communication by spoken language and sign language.

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Etymology

Origin of total communication

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

For the first month she had a total communication ban, but that was eventually lifted because she fully complied with the prosecution process.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

A near total communication blackout throttles the island.

From New York Times • Sep. 15, 2017

Kremlinologists took note of this cautious entry into the age of total communication, but few others did.

From Time Magazine Archive