total communication

[ toht-l kuh-myoo-ni-key-shuhn ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of total communication¹

First recorded in 1955–60