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

Total communication, which asked teachers to sign ASL and speak English simultaneously, although once popular, seems in decline.

From Time Magazine Archive