The article reviews linguistic features of a trilingual approach to total communication for deaf children from non-English-speaking families. Covered are issues of syntax, semantics, and use of fingerspelling. (CL)

The study examined the relationship of cognitive style (reflection-impulsivity) to communication mode (oral or total) with 72 deaf and hearing children at two age levels: 6-10 years and 11-15 years. Results indicated deaf children and younger children were more impulsive than hearing or older children. No differences between oral and total…

A case study of a prelingually hearing impaired boy with bilateral severe to profound sensory neural hearing loss is presented. Separate analyses of spoken and signed language were made indicating that signs had become vehicles for attaching meaning to sounds. (Author/CL)

Research is reviewed on bilingual education and its application to the education of hearing-impaired students. Assessment procedures for obtaining valid samples of language behavior, distinguishing between competence and performance, and considering language variation are emphasized. (CL)

This article presents initial guidelines for combining current conventions for analyzing sign language and spoken language, to represent signs accompanied by speech. Rules are outlined for transcribing utterance groupings in terms of their context, inflection, sign gloss, spoken component, and phonetic transcription. (JDD)

In order to investigate the role of visual perceptual abilities in the acquisition and comprehension of sign language, four tests of perceptual ability were administered to 120 entering hearing-impaired students and 23 new hearing staff members at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. (Author)

American Sign Language (ASL) is the natural language of deaf individuals. ASL should be an integral part of every Total Communication program for the deaf. Through ASL, the deaf child can develop into a self-sufficient and proud individual. ASL also contributes to the preservation of the deaf community, its heritage, and its culture. (Author).

Receptive communication skills of 118 severely and profoundly deaf persons, (9-20 years old) were assessed by a multiple-choice pictorial test. The most efficient method of communication was found to be reading, followed by total communication and manual communication; oral methods were clearly the least effective. (Author/CL)

A survey of the methods of communication used at special schools and units for the hearing-impaired in the United Kingdom showed that the oral method is used in about 90 percent of the unit classes. Findings revealed a rapidly increasing trend to total communication. (Author)

A study of 28 hearing families and their children with hearing impairments (ages 42 to 87 months) found that average age of entry into early-intervention programs was 21 months. Mothers participated more than fathers, and the majority of graduates were enrolled in specific deaf-education programs emphasizing a total-communication approach. (CR)

Six research areas in manual/simultaneous communication (M/SC) for hearing-impaired individuals are discussed. (Author)

The need for selection, standardization, and development of signs and manual communication systems for use in the educational setting is discussed. (Author)

A study involving 13 teachers of students with deafness and 16 students with deafness found that although Natural Sign Language was not considered an official communication mode, it was used after class, and that there was a positive relationship between teachers' sign-language skills and students' understanding of their message. (CR)

Originally given as an exhibit of National Technical Institute for the Deaf materials and procedures, the article consists of three sections: Manual/Simultaneous Communication Department (M/SCD) materials and procedures, M/SCD organization, and M/SCD responsibilities. (PHR)