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English Pages 106 [113] Year 1999
THE POLITICS OF VISUAL LANGUAGE
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THE POLITICS OF VISUAL LANGUAGE Deafness, Language Choice, and Political Socialization
JAMES ROOTS
CARLETON UNIVERSITY PRESS
Copyright © Carleton University Press, 1999 ISBN 0-88629-345-6 (cloth) ISBN 0-88629-351-0 (paperback) Printed and bound in Canada Canadian Cataloguing in Publication Data Roots, James, date The politics of visual language ; deafness, language choice, and political socialization Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 0-88629-345-6 (bnd) ISBN 0-88629-351-0 (pbk) 1. Deaf—Means of communication. 2. Deafness—Social aspects. I. Title.
HV2395.R66 1999
61.4'2
C98-901030-9
Cover art: Not my Choice, Elizabeth Morris's rendition of the Deaf perspective on childhood cochlear implants. Cover design: Liz Morris Design; photographer, Tom Rosenthal; and BCumming Design. Interior: Lynn's Desktop Publishing. Carleton University Press gratefully acknowledges the support extended to its publishing program by the Canada Council and the financial assistance of the Ontario Arts Council. The Press would also like to thank the Department of Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada, and the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Recreation, for their assistance.
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Terminology Sign Language Demographics Acknowledgements
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I. POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION AND MARGINALIZATION Socialization Political Socialization Theoretical Frameworks of Political Socialization Marginalization Theories of Political Marginalization Neglect of the Disabled Agencies for Examination
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II. HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF THE DEAF History of the Deaf After Milan The Languages of the Deaf Classroom Mainstreaming Deaf Culture
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III. SOCIALIZING AGENCIES The Family Diagnosis and Parental Reaction Language Choice as Political Choice "Normalization" versus "Managing Difference" Power Relationships and the Pattern of Marginalization A Particular Oralist Identity Problem A Particular Manualist Identity Problem
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The Schools and Peer Group Choices The School as a Reinforcer of Orientations Environmental Concerns Role Models Language Challenge
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Impact upon Political Learning Internalization of Diffuse Support Social Maturation and Peer Groups Peer Group Attitudes Quality and Ends of Education
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IV. A COMPARATIVE GROUP STUDY The Cochlear Implants Rally Family Relations and Language/Identity Factors Political Opinion, Participation, and Activity Cochlear Implants: Attitudes and Activities A Corollary Observation Appendix: The Questionnaire and Responses
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V. REFLECTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Oralism Manualism Language as a Tool of D/deaf Political Socialization Political Socialization and Marginalization: A Response to Taylor Reflections upon the Comparative Group Study Conclusion BIBLIOGRAPHY
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