Simultaneous communication

Simultaneous communication (SimCom) is a method of communication that combines sign language and spoken language simultaneously. It is often used in educational settings, particularly in the context of deaf education, to accommodate both deaf and hearing individuals. SimCom is a controversial method within the Deaf community and among professionals in deaf education and interpreting, as it attempts to bridge two distinct languages and cultures.

Overview

Simultaneous communication involves the speaker signing in a sign language while simultaneously speaking the corresponding words in a spoken language. This method is intended to make communication accessible to both deaf and hearing individuals in the same audience. However, it is important to note that sign languages are independent languages with their own syntax and grammar, which do not directly correspond to the spoken language. Therefore, SimCom can sometimes lead to confusion and miscommunication, as the grammatical structures of the sign and spoken languages may not align.

History

The use of SimCom dates back to the early 20th century, with its use increasing in the latter half of the century as part of the Total Communication philosophy in deaf education. Total Communication advocates for the use of any and all means of communication, including sign language, spoken language, writing, and lip-reading, to facilitate communication with and education of deaf students.

Controversy

The primary controversy surrounding SimCom is its effectiveness and impact on language acquisition. Critics argue that SimCom can hinder the development of a solid linguistic foundation in either language. For deaf children, particularly, this can result in language deprivation, as they may not receive full access to a natural sign language or to the spoken language. Proponents of bilingual-bicultural (Bi-Bi) education models argue that deaf children should have access to a natural sign language as their first language, with spoken/written language introduced as a second language, to ensure proper linguistic and cognitive development.

Applications

Despite the controversy, SimCom is used in various settings, including mainstream classrooms with deaf and hard-of-hearing students, public events, and some television programming. It is seen as a compromise to accommodate diverse communication needs, although it is not without its challenges and limitations.

Conclusion

Simultaneous communication represents an attempt to bridge the communication gap between deaf and hearing individuals. While it serves a practical purpose in certain contexts, it is essential to consider the linguistic and educational implications of its use. The debate over SimCom underscores the importance of providing deaf individuals with access to natural sign languages and ensuring that communication methods support rather than hinder language development and acquisition.

This communication related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.