Oralists

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Individuals who specialize in oral communication skills and strategies in education or therapy
2. Practitioners who teach or promote spoken language as a primary means of communication, often for those with hearing impairments
3. Those engaged in methods that enhance verbal expression and listening, particularly in contexts involving speech development or rehabilitation

Etymology: "Oralists" is the plural of "oralist," a term for people who favor spoken language over written or signed communication. The word is formed from "oral," which comes from Latin "os" (mouth) through the Late Latin adjective "oralis," plus the suffix "-ist," which denotes a person who adheres to or practices a particular doctrine or method. Together the parts describe someone who champions the mouth as the proper medium of expression. The word's most useful context is in deaf education, where "oralism" names the approach of teaching deaf children to speak and lip-read rather than to use sign language. Oralists in this sense are the advocates of that method, and the debate between them and sign-language supporters has shaped schooling for deaf people for well over a century.

Synonyms: speakers, verbalists