total communication

[ toht-l kuh-myoo-ni-key-shuhn ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of total communication¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Typically, only those who cannot access spoken language at all or who “fail out” of mainstream classrooms are offered ASL, often in the form of “total communication,” which supporters of the resolution say lacks the rigor of a bilingual model.

From Los Angeles Times

At that time it launched a monthslong total communication blackout and an unprecedented military crackdown in the strife-torn region.

From Washington Times

In 2019, the government imposed a total communication blackout during an unprecedented military crackdown in the strife-torn region.

From The Guardian

The president told Bream he “was in total communication” with the governors of Alabama and Georgia and Florida Gov. Rick Scott, and added that canceling the rally would have been “unfair” to the thousands of supporters who had lined up since yesterday.

From Fox News

A near total communication blackout throttles the island.

From New York Times