total communication: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Educational
Quick answer
What does “total communication” mean?
An educational and communicative philosophy for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals that advocates using all available means of communication (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An educational and communicative philosophy for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals that advocates using all available means of communication (e.g., speech, sign language, gesture, lip-reading) simultaneously and flexibly.
Any comprehensive approach that utilizes multiple simultaneous methods or channels to ensure complete and effective communication. Sometimes used metaphorically in management or systems theory to describe integrated communication strategies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. The term is used identically in professional contexts in both regions.
Connotations
Neutral and professional in both. May sometimes carry a mild connotation of controversy within deaf education circles (e.g., vs. purely oral or purely signing approaches).
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both dialects. More likely encountered in academic papers, teacher training, and clinical settings than in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “total communication” in a Sentence
[Institution] adopted total communication for its students.[Practitioner] uses total communication with [client/student].The [approach/philosophy] of total communication is based on...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “total communication” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The school decided to total communicate, incorporating BSL, speech, and visual aids.
- We are total communicating with our daughter to support her language development.
American English
- The clinic recommends total communicating with patients who have cochlear implants.
- They decided to total communicate, using ASL and spoken English together.
adverb
British English
- [This form is not standard. The concept is not typically expressed adverbially.]
American English
- [This form is not standard. The concept is not typically expressed adverbially.]
adjective
British English
- She is a proponent of the total-communication philosophy.
- The school follows a total-communication approach.
American English
- He benefits from a total-communication environment.
- The total-communication method was outlined in the IEP.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Only in metaphorical use for a comprehensive corporate communications strategy.
Academic
Primary context. Used in education, linguistics, disability studies, and speech-language pathology journals.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Unlikely to be used outside of specific professional or family contexts related to deafness.
Technical
Standard term in deaf education and speech therapy. Appears in textbooks, IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), and clinical guidelines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “total communication”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “total communication”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a total communication').
- Confusing it with 'totalitarian communication'.
- Using it to mean 'communication that is complete or finished'.
- Misspelling as 'total communications' (plural) when referring to the philosophy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Sign language (e.g., BSL, ASL) is one component. Total communication is the philosophy of using sign language *along with* other methods like speech, writing, and gesture.
Primarily educators, therapists, and families working with deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, especially children. It is a teaching and interaction philosophy.
To provide full access to language and communication by using every available channel, thus reducing barriers and allowing the individual to understand and express themselves effectively.
It can be. Some in the Deaf community who view sign language as a complete, distinct language prefer bilingual-bicultural education, arguing that mixing sign and speech (sim-com) can dilute both. Others see it as a pragmatic, individualised solution.
An educational and communicative philosophy for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals that advocates using all available means of communication (e.
Total communication is usually technical/educational in register.
Total communication: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtəʊ.təl kəˌmjuː.nɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtoʊ.t̬əl kəˌmjuː.nɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated. The term itself is technical.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'total' as in 'total fitness' using all types of exercise. 'Total communication' uses all types of communication methods together.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A TOOLKIT (using every tool available).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'total communication' primarily used?