Cued Speech

Definition

Cued speech is a visual communication system that uses hand shapes and placements in conjunction with spoken language to enhance the clarity of speech for individuals with hearing impairments. It helps bridge the gap between speech and sign language, allowing users to perceive phonemes visually, which aids in improving their language comprehension and spoken communication skills.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cued speech was developed in the 1960s by Dr. Richard R. Wilson to support individuals with hearing loss in understanding spoken language more effectively.
2. The system consists of eight handshapes and four different placements near the mouth, which correspond to specific sounds in spoken English.
3. Cued speech is beneficial for people who are hard of hearing, as it enhances their ability to perceive spoken language through visual cues.
4. It is different from sign language because it relies on auditory information while providing visual support, making it suitable for those who may not fully rely on signing.
5. Studies have shown that using cued speech can significantly improve literacy skills and overall communication abilities in individuals with hearing impairments.

Review Questions

• How does cued speech improve communication for individuals with hearing impairments compared to traditional speech methods?
  • Cued speech improves communication for individuals with hearing impairments by providing visual cues that represent phonemes alongside spoken language. This visual representation helps users differentiate between similar sounds that may be difficult to hear clearly. By enhancing their ability to perceive spoken language visually, individuals can better understand conversations and develop stronger language comprehension skills.
• Discuss the differences between cued speech and sign language, including their respective roles in communication for those with hearing impairments.
  • Cued speech and sign language serve different purposes in communication for those with hearing impairments. Cued speech supplements spoken language by providing visual hand cues that correspond to phonemes, allowing users to access the auditory aspects of speech. In contrast, sign language is a standalone visual language with its own grammar and syntax, entirely independent of spoken language. While cued speech is beneficial for those who are transitioning to spoken communication, sign language is essential for fluent communication within the Deaf community.
• Evaluate the impact of cued speech on literacy development among children with hearing impairments and its implications for educational practices.
  • Cued speech has a positive impact on literacy development among children with hearing impairments by providing them with clear access to phonemic sounds, which are crucial for reading and writing. Research indicates that children who use cued speech tend to achieve higher literacy levels compared to those who do not. This finding has significant implications for educational practices, as incorporating cued speech into instructional strategies can enhance learning outcomes and foster greater language skills in students with hearing impairments, promoting their overall academic success.

Related terms

Sign Language: A complete visual language that uses hand shapes, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning, primarily used by the Deaf community.

Speech Reading: The process of understanding spoken language by observing the speaker's lip movements, facial expressions, and gestures.

Phoneme: The smallest unit of sound in speech that can distinguish one word from another in a given language.