The Language of Light

August 1, 2017

In this thought-provoking and thorough history of the failures and successes associated with the education of the Deaf, Shea (Song Without Words) writes an in-depth historical time line from the 16th-century "Age of Darkness" to the present. His primary focus is the conflict between oralists, hearing educators who insist on teaching oral speech, and advocates of sign language, his "language of light." Shea effectively argues that sign language is speech and the natural language of the Deaf; a language that is seen rather than heard. He further argures that depriving students of sign language stifles their ability to learn and communicate and ultimately denies them of a human right. The author also traces this history of deaf education through both teachers and important figures important on both sides of the conflict, including Auguste Bebian, Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Gallaudet, Helen Keller, and Noam Chomsky. This book provides fascinating descriptions of the workings of the ear, the transmission of sound, and technological advances such as cochlear implants. Extensive notes accompany each chapter. VERDICT A highly recommended and important work that provides a convincing argument advocating change in society's attitudes toward the Deaf.--Theresa Muraski, Univ. of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Lib.

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