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The Language of Light: A History of Silent Voices
A comprehensive history of deafness, signed languages, and the unresolved struggles of the Deaf to be taught in their unspoken tongue
Partially deaf due to a childhood illness, Gerald Shea is no stranger to the search for communicative grace and clarity. In this eloquent and thoroughly researched book, he uncovers the centuries-long struggle of the Deaf to be taught in sign language—the only language that renders them complete, fully communicative human beings. Shea explores the history of the deeply biased attitudes toward the Deaf in Europe and America, which illogically forced them to be taught in a language they could neither hear nor speak. As even A.G. Bell, a fervent oralist, admitted, sign language is "the quickest method of reaching the mind of a deaf child."
Shea’s research exposes a persistent but misguided determination among hearing educators to teach the Deaf orally, making the very faculty they lacked the principal instrument of their instruction. To forbid their education in sign language—the “language of light”—is to deny the Deaf their human rights, he concludes.
Partially deaf due to a childhood illness, Gerald Shea is no stranger to the search for communicative grace and clarity. In this eloquent and thoroughly researched book, he uncovers the centuries-long struggle of the Deaf to be taught in sign language—the only language that renders them complete, fully communicative human beings. Shea explores the history of the deeply biased attitudes toward the Deaf in Europe and America, which illogically forced them to be taught in a language they could neither hear nor speak. As even A.G. Bell, a fervent oralist, admitted, sign language is "the quickest method of reaching the mind of a deaf child."
Shea’s research exposes a persistent but misguided determination among hearing educators to teach the Deaf orally, making the very faculty they lacked the principal instrument of their instruction. To forbid their education in sign language—the “language of light”—is to deny the Deaf their human rights, he concludes.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published August 22, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 9, 2017
I received this novel on NetGalley for an honest review.
It's amazing how we take the little things for granted such as being able to walk, read, or even talk. The Language of Light explores the history of being deaf through the Middle Ages to now, from Europe to America. This history is rich with the origins for most signs that are apart of Sign Language and even anecdotes of misguided individuals attempting to force deaf individuals to verbally speak. However, it does provide a look into the life of one of the most well-known deaf activist Helen Keller as well as a look into the linguistic complexity and defense of sign language by way of Noam Chomsky and William Stokoe. The reader is left with a better understanding of a language and culture that often falls through the cracks of society. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who has interest in broadening their horizons.
It's amazing how we take the little things for granted such as being able to walk, read, or even talk. The Language of Light explores the history of being deaf through the Middle Ages to now, from Europe to America. This history is rich with the origins for most signs that are apart of Sign Language and even anecdotes of misguided individuals attempting to force deaf individuals to verbally speak. However, it does provide a look into the life of one of the most well-known deaf activist Helen Keller as well as a look into the linguistic complexity and defense of sign language by way of Noam Chomsky and William Stokoe. The reader is left with a better understanding of a language and culture that often falls through the cracks of society. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who has interest in broadening their horizons.
May 31, 2020
This was a very good, readable history of Deaf culture and the current state of Deaf education, but it was, as someone who was mainstreamed and lived through an oralist education, also deeply infuriating. I'd encourage anyone who doesn't know much about Deaf issues to start with this.
November 3, 2017
Gerald Shea has composed a beautifully written history of the deaf community and their fight to be recognized as a community with a true language. I was continually shocked at the oppression the deaf community faced and the absurdity of the oral teachers who were so resistant to change. What I think is most wonderful, though, is how Shea highlights the resiliency and strength of those who would not give up in their fight for recognition. This book provides deep insight into the systematic oppression of the western world, and how that has brought us to where we are today.
February 23, 2019
A very insightful and interesting book, in which Gerald Shea, who is himself hard of hearing, explores the history of Deaf education and the fight between those want to teach the Deaf signed languages and those who want the Deaf to learn to lipread and speak orally. Unfortunately, signed languages have traditionally been looked down upon, a mindset that continues into today as parents opt for cochlear implants rather than allowing their Deaf child to learn signed language—frequently, cochlear implants only allow a very limited range of hearing and communication.
Shea also includes a chapter on Helen Keller, who had devised some of her own signs and methods of communication before Anne Sullivan came along. Sullivan, who worked with Alexander Graham Bell, disregarded the work Keller had made on her own, and instead taught her fingerspelling and oral speech. The saddest part is that Keller lost her voice through this: much of her writing includes visual and auditory descriptions that she could not have imagined or experienced, but that Sullivan instead fed to her and perhaps strongly encouraged her to use, all while invalidating Keller’s experiences as a Deaf-blind woman. Bell (yes, telephone Bell) viewed deafness as something base, something that required a “fix” of lipreading and vocal speech. His views, influenced by the destructive Congress of Milan, permeated the education of Keller and continues to damage the education of the Deaf today.
Shea also includes a chapter on Helen Keller, who had devised some of her own signs and methods of communication before Anne Sullivan came along. Sullivan, who worked with Alexander Graham Bell, disregarded the work Keller had made on her own, and instead taught her fingerspelling and oral speech. The saddest part is that Keller lost her voice through this: much of her writing includes visual and auditory descriptions that she could not have imagined or experienced, but that Sullivan instead fed to her and perhaps strongly encouraged her to use, all while invalidating Keller’s experiences as a Deaf-blind woman. Bell (yes, telephone Bell) viewed deafness as something base, something that required a “fix” of lipreading and vocal speech. His views, influenced by the destructive Congress of Milan, permeated the education of Keller and continues to damage the education of the Deaf today.
November 16, 2018
I got this book from goodreads first reads. Being totally ignorant of literally everything in this book, it was an utterly fascinating read. It is rare to find a work so full of hope and so, so very saddening.
April 30, 2019
Fascinating, eye-opening history of education for the deaf. Because I don't read a lot of history, I found parts of it draggy - it's a lot of names - but despite that, it's an important and worthwhile book.
April 30, 2022
I had too much to say about this book. So my review is here.
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September 25, 2017Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews