Signs of Resistance
American Deaf Cultural History, 1900 to World War II
By Susan Burch | Publisher: NYU Press
About the book
Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2003
A reinterpretation of early 20th century Deaf history, with sign language at its center
During the nineteenth century, American schools for deaf education regarded sign language as the \"natural language\" of Deaf people, using it as the principal mode of instruction and communication. These schools inadvertently became the seedbeds of an emerging Deaf community and culture. But beginning in the 1880s, an oralist movement developed that sought to suppress sign language, removing Deaf teachers and requiring deaf people to learn speech and lip reading. Historians have all assumed that in the early decades of the twentieth century oralism triumphed overwhelmingly.
Susan Burch shows us that everyone has it wrong; not only did Deaf students continue to use sign language in schools, hearing teachers relied on it as well. In Signs of Resistance, Susan Burch persuasively reinterprets early twentieth century Deaf history: using community sources such as Deaf newspapers, memoirs, films, and oral (sign language) interviews, Burch shows how the Deaf community mobilized to defend sign language and Deaf teachers, in the process facilitating the formation of collective Deaf consciousness, identity and political organization.
Editions of Signs of Resistance
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780814798911
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780814798942
Read an Excerpt
Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2003
A reinterpretation of early 20th century Deaf history, with sign language at its center
During the nineteenth century, American schools for deaf education regarded sign language as the \"natural language\" of Deaf people, using it as the principal mode of instruction and communication. These schools inadvertently became the seedbeds of an emerging Deaf community and culture. But beginning in the 1880s, an oralist movement developed that sought to suppress sign language, removing Deaf teachers and requiring deaf people to learn speech and lip reading. Historians have all assumed that in the early decades of the twentieth century oralism triumphed overwhelmingly.
Susan Burch shows us that everyone has it wrong; not only did Deaf students continue to use sign language in schools, hearing teachers relied on it as well. In Signs of Resistance, Susan Burch persuasively reinterprets early twentieth century Deaf history: using community sources such as Deaf newspapers, memoirs, films, and oral (sign language) interviews, Burch shows how the Deaf community mobilized to defend sign language and Deaf teachers, in the process facilitating the formation of collective Deaf consciousness, identity and political organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Signs of Resistance about?
Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2003
A reinterpretation of early 20th century Deaf history, with sign language at its center
During the nineteenth century, American schools for deaf education regarded sign language as the \"natural language\" of Deaf people, using it as the principal mode of instruction and communication. These schools inadvertently became the seedbeds of an emerging Deaf community and culture. But beginning in the 1880s, an oralist movement developed that sought to suppress sign language, removing Deaf teachers and requiring deaf people to learn speech and lip reading. Historians have all assumed that in the early decades of the twentieth century oralism triumphed overwhelmingly.
Susan Burch shows us that everyone has it wrong; not only did Deaf students continue to use sign language in schools, hearing teachers relied on it as well. In Signs of Resistance, Susan Burch persuasively reinterprets early twentieth century Deaf history: using community sources such as Deaf newspapers, memoirs, films, and oral (sign language) interviews, Burch shows how the Deaf community mobilized to defend sign language and Deaf teachers, in the process facilitating the formation of collective Deaf consciousness, identity and political organization.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Signs of Resistance?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Signs of Resistance?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780814798911
How long is Signs of Resistance and how many pages does it have?
Signs of Resistance has 230 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Signs of Resistance?
Susan Burch
Who is the Publisher of the book Signs of Resistance?
NYU Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Signs of Resistance is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780814798911) and paperback(ISBN 9780814798942)
Where can I buy Signs of Resistance online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Signs of Resistance from below
Where can I buy Signs of Resistance?