Includes bibliographical references (pages 163-172) and index.
Contents:
Introduction: The Importance of Language in Special Education -- 1. Past Voices: Historical Terminology -- 2. Present Voices: Current Language in Special Education -- 3. Grand Designs: Constructing Social Meaning -- 4. Labelling: New Labels for Old? -- 5. Disability Memoirs and Student Voice -- 6. Problematizing Meaning: Deconstruction -- 7. Immersed in Language: Discourse -- 8. Analysing Concepts in Special Education -- 9. Persuasive or Misleading Language -- Conclusion.
Summary:
"Investigating the Language of Special Education guides the reader through the complex issues and ideas pertinent to understanding the language of special education. It responds to some of the subject's most pressing concerns, including the function and effects of language in labelling disabilities and disorders, the extent to which current special educational language reflects legal frameworks and definitions, and whether changes in language can lead to changes in perceiving a 'social reality' of special education. This volume brings clarity to these and other ambiguous areas in special education. Utilising a wide range of theoretical traditions from philosophy, sociology and anthropology, this book aims to raise the reader's awareness of the power as well as the limitations of language in relation to special education. It will therefore be of great interest to educators as well as students and researchers of applied linguistics and disability studies"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.