Final answer:
The question inquires whether White Deaf individuals developed the habit of mouthing English words while signing due to oralism's influence. Oralism is an educational practice that favored spoken language over sign language, and while ASL does not require mouthing words, this may be a practice adopted by some as a result of historical pressures to assimilate. The topic touches on broader issues of language, identity, and cultural choices faced by deaf individuals and their families.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question addresses the impacts of oralism on the practices within deaf culture, particularly the custom of mouthing English words while signing. Oralism is an approach that emphasizes the teaching of speaking and lip-reading over sign language for deaf individuals. The preference among some White Deaf people to mouth English words while signing might be influenced by the historic pressures of oralism which advocated for assimilation into the hearing culture, but it's crucial to note that American Sign Language (ASL) does not require mouthing, and this is not a universal practice among members of the deaf community.
Parents of deaf children face difficult decisions about whether to immerse their child in deaf culture, typically leading to the use of ASL, or to pursue avenues such as mainstream education, speech therapy, and cochlear implants that are more aligned with oralism. These decisions are deeply personal and may reflect the parents' understanding of deaf culture, their desires for their child's future, and their own experiences and identities. In deaf culture, the emphasis often falls on signing as the primary mode of communication, preserving traditions and promoting a sense of community among deaf individuals.
Throughout history, similar discussions about the validity and respect of different languages and dialects, such as African American Vernacular English (AAE), underscore the complexity of culture, language, and identity. The 'Students' Right to Their Own Language' statement echoes this sentiment by supporting linguistic diversity in academic settings. Concepts like code-switching and cultural appropriation also relate to these broader themes of language and identity within different communities.