Glossary
Searchable terminology from accessibility, web standards, and related fields.
123 results found in communication.
- AAC
- Abbreviation for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC encompasses all forms of communication other than oral speech that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. This includes…
- ASL Linguistic Markers (Non-Manual Markers, Non-Manual Signals, ASL Facial Grammar)
- Facial expressions, head movements, and body postures that serve grammatical and semantic functions in American Sign Language and other sign languages, distinct from emotional facial expressions. Comm…
- Active Listening (Attentive Listening)
- A communication technique where the listener fully concentrates on, understands, and responds to a speaker, demonstrating engagement through verbal and non-verbal feedback. Active listening behaviors …
- Aided Language Stimulation (Aided Language Modeling, Aided Language Input, ALgS)
- A communication intervention technique in which a conversation partner models language on an AAC device while speaking, pointing to symbols on the learner's communication system as they talk. This inc…
- Algospeak (Algorithm-Friendly Language, Algo-Speak)
- The practice of using code words, creative spellings, or substitutions in online content to avoid algorithmic detection, censorship, or demonetization by social media platforms. Examples include spell…
- American Sign Language (ASL)
- A complete, natural language with its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, expressed through hand shapes, facial expressions, and body movements, used primarily by Deaf communities in the United State…
- Articulation Disorder (speech sound disorder, phonological disorder)
- A speech impairment characterized by difficulty producing speech sounds or phonemes correctly. Articulation disorders are classified into three categories: organic (caused by hearing loss or structura…
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- A broad set of strategies, tools, and technologies used to supplement or replace spoken or written communication for people with complex communication needs. AAC ranges from low-tech solutions like pi…
- Augmented Communicator (AC, AAC User, Aided Communicator)
- A person who uses augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology to express themselves, typically because a disability affects their ability to produce speech. Augmented communicators use…
- Backchannel Feedback (Backchannel, Backchanneling, Backchannel Cues)
- Verbal or non-verbal signals given by a listener during a conversation to show attention, understanding, or agreement without taking over the speaking turn. Common examples include head nods, vocaliza…
- Backchanneling (Backchannel, Listener Feedback, Active Listening Signals)
- The verbal and non-verbal signals that listeners produce during conversation to indicate engagement, understanding, agreement, or encouragement without taking a full speaking turn. Backchanneling incl…
- British Sign Language (BSL)
- The primary sign language used by deaf communities in the United Kingdom, recognized as an official language under the British Sign Language Act 2022. BSL is distinct from American Sign Language (ASL)…
- Code-switching (Language switching, Code-mixing)
- Code-switching is the practice of alternating between two or more languages, dialects, or communication styles within a single conversation or even a single sentence. It is common in multilingual hous…
- Cognitive-Communication Needs (CCN, Cognitive-Communication Disorders)
- Difficulties in communication that arise from underlying cognitive deficits in areas such as attention, memory, organization, problem-solving, and executive function, rather than from primary language…
- Common Ground (Shared Understanding, Mutual Knowledge)
- The mutual knowledge, beliefs, and assumptions shared between people communicating or collaborating. In accessibility and inclusive design, establishing common ground is essential for effective collab…
- Communication Asymmetry (Interaction Asymmetry, Communication Imbalance)
- The imbalance in communication capabilities, speed, or modalities between conversation partners. In AAC contexts, communication asymmetry arises because AAC users communicate at 12-18 words per minute…
- Communication Board (AAC Board, Symbol Board, Choice Board)
- A low-tech or digital display of symbols, pictures, words, or phrases arranged on a surface that a person with complex communication needs can point to, touch, or select to express messages. Communica…
- Communication Breakdown (Conversational Breakdown, Communication Failure)
- A disruption in conversation where the intended message is not successfully conveyed or understood, leading to confusion, misunderstanding, or loss of conversational coherence. In AAC communication, b…
- Communication Impairment (CI, Communication Disorder, Communication Disability)
- Damage to brain functions responsible for language and memory that impairs the expression and understanding of spoken and written language. Communication impairments can result from neurological disea…
- Communication Partner (Conversational Partner, Interaction Partner)
- A person who regularly interacts with an AAC user and supports their communication, including family members, caregivers, teachers, therapists, and peers. Communication partners play a critical role i…