The word "audist" is spelled using the English alphabet, but its phonetic transcription is /ˈɔːdɪst/. The first syllable is pronounced as "aw" and the second syllable as "dist". "Audist" is a term used to describe someone who discriminates against deaf or hard of hearing individuals. People who use this term hope to bring attention to the issue of discrimination against the deaf and advocate for equal treatment for individuals with all types of hearing ability.
Audist is a noun that refers to an individual who exhibits or supports audism, which is a form of discrimination or prejudice against deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. It describes a person who holds biased attitudes towards those with hearing impairments, displaying a lack of respect or understanding for their unique communication needs and abilities.
An audist may demonstrate a belief in the superiority of hearing individuals and tend to downplay or dismiss the experiences and perspectives of deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. They may promote the idea that hearing loss is a disability that needs to be fixed, rather than recognizing and valuing deaf culture, sign language, and the diverse ways in which deaf individuals can thrive.
Being audist can manifest in various ways, whether intentionally or unintentionally. It may involve actions or policies that prioritize hearing individuals' needs over those of deaf individuals, deny equal educational or employment opportunities, or perpetuate stereotypes and stigmatization.
It is important to challenge audist attitudes and work towards fostering inclusivity, equal access, and communication equity for all individuals, regardless of their hearing abilities. Promoting awareness, education, and advocacy can help combat audism and promote a more accepting and inclusive society.
The term "audist" is derived from the word "audism". The etymology of "audism" can be traced back to the late 1960s when it was coined by Tom L. Humphries, a scholar studying the experiences of Deaf individuals. The word "audism" combines "audio" (related to hearing) with the suffix "-ism", which typically denotes a belief system or discrimination based on a particular characteristic. Similarly, "audist" is derived from "audism" by adding the suffix "-ist", referring to a person who practices or supports audism. Overall, these terms relate to discriminatory attitudes or actions against Deaf or hard of hearing individuals, often favoring hearing people or privileging the use of spoken language.