What does the term 'Cued Speech' refer to?

The term 'Cued Speech' specifically refers to a technique designed to enhance lip reading by incorporating hand cues that provide visual information about the sounds of spoken language. This method is especially beneficial for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as it allows them to better distinguish between similar-sounding words that may look identical when only reading lips. By using specific hand shapes and placements in conjunction with speech, Cued Speech creates clearer articulation of phonemes, helping users to access spoken language more effectively.

This answer highlights the unique aspect of Cued Speech, differentiating it from sign language or gestures. It is important to understand that this method does not replace sign language; rather, it serves as an additional tool to aid communication through enhanced visual support for spoken language.