The Natural Method of Teaching Language
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Abstract
In a late number of the Annals, in a review of Mr. Keep’s “First Lessons for DeafMutes,” the editor says that although that imitation of nature’s method by which it is proposed to present words and sentences to the deaf-mute beginner in the same way they are uttered in the presence of the hearing child, viz., without any pre-arranged plan, system, or order, has seemed attractive in theory to many persons, [the editor himself included! see his article in the Annals, vol. xiv, page 193,] yet he will venture to say that it has never really been practised in any institution for the deaf and dumb. I submit to the editor that if a method is attractive in theory, and has never been tried, this is not a reason why it should not be, but why it should be immediately put to the test of experiment.* But the editor is certainly in error in supposing that no attempt has ever been made to put this theory into practice. I am not myself one of those persons who recommend to others what they do not practise themselves. According to my limited opportunities, I have practised the natural method