Linguicism
Wikipedia defines linguicism as "a form of prejudice, an "-ism" along the lines of racism, ageism or sexism [or audism]. Broadly defined, it involves an individual making judgments about one's wealth, education, social status, character, and/or other traits based on choice and use of language." Tove Skutnabb-Kangas is a renowned Danish linguist and activist in language rights against linguistic genocide in education. She coined the term linguicism which, in concise, a form of prejudice based on language.
The following passages are examples of linguicism that affect Ameslan people.
"Linguicism" could be also an acceptable term to describe AGB's [Alexander G. Bell] misguided ideology of assimilating or centralizing the sociolinguistic minority into the society at large on so-called equal basis." -- RLMDeaf blog, March 30 2007.
"imposing linguistic and cultural superiority/eradication upon deaf American signers of the late 1800's and early 1900's. More approriate terms are linguistic imperialism or attempt to "linguicide" the sociocultural minority, ex. deaf signers of the post-Milan Conference period from conveying and expressing their own thoughts in practical and efficient language usage." -- RMDeaf March 30, 2007.
"For ASL-users, linguicism is the oppression of ASL in deaf educational settings. Perhaps you've seen such a scenario? A three year old deaf child enters a classroom filled with parents and distinguished visitors, where she tells the ASL Story of the Three Bears. Upon finishing, the audience in the room stands to silently, politely applaud and nod with stiff smiles. Next, a three year old deaf boy enters the room. He says one word — in fact, he utters it perfectly. "Ball." The room thunders with applause and the boy is greeted by beaming faces and glowing smiles. This is an example of linguicism: one language is given more importance than another." -- ASL Rose Newsletter, August 2007.
Looking down on using sign language, feeling ashamed about using sign language, or making a judgment about another language is a form of linguicism.
References
Robert L. Mason. "Linguicism Toward Deaf Signers" Blog article, March 30, 2007. http://robertmason.blogspot.com/2007/03/linguicism-toward-deaf-signers.html.
ASL Rose Newsletter. Vol. 1 No 8. August 2007. http://www.aslrose.com/nlv1n8a.php