Investigating the Language of Special Education guides the reader through the complex issues and ideas pertinent to understanding the language of special education. It responds to some of the subject's most pressing concerns, including the function and effects of language in labelling disabilities and disorders, the extent to which current special educational language reflects legal frameworks and definitions, and whether changes in language can lead to changes in perceiving a 'social reality' of special education. This volume brings clarity to these and other ambiguous areas in special education.

Utilising a wide range of theoretical traditions from philosophy, sociology and anthropology, this book aims to raise the reader's awareness of the power as well as the limitations of language in relation to special education. It will therefore be of great interest to educators as well as students and researchers of applied linguistics and disability studies.