دانلود Relationships Between Spoken Word and Sign Processing in Children With Cochlear Implants

Abstract

The effect of using signed communication on the spoken language development of deaf children with a cochlear implant )CI) is much debated. We report on two studies that investigated relationships between spoken word and sign processing in  children  with  a  CI  who  are  exposed  to  signs  in  addition  to  spoken  language.  Study  1  assessed  rapid  word  and  sign learning in 13 children with a CI and found that performance in  both  language  modalities  correlated  positively.  Study  2  tested the effects of using sign-supported speech on spoken word  processing  in  eight  children  with  a  CI,  showing  that  simultaneously  perceiving  signs  and  spoken  words  does  not negatively impact their spoken word recognition or learning. Together,  these  two  studies  suggest  that  sign  exposure  does  not necessarily have a negative effect on speech processing in some children with a CI.