MPI COLLOQUIUM: DR. KATE ROWLEY

Title

Language and Literacy in Deaf Children and Adults: Further Insights

Abstract

Language and literacy are essential for communication and education, particularly for deaf children and adults. Bi/multilingualism plays a crucial role in their linguistic and cognitive development, enabling them to engage with both sign language and the surrounding spoken and written language. Sign language provides full and natural access to communication, while literacy skills are essential for broader social and academic participation in modern society.

This talk will present findings from two studies: one focusing on a phonics and vocabulary intervention program designed to support literacy development in deaf children, and another examining language comprehension in bilingual deaf children, specifically the relationship between British Sign Language (BSL) and English reading comprehension. These studies offer valuable insights into effective strategies for supporting language and literacy development in deaf individuals.