Early Language Development of the Deaf and Its Relation to Foreign Language Learning

FONIOKOVÁ, Zuzana and Jitka SEDLÁČKOVÁ. Early Language Development of the Deaf and Its Relation to Foreign Language Learning. In Konference Universal Learning Design 2012. 2012.

Basic information

• Original name: Early Language Development of the Deaf and Its Relation to Foreign Language Learning
• Name in Czech: Raný jazykový rozvoj neslyšících a jeho vztah k výuce cizích jazyků
• Authors: FONIOKOVÁ, Zuzana and Jitka SEDLÁČKOVÁ.
• Edition: Konference Universal Learning Design 2012, 2012.

Other information

• Type of outcome: Presentations at conferences
• Field of Study: 60202 Specific languages
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• Organization unit: Faculty of Arts
• Keywords (in Czech): raný jazykový vývoj, mateřský jazyk, výuka cizího jazyka, neslyšící
• Keywords in English: early language development, mother tongue, foreign language learning, deaf

Abstract

The paper deals with the complicated nature of mother tongue of the deaf1 and the impact this has on their foreign language learning. Different approaches to mother tongue acquisition will be summarized, and the influence of age and language input on the process will be explained in the context of the linguistic situation of the deaf who often grow up with two languages. The effect of an already acquired language on learning other languages will also be mentioned. Finally, the paper will relate these issues to the linguistic situation of the deaf and apply its conclusions to teaching foreign languages to the deaf.