Comprehension and Production of Language by Children With Hearing Impairments : A Review of Current Topics

Abstract

The present article reviews current issues concerning linguistic competence and language acquisition by children with hearing impairments. The results of some recent studies, based on various linguistic theories, that focused on comprehension and production of language have clarified features of syntactic ability, semantic information processing, and use of words in the speaking and writing of children with hearing impairments. In particular, the theory of universal grammar (the principles and parameters approach) has contributed to explication of the process of language acquisition in children with hearing impairments. At the same time, cognitive linguistics theory and usage-based theory, new ideas for explaining language acquisition, have been developing. These latter theories regard cognitive ability and learning as important in the acquisition of language. Some of the studies based on these theories adopted an inductive approach that tried to clarify the process of language acquisition by examining features such as the use of words and constructions. It is important to have additional inductive studies based on an analysis of data on language use by children with hearing impairments. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: journal abstract)