Scoping review of research methodologies across language studies with deaf and hard-of-hearing multilingual learners

Abstract

In recent years, research interest in both multilingual learners and, more specifically, in immigrant populations has increased. This is also true for students who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing (d/Dhh) and have families who do not speak or sign the languages of the wider community at home (d/Dhh multilingual learners; DML), and may be recent immigrants transitioning to a new country (immigrant DML; IDML). This is a low-incidence, diverse population of learners with minimal research on both language development and on adequate language support during the schooling years. The present study is a scoping review of the research methodologies utilized to conduct 33 original studies. The results help to explain why research is both lacking and sorely needed, and provide a basis for researchers to identify desiderata in research foci and research designs. Recommendations for educational research with DMLs are proposed.