Gallaudet University
Who We Are
Our Work
Overview
News & Stories
Jan 26, 2023
Jan 19, 2023
Upcoming Events
November 11, 2022
November 17, 2022
November 19, 2022
University Wide Events
No Communication Compromises
Areas of Study
Schools
Programs
Changing the world
Research
Community & Innovation
Research Experiences & Services
Your Journey Starts Here
Study
Learn
Undergraduate Support
Information
Tools & Resources
Explore Our Campus
Connect
Discover
Influence
Dec 9, 2022
Quick Links
Support
Meet the Team
FAQs
Contact
GU
/
Petitto Brain and Language ...
The effects of early visual language exposure on deaf children’s linguistic and non-linguistic visual processing: An eye-tracking and fNIRS brain imaging investigation of emergent readers
SLCC 1101
(202) 618-6808
(202) 651-5085
Email Us
How do young children learn to read when using modern learning tools such as reading apps?
How do young deaf children use, visually examine, and process complex visual information on a moving screen, especially early reading apps for the young deaf reader?
For these questions, no studies exist, and our present studies are the first of their kind. We examine whether differences in early life visual language experience (AoE) impact visual attention and allocation in young deaf and hearing emergent readers.
Early visual language experience affords enhanced visual gaze-shifting and visual attention in the young deaf visual learner, which subsequently impacts book-sharing and literacy behaviors in toddlers and yields linguistic, reading, and cognitive benefits.
We examine whether differences in AoE impact visual attention and allocation in the young emergent reader.
Suppose early visual language is a significant factor in task performance in early sign-exposed children. In that case, it may suggest that select visual properties at the heart of visual sign phonology selectively enhance visual sight word recognition in ways that positively impact those children’s English reading acquisition. It will also provide insights into what age young deaf children are best exposed to sign languages to promote bilingual mastery and enhancements to English reading acquisition.
Results from the present study have begun to provide first-time research-based insights into all young children’s visual attention to linguistic and non-linguistic visual information in dynamic moving scenes, as are commonly used in today’s e-literacy technology.
Science Director
The effects of early visual language exposure on deaf children's linguistic and non-linguistic visual processing: An eye-tracking and fNIRS brain imaging investigation of emergent readers
Cryss Padilla