Research seminar: Dr. Naomi Caselli, Wheelock College of Education & Human Development

Dr. Naomi Caselli will share a series of research studies examining how deaf children learn (American Sign Language) ASL vocabulary. The presentation will begin with an overview of the ASL-CDI 2.0, a vocabulary assessment tool specifically designed for children under five years of age. She will then share a series of studies examining the role of early sign language experiences in language acquisition.

The first study demonstrates that early ASL acquisition leads to age-appropriate vocabulary development, irrespective of the hearing status of parents. The second study explores the relationship between the ASL skills of parents and children. Although parent ASL skills have a role to play, the study demonstrates that deaf children learn ASL from a range of sources beyond just their parents. The last study illustrates that ASL acquisition does not impede the development of spoken English vocabulary; rather, there is a positive correlation between learning ASL and English vocabulary acquisition.

The seminar is held in English and is interpreted into Swedish Sign Language on-site

More about Dr. Naomi Caselli