Brittany L. Freel|M. Diane Clark|Melissa L. Anderson|Gizelle L. Gilbert|Millicent M. Musyoka|Peter C. Hauser
Deaf Individuals’ Bilingual Abilities: American Sign Language Proficiency, Reading Skills, and Family Characteristics
Rochester Institute of Technology|Center for Visual Communication (United States)|Gallaudet University|Center for Visual Communication (United States)|Gallaudet University|Center for Visual Communication (United States)|Gallaudet University|Center for Visual Communication (United States)|Gallaudet University|Center for Visual Communication (United States)|Rochester Institute of Technology|Center for Visual Communication (United States)
current study investigated bilingual abilities 55 deaf individuals examining american sign language asl competency english reading skillsresults revealed positive relationship asl competency english skills highly competent signers scoring higher measure reading comprehensionadditionally family characteristics eg parental education level family hearing status entered analysis ascertain effect deaf individuals bilingual abilitiesthe findings support theory competency asl may serve bridge acquisition english printmoreover findings provide support critical period hypothesis first language acquisition later impact cognitive academic skills