Language Deficits

Question 1

What are some characteristics of the form of language of a child with hearing loss?

Answer 1

they form shorter and simpler sentences; they use certain sentence patterns too much; don’t use adverbs, auxillaries, or grammatical morphemes often; incorrect word order and incorrect use of irregular verb tense.

Question 2

What are some characteristics of the content of language of a child with hearing loss?

Answer 2

reduced expressive and receptive vocabulary; reduced understanding of the function of objects; knowledge of basic concepts is delayed; don’t really understand metaphors and idioms (E.g., that’s cool); struggle with words that have many meanings; don’t know synonyms very well

Question 3

What are some characteristics of the use of language of a child with hearing loss?

Answer 3

struggle to change topics, take turns, and end conversations; struggle to ask someone to clarify their point or to rephrase their own point.

Question 4

What does language acquisition depend on?

Answer 4

use of cochlear implants; age of onset; degree of hearing loss; presence of other disabilities; age of identification and intervention

Question 5

Why is language acquisition improving in children with hearing loss?

Answer 5

early intervention and technology