A study of the communication skills of a small group of deaf children

Abstract

This study explores the communication skills of three 10- to 12-year old students with a profound hearing loss, using different communication modalities (speech, signing and writing). It also examines the extent to which different modalities may be used effectively to achieve a well-formed narrative. A case study approach was chosen. Students' performed 3 screening activities and 2 narratives (Frog, where are you? wordless picture book and The Hare and the Tortoise video) in their preferred communication modality. Overall, students used a variety of communication skills effectively, irrespective of which communication modality was used and well-formed narratives were achieved. The students were also observed to use language creatively.