DCAL SUMMER SCHOOL: Deaf Studies and Sign Language Research

Researching language and communication in another modality

University College London June 28-29 2007

118 Tottenham Court Road

DCAL is a unique centre researching language, cognition and deafness. Deafness offers an exciting model for approaching questions on language – its origins, development and processes. Our two key themes are:

modality  -  to what extent do languages that make use of the vocal and the visuo-gestural channel differ – and how are they alike; and

experience -what are the conditions necessary and sufficient for language development?


The five specific themes are:

(1) Language processing - Is language independent from other cognitive functions regardless of modality? How is the use of phonological, syntactic and semantic information orchestrated in signed vs. spoken language?

(2) Face-to-face communication – what accounts for individual differences in speechreading ability, and how are facial actions processed in speech and in sign?

(3) Language development – what are the similarities and differences between the native speaker and native signer?

(4) atypical sign language – what does sign language look like in the presence of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders?

(5) the deaf individual and the community – What are the main issues in relation to communication within the deaf community and the broader community?

Aim of the summer school

• To introduce graduates, post-graduates and post-docs to sign language related research in order to encourage well-qualified researchers into the field. Places limited to 20 participants.

Content

• Introduction to Deaf Awareness and to BSL
• Working in a deaf/hearing environment
• Applied Language research/Sociolinguistics
• Neuropsychology
• Neuroscience
• Psycholinguistics/language processing
• Sign language acquisition and developmental psychology
• Sign Linguistics
• Opportunities for deaf and hearing researchers in the field

Cost
There is a nominal registration fee of £25 to cover lunches and dinner. Accommodation is not provided but will be available at low cost. There are a limited number of bursaries available. 

To apply:
The application form can be downloaded here. Complete and return the form by e-mail to dcal@ucl.ac.uk. The referee’s form should be completed and e-mailed by your referee directly to us.

A poster can be downloaded here.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:  1 MAY 2007.