Impact of learning American Sign Language later in life on language processing
Official title: Effects of late first language acquisition on phonological processing in American Sign Language
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11004257 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how learning American Sign Language later in life affects how deaf children from hearing families understand and use the language, helping us learn more about their communication skills and thinking abilities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,347 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DC021854-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004257 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include deaf individuals who acquired ASL after early childhood and are currently between the ages of 0 to 21 or adults over 21.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are native signers of ASL or those who acquired it from birth are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how acquiring American Sign Language (ASL) later in life affects the way individuals process the sounds and structures of the language. It focuses on deaf children who grow up in hearing families and may not learn ASL until after the critical period for language development. By examining the phonological processing abilities of these individuals, the study aims to uncover the long-term effects of late language acquisition on communication skills and cognitive functions. Participants will engage in assessments that analyze their ability to perceive and produce various parameters of ASL, such as handshapes and movements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved educational strategies and support for late learners of ASL, enhancing their communication skills and overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown significant effects of late language acquisition on communication outcomes, indicating that this area of study is both relevant and important.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nielson, Shai Lynne — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Nielson, Shai Lynne
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.