The goal of this dissertation is to describe and analyze the interaction of pluractionality, a kind of event plurality, and the progressive aspect. Based on original fieldwork, I present novel data showing that, in Balinese, when pluractional VPs combine with progressive aspect, we get some kinds of pluractional interpretations but not others. In…

Recent research shows that deaf signers show increased behavioral and neural sensitivity to certain types of movement, such as biological motion, human actions, and signing avatars. However, other work suggests that in deaf signers exposed to signed language before age five, the mirror mechanism has minimal involvement during the perception of…

Language deprivation occurs because the majority of Deaf students are not born into homes where sign language is used and/or are not taught or not allowed to use sign language, the only language that is readily accessible to them. Instead, they are forced to use less effective communication techniques. When Deaf child who has experienced this…

This interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) focused on the experiences and beliefs of teachers of the deaf about bilingual American Sign Language (ASL) and English education and their teacher preparation programs. It was grounded on situated learning theory, specifically on the principles of legitimate peripheral learning theory (Lave…

Deficits in the systems inherent to the field of ASL-English interpreting have resulted in gaps and barriers that impact novice interpreter practitioners. As a potential mitigating factor, research has shown the importance of developing confidence and self-efficacy in novice interpreters. Due to time and curricular restraints, the current system…

There is a significant lack of research on the participation of Deaf student athletes in sports, particularly within Deaf-centric environments where American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary language. This study addresses this gap by documenting and recognizing the unique experiences of Deaf student athletes at Gallaudet University, the world's…

This dissertation presents the judgment of what is 'correct' American Sign Language (ASL) structure by the younger generation, using the word order strategies that were used in older generation signers, as well as younger generation attitudes towards the ideology of ASL being a SOV language. This study used an on-line survey to evaluate 83…

Embodied cognition posits that physical interactions with the environment play a crucial role in learning, including complex, abstract concepts in STEM disciplines. This is relevant for deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) learners who often utilize sign language, which is a naturally embodied, visuospatial mode of communication. My dissertation…

Self-assessment skills are emphasized in signed language Interpreter Education Programs (IEPs), and it is well-established that self-assessment is an essential element of a sign language interpreter's professional development, yet anecdotal evidence suggests that practicing interpreters frequently do not engage in self-assessment. This study aimed…

This study aimed to address a gap in understanding the enrollment decisions of both Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students and hearing students in DHH-related fields, such as audiology, Deaf education, social work, and sign language interpretation, at Gallaudet University. Despite the growing demand for professionals in these areas, only 5% of…

The influence of sign language comprehension on reading has been well-documented in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary-aged deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HOH) children and adults. There is limited research into the predictive nature of sign language comprehension on literacy outcomes in D/HOH children in preschool and early elementary school,…

There has been an increasingly steady growth and utilization of communication technology between early childhood educators and caregivers. This practice for communication has revealed benefits for educators, caregivers, and children as well as positive perceptions surrounding the use of technology for communication between school and home. Despite…

Storytelling is a feature of communication that provides a platform for sharing ideas, knowledge, emotions, and experiences. Deaf students who do not have access to fluent signers outside of the school setting have difficulty mastering the art of storytelling unless they are provided with opportunities to tell their stories at school. A multiple…

Online learning has grown substantially in recent years, and there has been an emphasis among administrators, instructors, and researchers alike to better understand what drives student success in their online courses. Success in online learning is also a concern for deaf students, who face unique challenges in online courses. This survey-based…

Research about the sign language interpreting field has noted that burnout and attrition of interpreters is a serious issue of the profession. There is also a lack of research about interpreters who work in medical, legal, and educational fields. One gap is the unique work of higher education interpreters. The varied contexts, the complexity of…