Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 30

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB

Faculty of Science & Technology


Course Title: Sign Language Semester: Spring 2024
Course Instructor: Ayesha Raza Malik Course Code: PSLS-101

COMMUNICATION
COMMUNICATION
Definition:
Communication is the imparting or exchanging of information, ideas, or feelings.
Purpose:
It facilitates understanding between individuals or groups and helps in conveying
thoughts, emotions, and intentions.
Process of Communication:

1. Sender:
The person who initiates the communication.
Example:
A teacher explaining a lesson to students.
2. Message:
The content or information being conveyed.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 1


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
Example:
The lesson material presented by the teacher.
3. Encoding:
The process of converting the message into symbols or language.
Example:
The teacher translates the lesson material into spoken words and visual aids.
4. Channel:
The medium through which the message is transmitted.
Example:
The teacher uses a whiteboard and verbal explanation to deliver the lesson.
5. Receiver:
The person or audience for whom the message is intended.
Example:
The students who are listening to the teacher's explanation.
6. Decoding:
The process of interpreting the message by the receiver.
Example:
Students understand the lesson content and its relevance to their studies.
7. Feedback:
The response or reaction from the receiver.
Example:
Students asking questions or nodding in agreement to show their understanding.
8. Noise:
Any interference that disrupts the communication process.
Example:
Distractions in the classroom, such as outside noise or students chatting, can
interfere with communication.
9. Context:
The situation or environment in which the communication occurs.
Example:
The classroom environment sets the context for formal learning and teacher-
student interaction.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 2


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
10. Understanding:
The mutual comprehension between sender and receiver.
Example:
Students demonstrate understanding by completing assignments or passing exams
based on the lesson.
11. Barriers:
Factors that hinder effective communication.
Example:
Language barriers, such as using complex vocabulary, can make it difficult for
students to understand the lesson.
12. Purpose:
The intention behind the communication.
Example:
The teacher's purpose is to educate students and ensure they grasp the concepts
taught in the lesson.
By understanding the components and process of communication, individuals can
effectively convey messages and achieve desired outcomes in various contexts,
whether it's in education, business, or personal relationships.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 3


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
Types of Communication
1. Verbal Communication:
Definition:
Verbal communication involves the use of spoken or written words to convey
messages.
Characteristics:
• Immediate feedback is possible.
• Can convey emotions and tone through voice modulation and choice of
words.
• Requires language proficiency.
Examples:
✓ Face-to-face conversations
✓ Phone calls
✓ Meetings
✓ Presentations
✓ Written reports
Types of Verbal Communication
a) Oral Communication
Oral Communication where information exchanged through spoken words.
Characteristics of Oral Communication:
• Immediate Feedback
• Interactive
• Dynamic
• Contextual
• Personalized
• Spontaneous
• Nonverbal Cues
Examples of Oral Communication:
✓ Casual Conversations

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 4


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
✓ Business Meetings
✓ Phone Interviews
✓ Classroom Lectures
✓ Team Discussions
✓ Keynote Speeches
✓ Debates
b) Written Communication
Written communication involves conveying messages, information, or ideas
through written words or symbols.
Characteristics:
• Allows for precise and permanent record-keeping.
• Can reach a wide audience.
• Requires literacy and language proficiency.
Examples:
✓ Emails
✓ Letters
✓ Reports
✓ Memos
✓ Text messages
✓ Social media posts
✓ Articles and blog posts

2. Non-verbal Communication:
Definition:
Nonverbal communication involves conveying messages without the use of words,
using gestures, facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice.
Characteristics:
• Can convey emotions, attitudes, and intentions.
• May be culturally influenced.
• Often complements verbal communication.
Examples:
✓ Eye contact
✓ Facial expressions (e.g., smiling, frowning)
✓ Gestures (e.g., waving, pointing)

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 5


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
✓ Posture
✓ Tone of voice
a) Visual Communication:
Visual communication involves conveying messages through visual aids such as
charts, graphs, diagrams, and images.
Characteristics:
• Simplifies complex information.
• Appeals to visual learners.
• Enhances understanding and retention.
Examples:
✓ Infographics
✓ Flowcharts
✓ Maps
✓ Presentations slides
✓ Videos
b) Body Language
Body language communication involves conveying messages, emotions, and
intentions through nonverbal cues such as gestures, facial expressions, posture,
and eye movements.
Characteristics:
• Complements verbal communication.
• Conveys emotions, attitudes, and intentions.
• Universally understood to some extent but may also be culturally influenced.
• Often immediate and subconscious.
Examples:
✓ Facial Expressions
✓ Gestures
✓ Posture and Body Movements
✓ Eye Contact
✓ Proximity
✓ Touch

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 6


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB

c) Paralanguage
Paralanguage communication refers to the vocal elements of speech, such
as tone, pitch, volume, pace, and intonation, which convey additional
meaning beyond the actual words spoken.
Characteristics:
• Complements verbal communication.
• Conveys emotions, attitudes, and intentions.
• Influences how messages are perceived and interpreted.
• Can vary based on cultural norms and individual differences.
Examples:
✓ Tone
✓ Pitch
✓ Volume
✓ Pace
✓ Intonation:
Levels of Communication
1. Intrapersonal communication
Definition:
Intrapersonal communication refers to the internal dialogue and self-talk that
occurs within an individual's mind.
Characteristics:
• Involves communication with oneself.
• Occurs within an individual's mind.
• Involves thoughts, feelings, and reflections.
• Can be conscious or subconscious.
• Influences self-awareness and decision-making.
Examples:
✓ Self-reflection
✓ Problem-solving
✓ Self-affirmation
✓ Goal-setting

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 7


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
✓ Emotional Regulation
✓ Imagery and Visualization
2. Interpersonal Communication
Definition:
Interpersonal communication refers to the exchange of information, feelings, and
meaning between two or more people in a face-to-face interaction.
Characteristics:
• Involves two or more individuals.
• Facilitates the sharing of thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
• Builds relationships and rapport.
• Requires active listening and empathy.
• Can be verbal or nonverbal.
Examples:
✓ Conversations with Friends
✓ Job Interviews
✓ Family Discussions
✓ Therapeutic Sessions
✓ Negotiations
✓ Customer Service Interactions
3. Group Communication:
Definition:
Group communication involves interactions among members of a small group or
team.
Characteristics:
• Facilitates collaboration and problem-solving.
• Requires effective coordination and leadership.
• Can involve both verbal and nonverbal communication.
Examples:
✓ Team meetings
✓ Group discussions
✓ Brainstorming sessions
✓ Project collaborations

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 8


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
4. One-to-group communication
Definition:
One-to-group communication involves a single individual delivering a message or
information to a group of people.
Characteristics:
• One sender communicates with multiple receivers.
• Message delivery can be formal or informal.
• Requires consideration of group dynamics and audience reception.
• Can be interactive or one-way.
• May involve various communication channels.
Examples:
✓ Lecture
✓ Training Workshop
✓ Conference Presentation
✓ Team Meeting
✓ Public Speech
✓ Workshop
5. Mass Communication:
Definition:
Mass communication involves the transmission of messages to a large audience
through mass media channels.
Characteristics:
• Reaches a broad and diverse audience.
• Can influence public opinion and behavior.
• Uses various media platforms.
Examples:
✓ Television broadcasts
✓ Radio programs
✓ Newspapers
✓ Magazines
✓ Social media posts

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 9


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
6. Organizational Communication:
Definition:
Organizational communication refers to communication within an organization,
including formal and informal interactions among employees.
Characteristics:
• Facilitates coordination and cooperation.
• Helps convey organizational goals and policies.
• Can occur through various channels.
Examples:
✓ Internal memos
✓ Company newsletters
✓ Staff meetings
✓ Performance reviews
✓ Intranet platforms
7. Public Communication
Definition:
Public communication involves the transmission of messages to a large and diverse
audience through various channels.
Characteristics:
• One sender communicates with a broad audience.
• Messages are typically formal or structured.
• Can include elements of persuasion or advocacy.
• May be delivered through mass media or public speaking platforms.
• Aimed at informing, entertaining, persuading, or engaging the audience.
Examples:
✓ Speeches
✓ Broadcast Media
✓ Social Media
✓ Public Events
✓ Advertisements
8. Digital Communication:
Definition:
Communication facilitated through digital technologies and platforms.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 10


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
Example:
✓ Text messages,
✓ Emails
✓ Video calls
✓ Social media posts
✓ Instant messaging apps
Understanding these different levels of communication helps individuals and
organizations effectively navigate and utilize various channels and modes of
communication in different contexts.
Communication Barriers
• Semantic Barriers:
Occur due to differences in language, vocabulary, or interpretation.
Example:
Misunderstanding technical jargon in a conversation between engineers and
marketers.
• Physical Barriers:
Result from environmental factors that hinder communication.
Example:
Noise pollution in a busy office making it difficult to hear and understand
conversations.
• Psychological Barriers:
Stem from individual attitudes, emotions, or perceptions.
Example:
Preconceived biases affecting how a person interprets information or
messages.
• Cultural Barriers:
Arise from differences in cultural norms, values, and communication
styles.
Example:
Misinterpreting gestures or body language in a multicultural team meeting.
• Technological Barriers:
Result from issues with communication tools or technology.
Example:
Poor internet connection causing disruptions during a video conference call.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 11


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
• Organizational Barriers:
Stem from structural or procedural aspects of an organization.
Example:
Lack of clear communication channels or hierarchical structures hindering
information flow within a company.
• Personal Barriers:
Result from personal traits or behaviors that impede communication.
Example:
Shyness or fear of speaking up in a group setting, leading to withheld
information.
Identifying and addressing these barriers is essential for effective communication
and fostering better understanding among individuals and groups.

LANGUAGE
LANGUAGE
Definition:
Language is a system of communication used by humans, typically consisting of
spoken and written words, gestures, and symbols, with agreed-upon rules for
combining them to convey meaning.
Means of Communication:
Language enables individuals to express thoughts, ideas, emotions, and intentions
to others, facilitating communication and social interaction.
Component:
• Phonology:
Sounds that make up words and their pronunciation.
• Morphology:
Structure and formation of words, including prefixes, suffixes, and roots.
• Syntax:
Rules governing the arrangement of words to form sentences.
• Semantics:
Meaning of words, phrases, and sentences.
• Pragmatics:
How language is used in context, including social and cultural conventions.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 12


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
Examples:
✓ Spoken Language:
Conversations, speeches, lectures, or phone calls.
✓ Written Language:
Books, newspapers, emails, letters, or text messages.
✓ Sign Language:
Gestures, hand movements, and facial expressions used by individuals who
are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate.
Varieties:
• Natural Languages:
Languages spoken by humans, such as English, Hindi, Urdu, or Arabic.
• Constructed Languages:
Artificial languages created for specific purposes, such as Esperanto or
Klingon.
Language is essential for human communication, enabling individuals to share
information, express thoughts and emotions, and connect with others across
cultures and societies.

Nature of Language
1. Dynamic and Evolving:
Languages change over time due to cultural, social, and technological
influences.
Example:
English has evolved over centuries, with new words added to the lexicon and
changes in pronunciation and grammar.
2. Creative and Expressive:
Language allows for the creation of new words, phrases, and expressions to
convey complex ideas and emotions.
Example:
Authors and poets use language creatively to evoke emotions and paint vivid
imagery in literature.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 13


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
3. Contextual and Cultural:
Language use is influenced by social and cultural norms, customs, and
traditions.
Example:
Different cultures may have unique greetings, forms of address, and
expressions of politeness.
4. Universal and Diverse:
While all humans use language for communication, there is a wide variety of
languages with unique structures, vocabulary, and grammar.
Example:
Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, and Swahili are all distinct languages
with their own linguistic characteristics and cultural significance.
5. Adaptive and Functional:
Language adapts to meet the functional needs of communication in various
contexts and situations.
Example:
Informal language may be used among friends, while formal language is
appropriate in professional settings or formal ceremonies.
6. Learned and Acquired:
Language is primarily learned through exposure, interaction, and education
rather than being innate.
Example:
Children acquire language skills through listening to caregivers, interacting
with peers, and formal education.
Understanding the nature of language helps us appreciate its complexity, diversity,
and significance in human communication and society.

Characteristics of Language
1. Arbitrary:
Words and symbols used in language have no inherent connection to their
meaning.
Example:
The word "dog" has no inherent connection to the animal it represents; it's a
learned association.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 14


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
2. Structured:
Language follows rules and conventions for organizing words and symbols
into meaningful units.
Example:
English follows grammatical rules for sentence structure, such as subject-verb-
object order.
3. Generative:
Language allows for the creation of an infinite number of new expressions
and sentences using a finite set of rules and vocabulary.
Example:
Speakers can create new sentences on the fly, such as "The cat chased the mouse"
or "I love pizza."
4. Dynamic:
Language is constantly evolving and changing over time in response to social,
cultural, and technological influences.
Example:
New words like "selfie" and "tweet" have entered the English language due to
advances in technology and social media.
5. Symbolic:
Language uses symbols, such as words, gestures, and sounds, to represent
objects, ideas, and concepts.
Example:
Traffic lights use colors as symbols to convey meaning; red means stop, green
means go.
6. Cultural:
Language reflects the values, beliefs, and customs of the culture in which it
is used.
Example:
Different cultures may have unique idioms, greetings, or expressions that are
specific to their language.
7. Learned and Taught:
Language is primarily learned through exposure, interaction, and education
rather than being innate.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 15


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
Example:
Children learn language skills by listening to caregivers, interacting with peers, and
attending school.
Understanding these characteristics helps us appreciate the complexity and
versatility of language as a means of communication.

DEAFNESS
HEARING IMPAIRMENT
• Refers to any degree of hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound.
• Can affect one or both ears and may be temporary or permanent.
Examples:
Difficulty understanding faint sounds, speech, or environmental noises due
to reduced hearing sensitivity.
Deafness:
• Refers to a profound or severe hearing loss, often resulting in little to no
ability to hear sounds, including speech and environmental noises.
• Individuals may rely on visual communication methods, such as sign
language or lipreading, to communicate.
Examples:
Complete inability to hear sounds, even with amplification, leading to
reliance on sign language or other visual communication methods.
Hard of Hearing:
Refers to individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss who may have difficulty
hearing certain sounds or understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
May benefit from hearing aids or assistive listening devices to enhance hearing
ability.
Examples:
Difficulty following conversations in noisy restaurants or understanding
speech on the phone, but can communicate effectively with hearing aids or
lipreading.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 16


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
Types of Classifications of Hearing Impairment:
We can classify or categories hearing impairment on the basis of some common
characteristics. These two types are as follows:
1. Based on Onset
2. Based on Language Development
1. Based on Onset:
Classification of hearing impairment based on onset typically involves
categorizing it into congenital and acquired hearing loss.
a. Congenital Hearing Loss:
• Present at birth or acquired shortly after birth.
• Often attributed to genetic factors, prenatal exposure to infections, or
complications during childbirth.
Examples:
Genetic hearing disorders like genetic syndromes (e.g., Down
syndrome) or congenital cytomegalovirus infection.
b. Acquired Hearing Loss:
• Develops later in life due to various factors.
• Can be caused by exposure to loud noises, infections, medical
conditions, aging, or head trauma.
Examples:
Noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged exposure to loud
machinery or sudden sensorineural hearing loss due to viral infections.
2. Based on Language Development:
a. Pre-lingual Hearing Loss:
• Occurs before the development of language, typically during infancy
or early childhood.
• Impacts the acquisition and development of spoken language.
Examples:
Congenital hearing loss diagnosed during newborn screening or
hearing loss identified in early childhood before language acquisition.
b. Post-lingual Hearing Loss:
• Develops after the acquisition of spoken language.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 17


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
• Individuals may have developed spoken language skills before
experiencing hearing loss.
Examples:
Hearing loss due to aging (presbycusis) or acquired sensorineural
hearing loss later in life due to factors like exposure to loud noise or
ototoxic medications
Degree of Hearing Loss:

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 18


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
Anatomy of the Hearing Mechanism:
Parts of Ear:
1. Outer Ear
2. Middle Ear
3. Inner Ear
1. Outer Ear:
• Consists of the pinna (auricle) and the ear canal (auditory canal).
• The pinna collects sound waves and directs them into the ear canal.
Example:
The pinna helps localize the source of sounds by amplifying and funneling
sound waves into the ear canal.
2. Middle Ear:
• Includes the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and three tiny bones (ossicles):
the malleus, incus, and stapes.
• Sound waves cause the eardrum to vibrate, which in turn causes the ossicles
to amplify and transmit vibrations to the inner ear.
Example:
When listening to music, sound waves cause the eardrum to vibrate, which
sets the ossicles in motion, transmitting the vibrations to the inner ear.
3. Inner Ear:
• Consists of the cochlea and the vestibular system.
• The cochlea is a snail-shaped structure filled with fluid and lined with tiny
hair cells.
• Sound vibrations in the cochlea cause the hair cells to bend, generating
electrical signals that are sent to the brain via the auditory nerve.
Example:
When exposed to loud noises, the hair cells in the cochlea can become damaged,
leading to hearing loss.
4. Auditory Nerve:
• Transmits electrical signals from the cochlea to the brain.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 19


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
• These signals are interpreted by the brain as sound.
Example:
When listening to someone speak, electrical signals generated in the cochlea travel
along the auditory nerve to the brain's auditory cortex, where they are processed
and interpreted as speech.
Structure of the Ear:

Hearing Mechanism:
1. Sound Capture:
Your ears collect sound waves from the environment, like a microphone.
2. Vibration:
The sound waves make your eardrum vibrate, just like a drum being tapped.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 20


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
3. Transmission:
The vibrations travel through tiny bones in your middle ear, like a chain
reaction, amplifying the sound.
4. Detection:
In your inner ear, there's a snail-shaped structure called the cochlea, which
is filled with liquid and tiny hair cells.
These hair cells detect the vibrations and turn them into electrical signals.
5. Brain Interpretation:
These signals travel to your brain through the auditory nerve, where they're
interpreted as sounds.
So, when you hear someone talking or music playing, it's because your ears are
capturing, vibrating, transmitting, detecting, and your brain is
interpreting those sounds!

Types of Hearing Loss:

1. Conductive Hearing Loss:


Problem in the outer or middle ear that blocks sound waves from reaching
the inner ear.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 21


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
Example:
Earwax buildup blocking the ear canal, making it harder to hear.
2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss:
Damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, making it difficult to transmit
signals to the brain.
Example:
Listening to loud music for a long time damaging the tiny hair cells in the inner ear.
3. Mixed Hearing Loss:
Combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Example:
Having both earwax buildup and damage to the inner ear due to loud noise
exposure.
4. Central Auditory Loss:
Central auditory loss means difficulty processing sound signals in the brain,
causing trouble understanding speech, even with normal hearing.
Example:
Someone with this condition may find it hard to follow conversations in noisy places
or recognize different sounds accurately.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 22


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
Causes of Hearing Impairment:
1. Congenital Factors:
• Genetic Conditions:
Inherited disorders like genetic syndromes (e.g., Down syndrome) can affect
hearing.
• Prenatal Exposure:
Infections like rubella or exposure to toxins during pregnancy can damage
the fetus's hearing.
Example:
A baby born with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection may have hearing
loss due to prenatal exposure to the virus.
2. Acquired Factors:
• Loud Noise Exposure:
Continuous exposure to loud noises, such as machinery or music, can
damage the delicate structures of the inner ear.
• Aging (Presbycusis):
Gradual hearing loss due to changes in the inner ear or auditory nerve as
people grow older.
• Ear Infections:
Infections like otitis media can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the
middle ear, leading to temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Example:
A construction worker developing hearing loss from prolonged exposure to loud
machinery without using ear protection.
3. Medical Conditions:
• Otosclerosis:
Abnormal bone growth in the middle ear that interferes with the movement
of the ossicles, causing conductive hearing loss.
• Meniere's Disease:
Inner ear disorder causing vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 23


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
Example:
Someone experiencing sudden hearing loss as a symptom of Meniere's disease
during an episode of vertigo.
4. Trauma or Injury:
• Head Trauma:
Injuries to the head or skull fractures can damage the inner ear structures
or auditory nerve.
• Barotrauma:
Sudden changes in air pressure, such as during scuba diving or airplane
travel, can damage the eardrum or inner ear.
Example:
A car accident causing head trauma leading to hearing loss due to damage to the
auditory nerve.
Understanding the causes of hearing impairment helps in prevention, early
detection, and appropriate management to preserve or improve hearing health.

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES OF DEAFNESS


1. Communication Barriers:
Difficulty in understanding spoken language and communicating effectively
with hearing individuals.
Example:
Feeling isolated or left out in group conversations or social gatherings where
communication relies heavily on spoken language.
2. Social Isolation:
Deaf individuals may experience social isolation due to communication
barriers and lack of accessibility.
Example:
Feeling excluded from social events or activities that are not accessible or
accommodating to their communication needs.
3. Identity and Self-Esteem:
Deaf individuals may struggle with identity issues and lower self-esteem due
to societal attitudes and perceptions about deafness.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 24


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
Example:
Feeling inferior or inadequate because of negative stereotypes or discrimination
based on deafness.
4. Mental Health Challenges:
Deaf individuals may be at higher risk for mental health issues such as
depression, anxiety, and stress due to communication difficulties and social
isolation.
Example:
Experiencing feelings of loneliness, frustration, or helplessness due to challenges in
accessing information or support.
5. Educational and Employment Opportunities:
Deaf individuals may face barriers in accessing quality education and
employment opportunities due to communication barriers and
discrimination.
Example:
Limited access to sign language interpreters or assistive technologies in educational
settings, resulting in academic underachievement or limited career options.
6. Access to Healthcare:
Deaf individuals may encounter challenges in accessing healthcare services
and information due to communication barriers and lack of awareness or
accommodations.
Example:
Difficulty communicating with healthcare providers or understanding medical
information during doctor's appointments or hospital visits.
Understanding these psychological and social issues of deafness is essential for
promoting inclusivity, empathy, and support for deaf individuals in society.

STAGES OF LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT


1. Preverbal Stage:
• Babbling:
Babies produce repetitive sounds ("ba-ba", "da-da") to explore vocalization.
Age: 6-12 months

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 25


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
Example:
A baby makes cooing sounds or babbles while playing with toys.
2. Holophrastic Stage:
• One-Word Stage:
Toddlers use single words to express complete thoughts or requests.
Age: 12-18 months
Example:
A toddler says "milk" to indicate they want a drink.
3. Two-Word Stage:
Toddlers combine two words to form simple phrases or sentences.
Age: 18-24 months
Example:
A toddler says "big dog" to describe a large dog they see in the park.
4. Telegraphic Stage:
Toddlers use short, simple sentences with essential words to convey
meaning.
Age: 24-30 months
Example:
A toddler says "Mommy go" to request that their mother leave with them.
5. Early Multi-Word Stage:
Children begin using more complex sentences with a growing vocabulary.
Age: 30-36 months
Example:
A preschooler says "I want to play with my toys in my room."
6. Later Multi-Word Stage:
Children use longer and more sophisticated sentences with correct grammar
and syntax.
Age: 36+ months (preschool and beyond)
Example:
A school-aged child says "Yesterday, I went to the park and played with my friends."

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 26


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
Each stage builds upon the previous one, gradually increasing in complexity as
children acquire new vocabulary and language skills.

COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT:
1. Language Acquisition:
• Hearing Individuals:
Typically acquire language through exposure to spoken language from birth.
Example:
Babies learn to understand and produce words through interactions with
caregivers.
• Deaf Individuals:
May acquire language through sign language, oral methods, or a
combination.
Example:
Deaf children learn sign language from their parents, teachers, or peers, allowing
them to communicate and express themselves effectively.
2. Communication Skills:
• Hearing Individuals:
Develop verbal communication skills to express thoughts, feelings, and
ideas.
Example:
Speaking with others, using words, tone, and gestures to convey meaning.
• Deaf Individuals:
Develop proficiency in sign language or other visual communication
methods.
Example:
Using Pakistan Sign Language (PSL) to have conversations with peers or using
gestures to communicate with hearing individuals who do not know sign language.
3. Problem-Solving Abilities:
• Hearing Individuals:
Use auditory cues to navigate their environment and solve problems.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 27


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
Example:
Listening for sounds to locate objects or following verbal instructions to complete
tasks.
• Deaf Individuals:
Rely on visual cues and spatial awareness to problem-solve and navigate
their surroundings.
Example:
Using visual signs or cues to navigate a new environment or solve puzzles.
4. Social Interaction:
• Hearing Individuals:
Engage in social interactions through spoken language and nonverbal
communication.
Example:
Having conversations with friends, interpreting social cues, and understanding
social norms.
• Deaf Individuals:
Engage in social interactions using sign language or other visual
communication methods.
5. Educational Achievement:
• Hearing Individuals:
Attend mainstream schools where instruction is primarily auditory-based.
Example:
Participating in classroom discussions, listening to lectures, and reading written
materials.
• Deaf Individuals:
May attend specialized schools for the deaf or receive accommodations to
support their learning.
Example:
Using sign language interpreters, captioning, or assistive technology to access
educational materials and communicate effectively.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 28


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
Understanding the cognitive development of both hearing and deaf individuals
highlights the importance of accessible communication and educational
opportunities for all individuals, regardless of hearing status.

DEAF CULTURE AND COMMUNITY:


Deaf culture is the culture made up of Deaf people that's based on sign language
and values, as well traditions and behavior norms that are specific to
the Deaf community.
1. Language and Communication:
• Deaf culture revolves around sign language, such as American Sign Language
(ASL), which is a visual-gestural language.
• Deaf individuals use sign language to communicate with each other, express
emotions, and share experiences.
Example:
Deaf children raised in signing families learn ASL as their first language, fostering a
strong sense of identity and connection to deaf culture.
2. Identity and Pride:
• Deaf culture emphasizes deafness as a unique identity and community,
rather than a disability.
• Deaf individuals take pride in their deafness, viewing it as a cultural and
linguistic difference rather than a deficiency.
Example:
Deaf pride events, such as Deaf Awareness Month or Deaf History Month, celebrate
deaf culture, history, and achievements.
3. Shared Experiences and Challenges:
• Deaf culture celebrates shared experiences and challenges faced by deaf
individuals, such as navigating communication barriers and advocating for
accessibility.
• Deaf individuals’ bond over shared experiences of discrimination, audism
(discrimination against deaf people), and the need for equal rights.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 29


UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
Example:
Deaf individuals may share stories of overcoming communication barriers in
education, employment, or healthcare settings.
4. Cultural Traditions and Arts:
• Deaf culture includes unique traditions, arts, and forms of expression, such
as storytelling, visual arts, and performing arts.
• Deaf storytelling events, poetry slams, and theater productions in sign
language are cherished cultural traditions.
Example:
Deaf artists create visual art, films, and literature that reflect deaf experiences and
perspectives, contributing to the richness of deaf culture.
5. Community and Support:
• The deaf community encompasses deaf individuals, their families, friends,
and allies who support deaf rights and empowerment.
• Deaf clubs, schools for the deaf, and online deaf communities provide spaces
for socialization, networking, and advocacy.
Example:
Deaf individuals may participate in deaf sports leagues, social clubs, or activism
groups to connect with others and promote deaf rights and accessibility.
Understanding and embracing deaf culture and community fosters inclusivity,
respect, and appreciation for the diversity of human experiences and
communication methods.

Course Instructor: AYESHA RAZA MALIK 30

You might also like