Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
14:34
A Bilingual Computational Workflow for Identifying Potential PLK1 Inhibitors in American Sign Language and English
Published on: April 3, 2026
Codeswitching techniques: evidence-based instructional practices for the ASL/English bilingual classroom
Jean F Andrews1, Melissa Rusher
1Lamar University, Beaumont, TX, USA.
American Annals of the Deaf
|February 11, 2011
Summary
Emerging bilingual deaf students use codeswitching between American Sign Language (ASL) and English. Strategic codeswitching in instruction supports English vocabulary and reading comprehension for deaf learners.
Area of Science:
- Deaf Education
- Bilingualism
- Applied Linguistics
Background:
- Deaf students often develop proficiency in two languages: American Sign Language (ASL) and English.
- Early language development may show limited fluency in either language.
- Students naturally engage in codeswitching, alternating between ASL and English for communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore codeswitching as a natural communication strategy for deaf students.
- To examine codeswitching as a purposeful instructional technique for enhancing English literacy.
- To present a framework for bilingual education for deaf learners.
Main Methods:
- Review of four studies investigating codeswitching strategies.
- Analysis of the impact of codeswitching on English vocabulary acquisition.
- Examination of codeswitching's effect on reading comprehension in deaf students.
Main Results:
- Codeswitching between ASL and English print facilitates English vocabulary development.
- Strategic codeswitching positively influences reading comprehension skills.
- Four studies indicate the efficacy of specific codeswitching approaches.
Conclusions:
- Codeswitching is a valuable tool in bilingual deaf education.
- Instructional codeswitching strategies can significantly improve English literacy outcomes.
- A five-pronged approach is proposed to advance bilingual education for deaf students.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Language and Cognition
Language serves as a bridge between ideas and communication, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world. Psychologists have long debated whether language shapes thought or vice versa. This discussion gained grip with Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in the 1940s, who proposed that language determines thought, a concept known as linguistic determinism. They suggested that the vocabulary and structure of a language influence how its speakers think and perceive reality.
01:25Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities are cognitive disorders caused by neurological impairments that affect cognitive functions like language and reading, without indicating overall intellectual or developmental challenges. These disabilities differ from global intellectual or developmental disabilities as they are limited to distinct cognitive functions. Common learning disabilities include dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, each of which impacts unique aspects of learning.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
01:14Impression Management Techniques IV: Altercasting
Altercasting is a strategic communication technique in which an individual imposes a specific identity or social role onto another person to influence their behavior and shape the interaction. By presuming a role—such as “responsible leader” or “patient person”—altercasting encourages the target to conform to that identity, often aligning their behavior with the expectations associated with the role. The power of this tactic lies in its subtlety; once a role is assigned, it becomes socially...
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
The barriers to effective communication also include cultural barriers, semantic barriers, gender barriers, and time constraints.
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
01:23Techniques of Therapeutic Communication II: Focusing, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
Focusing involves centering a conversation on a message's critical elements or concepts. Focusing is valuable if the talk is vague or patients begin to repeat themselves. Sometimes, when patients are asked about their symptoms, they may go off-topic and try to tell their entire life story. Respectfully, the nurse should bring the conversation back into focus.
This therapeutic technique can also be used when a patient brings up pertinent information during a health-related conversation. The...
This therapeutic technique can also be used when a patient brings up pertinent information during a health-related conversation. The...