On the comprehension of questions by nonspeaking children

The question form presents both a semantic and linguistic problem to deaf and other language impaired children. The wh question requires a pronominal reference system to be well-established before the wh question can be comprehended and produced. The present study describes the language competence of a deaf, partially sighted girl who acquired language by reading it. This child neither hears nor speaks. Communication with her family was accomplished by writing in her hand, gestures, and pictures. The present study explores pronominal reference in relation to wh questions. A method of teaching was devised to establish a system of pronominal reference, which enabled this adolescent girl to comprehend and produce wh questions.