The foreign-language learning situation of Deaf adults: An overview

Abstract

Background and aimsLittle is known about how Deaf and severely hard-of-hearing persons learn foreign languages and what language-learning opportunities are available for them at school or in adulthood. There are Deaf youngsters at schools who hope to be able to use English in adulthood, and there are also Deaf adults motivated to learn languages, but their possibilities are far from ideal. This study aims to call attention to the disadvantaged situation of this special group of people by providing insight into their learning needs, their motivation, and their difficulties.MethodsThe author explores the foreign-language learning opportunities and experiences of Deaf adults based on data derived from questionnaires and individual interviews conducted in different projects between 2006 and 2016 in Hungary.Results and conclusionResearch results show that the lack of teaching methodology and the shortage of learning materials specifically developed for language learners with special needs put these individuals...