Research Strand Three: Applied Sign Language Linguistics of Estonian Sign Language
The third strand of research focuses on the applied aspects of Estonian Sign Language within the Estonian context, with particular emphasis on its use in education and sign language interpreting. The project aims to evaluate current practices in teaching, learning, and assessing Estonian Sign Language in Estonia. By offering insights into effective approaches for teaching Estonian Sign Language as a first or second language, the project seeks to enhance understanding of the subject.
Current Projects
Learning, teaching and assessing Estonian Sign Language
The research will adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys to gather quantitative data on current teaching practices and needs with the development of a profile of sign language teachers. Qualitative insights will be obtained through interviews with sign language teachers and experts involved in initiating or funding Estonian Sign Language teaching programs. Additionally, a corpus of existing Estonian Sign Language teaching, learning, and assessment materials will be compiled. The anticipated results aim to establish a foundation for evaluating the teaching, learning, and assessment of Estonian Sign Language as a first and second language for various groups, including deaf children, sign language learners, and interpreters. This will support the improvement of these processes.