American Sign Language and Spatial Cognition Skills: A Neurocognitive Study Using EEG and Standardized Neuropsychological Assessments

Project Summary/Abstract This research proposal focuses on the relationship between American Sign Language (ASL) fluency and spatial

cognition, an area encompassing skills like perspective-taking, spatial navigation, and orientation.Spatial cognition is fundamental to everyday life, influencing how individuals interact with and understand their environment. ASL, a

language rich in spatial-linguistic elements such as handshapes, movement, orientation, and facial expressions, offers a unique medium to study this relationship. This proposal posits that ASL's spatial-linguistic features, particularly its

classifier constructions, which depict objects, their orientation, and movement through space, may enhance visual-spatial

abilities in its users. By exploring these connections, we seek to uncover insights into the cognitive impacts of ASL use and its potential implications for promoting better health, well-being, and healthy aging in Deaf individuals. To investigate this, the study will employ electroencephalography (EEG) for its high temporal resolution, focusing

on the mu rhythm over the sensorimotor cortex. This approach aims to uncover how signers process spatial and motor information during communication and how this translates to skills like navigation and perspective-taking. The proposal sets forth two primary objectives: 1. Examine the Link Between ASL Proficiency and Non-Linguistic Spatial Tasks: This aim addresses how

proficiency in ASL, characterized by spatial expressions that require frequent perspective shifts, shapes spatial cognitive abilities. It hypothesizes that fluent ASL users will demonstrate superior performance in perspective-taking, navigation, and orientation tasks, marked by greater accuracy and efficiency.

2. Explore Neural Responses in Spatial Cognitive Tasks Among ASL and Non-ASL Users: This objective seeks to understand the neural mechanisms behind spatial cognition in relation to ASL proficiency. It hypothesizes that proficient ASL users will exhibit distinct neural patterns, particularly reduced sensorimotor cortex activity during

spatial tasks, suggesting more efficient processing of spatial information.

The significance of this research lies in its potential to reshape our understanding of the cognitive strengths of ASL users, with implications for public health. Insights could inform educational and therapeutic approaches, leveraging ASL to enhance spatial cognition in both deaf and hearing populations. This study not only aims to contribute to the academic

understanding of spatial cognition and language processing but also seeks to influence practical applications in cognitive health care for diverse populations.