A Study on the Communicative Functions Used in Various Contexts by a Child with Hearing Loss

Abstract

This case study aimed to examine the communicative functions in various contexts of a child with hearing loss. The data were collected via various data collection techniques. The collected data were analyzed either inductively or descriptively. Additionally, the master tape was developed paying attention to the diversification of the context and spontaneity of the interactions. The master tape was analyzed descriptively utilizing the control list of communicative function definitions which were derived from this research. As a result of the analysis, it has been found that the child exhibits 14 different communicative functions. The findings of the research showed that the child exhibited communicative functions similar to that of a child without a hearing loss in a variety of natural contexts, and he used communicative functions in verbal and/or nonverbal forms, a finding which is consistent with previous research studies. The results of the research were discussed on the basis of the literature and it was concluded that the type of communicative function used and the frequency of use were related to the nature of the context and interaction. It is considered that the research will guide the related research and children with hearing loss, their families, and teachers in the use of communicative functions.