Recent increases in deaf migration to Austria have highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of the social and linguistic realities of deaf migrant signers. Using video data, this study examines the use of non-ÖGS (Austrian Sign Language) resources and performance on two competence scales and analyses how these practices and competencies relate to participants’ linguistic backgrounds. The findings reveal the impact of the overall amount and nature of signed input throughout life, emphasising the importance of individualised intervention measures. This underscores the need for linguistically and culturally sensitive training for professionals working with deaf migrants, ensuring they can address the varying needs of this population. Challenging traditional notions of proficiency, the study calls for a more nuanced approach to understanding and supporting the language development of deaf migrant signers.
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Erscheinungsjahr: 2026
Zeitschrift: Deafness & Education International
Verlag: Routledg