Before they even talk, infants become sensitive to the speech sounds of their native language and recognize the auditory form of an increasing number of words. Traditionally, these early perceptual changes are attributed to an emerging knowledge of linguistic categories such as phonemes or words. However, there is growing skepticism surrounding…

Data analysis using the Macintosh SoundEdit software showed that the signal contains the exact reverse of what the phonological rules of assimilation predict, i.e., the rules are not based on actual differences in the acoustic signal. Possible applications of SoundEdit in helping second-language learners improve their pronunciation are discussed.…

This paper compares the visual and auditory perceptual systems as bases for communication systems, reviews advances in computer technology, and considers implications for literacy among persons with hearing impairments. It is pointed out that the primary language skills of hearing individuals are developed through speech and language (auditory…