More limitations of “communication mode” as a construct

ABSTRACT A selective literature review by Hall and Dills ([2020]. The Limits of “Communication Mode” as a Construct. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education.) recently argued that limitations in communication mode as a construct prevent empirical research from discovering what type(s) of early language input optimise language outcomes for deaf and hard of hearing children. We explored this question further by conducting a systematic review of more recent and more globally-representative literature. We also coded two additional aspects of communication mode: the extent of information provided about a child’s input during infancy and toddlerhood, and the distinctions that a given study drew among various types of manual communication. The results replicate previous findings, and confirm suspicions that few existing studies (a) provide extensive information about DHH children’s input during infancy and toddlerhood, or (b) make appropriate distinctions among various types of signing systems. We call for a paradigm shift away from communication mode, and offer recommendations to increase transparency and generalizability of research involving communication mode until alternative constructions and measures become available.