Cognitive Task Analysis- Makaton Sign Language

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Module Code: 7PS501 Student ID: 100312804 A Task Analysis of the Cognitive Processes and Psychological Constructs Underpinning the Consecutive Use of Makaton Vocabulary Signs with Speech as a Communication Aid. Sign-language (SL) is a visual-gestural modality of linguistic communication predominantly used by those with or close to hearing or speech impediments. In deaf communities SL's, such as British Sign Language (BSL), are considered to be independent 'natural languages', sharing the same linguistic complexities as any spoken language. However, the use of signs or gestures used consecutively with spoken language serve a different purpose from that of SL, instead providing additional information to strengthen the communication outcome. Makaton Vocabulary (MV) uses signs/gestures and symbols as an aid to verbal communication (Walker, 1972). The use of MV is widespread although primarily is taught to individuals with learning disabilities (LD) as a basic form of BSL. The MV consists of 9 sections totalling in 350 signs representing key words, phrases and symbols to use alongside spoken language as a communication aid in LD groups and communities. This essay conducts a cognitive task analysis an LSA's cognitive processes in interpreting the speech and MV signs performed by a student, and in their response performance in order to achieve a successful communication outcome. The stages of this task are described in four section; Firstly the LSA's attention needs to be focused on the production of visual (hand formations/movements) and auditory (sounds) output from student to ensure visual and auditory input of information. Next the perception of the input information will require the LSA to process auditory and visual information to be recognised together as
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