Sign language and Chinese characters on visual-spatial memory: A literature review

Authors

Mary Flaherty, Edith Cowan University

Document Type

Journal Article

Publisher

Sage Publications Inc

Faculty

Faculty of Computing, Health and Science

School

School of Psychology and Social Science

RAS ID

9113

Comments

Flaherty, M. (2003). Sign language and Chinese characters on visual-spatial memory: A literature review. Perceptual and motor skills, 97(3), 797-802.

Abstract

Long-term use of a sign language may enhance visual abilities. Deaf signers consistently outscore their hearing nonsigning counterparts on visual memory tests. In a similar vein, the long-term use of a logographic script, Chinese characters appears to boost visual memory. Both learning a sign language and mastering Chinese characters involve a relatively complex task of visual recognition and memory. This review of the literature suggests that daily use of either a sign language, one not based on sound, or Chinese characters, a script which maps language at the word level rather than at the phonemic level, may facilitate recall of visual forms.