Grammatical abilities in German children with Down's Syndrome

• Applicants: Professorin Dr. Martina Penke; Dr. Eva Wimmer
• Subject Area: General and Comparative Linguistics, Experimental Linguistics, Typology, Non-European Languages
• Term: from 2013 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 251688691

Persons with Down Syndrome are affected by a genetic developmental disorder that leads to physical disabilities and mild to moderate mental retardation. Language impairments are observed in different grammatical areas, in particular in morphosyntax. Due to these impairments persons with Down Syndrome are severely restricted in their ability to communicate in everyday life. Studies with subjects at a similar level of cognitive development (like younger unimpaired children or persons with a comparable mental retardation) provide evidence that the observed language impairments in subjects with Down Syndrome cannot be attributed to their restricted general cognitive abilities. It rather seems to be the case that the language impairments observed in Down Syndrome are not related to the cognitive limitations and might be syndrome-specific. With respect to German-speaking countries, there are to date only a few studies documenting specific language impairments and language acquisition in children with Down Syndrome. The aim of this project is to close this gap. We want to investigate selected areas of German grammar in children with Down Syndrome with a mental age between three and four years - the period during which central areas of German morphosyntax are acquired, to find out which specific deficits can be observed in this population. Providing an answer to this question will help to establish a better and more specific speech and language intervention and rehabilitation of individuals with Down Syndrome, thus enhancing their chances of social participation.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants