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ASL Processing in the Brain-UCSD Research

ASL processing in the brain

We are a team of researchers at UCSD interested in how the brain processes American Sign Language. We use non-invasive brain imaging techniques to look at brain activation patterns as sign language users look at ASL signs presented on a screen. The study has been approved by the UCSD Human Research Protections Program and is funded by the National Institutes of Health and by the National Science Foundation.

The study involves neuroimaging with magnetoencephalography (MEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MEG scanner looks like a giant hair dryer and picks up magnetic waves from participants’ brains as they are seated in a chair and are looking at ASL signs. The MRI scanner is a tube in which participants lay down. We take pictures of their brains as they are watching a movie or taking a nap.

The MEG scanner

The study takes place at the UCSD Radiology Imaging Laboratory (RIL) located in Sorrento Valley in San Diego. We are currently looking for deaf participants between ages 15 and 30 years old who have been using ASL as their primary language of communication from birth (i.e. have deaf parents). The total duration of the study is 3-4 hours, and participants receive a compensation of $20 per hour and for travel.

If you are interested or for more information, please contact Naja Ferjan at naja@ling.ucsd.edu Parental consent is required for participants under 18 years of age.

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