Promoting a multimodal first language acquisition framework: A commentary on Karadöller, Sümer, and Özyürek

Abstract

Karadöller et al. propose a multimodal language acquisition framework, integrating evidence from first language acquisition in spoken and sign languages. In this commentary, we try to foster further discussion on how this framework would exactly encompass both related but different research lines on spoken and signed languages. We argue for examining individual differences related to child- and environment-related factors as well as their interactive roles in multimodal first language acquisition. The inclusion of these factors will endorse the proposed conceptual framework and will provide new venues for empirical work in multimodal first language acquisition.