ABSTRACT

Online comprehension of sign language involves many visuospatial processes, such as handshape recognition, motion discrimination, identification of facial expressions, and recognition of linguistically relevant spatial contrasts. Production of sign language also involves visuospatial processes linked to motor processes, for example, production of distinct motion patterns, memory for spatial locations, and integration of mental images with signing space. In this chapter, studies are reviewed that have suggested the habitual use of a visuospatial language such as American Sign Language (ASL) may have an impact on nonlinguistic aspects of spatial cognition.